Compare IFZA - International Free Zone Authority and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for General Trading & Import/Export setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
IFZA - International Free Zone Authority vs Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for General Trading & Import/Export: IFZA - International Free Zone Authority starts at AED 12,900 (89% bank approval) and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park at AED 5,510 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 12,900 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Affordable Dubai setup with broad activity coverage, multi-year license discounts | |
| AED 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships |
Affordable Dubai setup with broad activity coverage, multi-year license discounts
General trading is one of the most popular free zone activities and allows import, export, and distribution of a wide range of goods. Certain restricted items such as pharmaceuticals, weapons, and food products require additional approvals from relevant UAE federal authorities. The trade license must list the specific commodity groups the business intends to trade.
General trading qualifies for the 0% free zone rate on qualifying income, provided the goods are not sold to the UAE mainland without appropriate customs clearance. VAT at 5% applies to domestic supplies; re-exports from designated zones are zero-rated.
Trading companies should expect thorough KYC checks, especially for cross-border transactions. Letters of credit and trade finance facilities require established banking relationships. Banks will request trade references and may ask for evidence of existing supplier or buyer contracts.
IFZA's general trading licence covers over 2,000 pre-approved activities and is priced competitively from AED 12,900, with the zone's partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis providing access to warehousing and logistics facilities.
Sep 2025: Mandatory financial statements for renewals
Aug 2025: Mastercard AI-driven registration partnership
Aug 2025: IFZA Panama launched
Company setup in IFZA - International Free Zone Authority starts from AED 12,900 per year.
IFZA - International Free Zone Authority processes company registrations in 2-4 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 89%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including IFZA - International Free Zone Authority allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
IFZA - International Free Zone Authority does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
IFZA - International Free Zone Authority wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend IFZA - International Free Zone Authority for cost-conscious founders and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park if r&d and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships.
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