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IFZA Business Activity List: Detailed 2026 Guide

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IFZA Business Activity List: Detailed 2026 Guide
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The International Free Zone Authority, aka IFZA, is a leading free zone in Dubai, perfect for startups, SMEs, and international investors. With over 15,000 active companies, IFZA offers flexible licensing, competitive costs, and a fast setup process. Many entrepreneurs across the UAE rely on the IFZA business activity list to know permitted operations and structure their companies correctly.

Beyond its wide activity coverage, IFZA stands out for its founder-friendly approach to company formation. It offers 100% foreign ownership, flexible office solutions, and low ongoing compliance. These IFZA company formation benefits make the free zone a practical and efficient choice for growing and cross-border businesses.

This blog guides you through the complete IFZA activity list. It helps you choose the right business activity for a smooth and compliant business setup in the UAE freezone.

What is the IFZA Activity List?

The IFZA activity list is the official list that defines all business activities permitted under an IFZA license in Dubai. It sets clear limits on business operations, helping entrepreneurs plan a compliant business setup in the UAE.

IFZA organizes business activities into broad categories to simplify licensing and compliance. These categories cover a wide range of business models, including commercial, professional, and industrial activities, etc.

Every business must select its activity from the IFZA business activity list during registration. The chosen activity determines the license type, approval requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations under UAE regulations.

For details on the costs involved, read the article “IFZA Free Zone License Cost”.

IFZA Business Activity Categories and License Types

Entrepreneurs rely on the IFZA activity list to plan their business scope and structure before completing the IFZA business setup.

CategoryDescriptionActivities Covered
Trading & Commercial Buying, selling, and distributing goods locally or internationally. General trading, specialized trading (electronics, textiles, automotive), e-commerce, wholesale & retail
Professional & Consultancy Advisory and professional services. Business consulting, IT & software, HR, marketing & branding, legal & financial advisory
Industrial & Manufacturing Light manufacturing, assembly, and production. 3D printing, food processing & packaging, electronics assembly, textile & garment production, cosmetics
Technology & IT Digital and tech solutions. Software development, cloud computing, IT support, cybersecurity, blockchain
Media & Creative Creative, marketing, and promotional services. Event management, media production, advertising, PR, graphic design
Education & Training Academic and professional development. Vocational training, corporate training, tutoring, online education
Healthcare & Wellness Medical, fitness, and wellness services. Medical clinics, dental practices, fitness centers, spa & wellness, pharmaceutical trading
Tourism & Hospitality Travel, hotel, and food services. Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel management, event planning, catering
Logistics & Supply Chain Movement, storage, and delivery of goods. Freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, distribution, supply chain management
Real Estate & Property Property management and development. Real estate brokerage, property management, investment, facility management, interior design
Food & Beverage (F&B) Food and beverage operations. Restaurants, catering, food processing, beverage production, delivery services
Holding & Investment Asset and investment management. Asset management, equity investments, real estate holdings, IP management, private equity

This structured approach also allows entrepreneurs to compare options for business setup in the UAE Mainland and free zones.

Notes:

  • Healthcare and wellness activities require external approvals from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
  • Real estate brokerage often requires approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and may not be fully operational from IFZA.

How to Select the Right Activity from the IFZA List of Activities?

Selecting the right business activity is a key step in the IFZA company setup process. Whether you are planning a business setup in the UAE offshore or mainland, you should start by clearly defining your core business operations. Focus on what your company will do on a day-to-day basis.

Follow these steps to make the right choice:

  • Identify your primary business activity and main revenue source.
  • Review activity descriptions on the IFZA business activity list carefully.
  • Select related secondary activities only when they support your core operations.
  • Confirm that the chosen activity aligns with license requirements and office needs. So that you can easily apply for visa services in the UAE.
  • Seek professional guidance to avoid amendments after licensing.

A well-selected activity helps ensure faster approvals, smooth operations, and long-term compliance in the UAE.

For assistance with approvals, documentation, and other formalities, check out PRO Services in the UAE.

Need help picking the right IFZA business activity? SafeLedger guides you through the process, from activity selection to licensing and approvals, ensuring your business setup in Dubai is fast and fully compliant. Contact us today!

How to Apply for an IFZA License Based on Activity Selection?

After selecting the correct business activity, you can move forward with the IFZA licensing process in a clear and structured way. Here’s how:

  1. Select the Business Activity: Choose your primary activity from the IFZA business activity list, and also confirm any secondary ones.
  2. Choose the Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure that fits your business model and ownership needs.
  3. Submit the Required Documents: Prepare and submit the necessary identification and application documents.
  4. Pay the License Fees: Complete the payment based on your selected activity and license type.
  5. Receive the IFZA License: Obtain your IFZA license and begin visa processing and business operations.

IFZA allows multiple compatible activities under one license. Businesses must select one primary activity and add related secondary activities at registration. IFZA reviews all combinations for compliance.

Check out the DED License Activities List in the UAE to explore licensing options beyond free zones.

Why Choosing the Correct IFZA Business Activity Matters?

Choosing the correct business activity is a critical step when setting up a company in IFZA. Your selected activity defines what your business can legally do in the UAE and how authorities regulate it. It also determines the type of business license you will receive.

The right activity selection matters for several reasons:

  • Legal compliance: IFZA issues licenses based on approved activities. Incorrect selection can lead to penalties or license amendments.
  • Bank account approval: Banks review the stated activity before they proceed to open a bank account in the UAE.
  • Visa eligibility: The activity affects visa type, quota, and approval timelines.
  • Operational clarity: A clear activity scope helps avoid restrictions during audits or inspections.
  • Access to approvals: Some activities need external approvals from the UAE authorities. The right selection avoids delays.
  • Tax classification: The activity impacts how authorities classify income for corporate tax and VAT purposes.
  • Office and facility needs: Certain activities require flexi-desk, office space, virtual office, or warehouse arrangements.
  • Client and contract clarity: Clients often check the licensed activity before signing contracts.
  • Future expansion: The right activity allows you to add related services without amending the license.

Together, these factors make activity selection a strategic decision, not just a formality, for doing business in IFZA.

For expert guidance on selecting the right IFZA business activity and ensuring a smooth, compliant setup, rely on SafeLedger. Our team provides end-to-end support, from activity selection to licensing and approvals, helping your business operate efficiently in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

IFZA activities are the approved business operations that you can legally run under an IFZA license, and they are crucial because they define your company’s scope in Dubai. By selecting the right IFZA activities, you ensure compliance with UAE laws, streamline your operations, and avoid costly license amendments. Knowing them helps you plan your business efficiently from the start.

IFZA business setup is designed to be fast and flexible for startups, SMEs, and international investors. You can choose from a variety of commercial, professional, and industrial activities, select a legal structure, and complete licensing quickly. By understanding the IFZA activity list, you can match your operations with the right license and start your business smoothly in the UAE.

A business activity in IFZA defines what your company is legally allowed to do in the free zone, and choosing the right one ensures your license covers all your operations. I recommend reviewing the IFZA activity list carefully, identifying your core operations, and selecting supporting secondary activities to stay compliant and avoid future amendments.

Yes, you can combine multiple IFZA activities under a single license, as long as they are compatible. You select one primary activity and add related secondary activities during registration. Doing this wisely helps you expand your business without extra licenses, keeps your operations compliant, and allows smoother company formation in the UAE.

Company formation in IFZA involves selecting a business activity, choosing a legal structure, submitting the required documents, paying fees, and obtaining your license. Once you complete these steps, you can start operations immediately and apply for visas. Following the correct process ensures compliance and reduces delays in your Dubai company registration process.

IFZA activities directly influence your Dubai company registration process because authorities use them to determine your license type, approval requirements, and visa eligibility. I always suggest picking activities that align with your core business to avoid amendments and make the registration smooth. The right choice ensures you can operate legally from day one.

You can change your business activity after IFZA license approval, but it involves submitting an amendment request and paying additional fees. I advise selecting the correct activities from the start, as this avoids delays, reduces costs, and ensures that your operations remain compliant with free zone regulations and the UAE’s legal framework.

Choosing the right IFZA activity helps with visa services in the UAE because your license determines the type and number of visas you can apply for. I always tell clients that aligning your activities with your staffing and office needs ensures smooth visa processing and keeps your business fully compliant under UAE labor and immigration regulations.

Yes, IFZA business setup fully supports online businesses, including e-commerce and digital services. I’ve helped clients choose activities like online trading, IT services, and digital marketing to run their business legally from Dubai. Selecting the right activities ensures your license covers all online operations and allows you to scale without legal issues.

SafeLedger helps businesses select the right IFZA business activity by analyzing their operations, goals, and licensing requirements. Their team ensures the chosen activity aligns with UAE regulations, visa eligibility, and office needs. This guidance simplifies the registration process, avoids amendments, and ensures a smooth and compliant IFZA business setup in Dubai.

Yes, IFZA allows many trading activities without a physical warehouse, depending on the nature of the business. You can operate using a flexi-desk or virtual office if you focus on import-export, online trading, or third-party logistics. However, if your activity involves storage, packaging, or distribution, IFZA may require a warehouse arrangement to meet compliance rules.

Yes, IFZA companies can do business in the mainland UAE, but you must follow specific rules. You can work with mainland clients through distributors, agents, or service agreements. Direct mainland trading usually requires additional approvals or a mainland branch. Understanding this early helps you plan contracts, invoicing, and market access without regulatory issues.

Yes, IFZA activities can fall under UAE corporate tax, depending on how the business operates. If you earn income from the mainland UAE or do not meet the qualifying free zone conditions, corporate tax may apply. Choosing the right activity and structure helps you manage tax exposure and stay compliant with current UAE regulations.

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Joel Dsouza

About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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