Setting Up Your Indian-Owned Company in IFZA, UAE
A Practical Guide by Yogesh Kohinkar & Associates
14 August 2025
India’s export-to-GDP ratio has crossed 23 %, and the UAE is now our third-largest trading partner.
For Indian entrepreneurs who want a tax-efficient, low-cost gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai is the fastest-growing Launchpad. Below is a step-by-step playbook created by Yogesh Kohinkar & Associates for Indian nationals who want to incorporate in IFZA without flying to Dubai.
1. Why IFZA? The Five-Second Pitch
- Gets you a 1-year trading license with 3 activities and zero UAE corporate tax.
- 100 % foreign ownership and 100 % repatriation of profits to any Indian bank.
- No physical office required—run your UAE entity from Mumbai or Bengaluru with a virtual flexi-desk.
- Visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders means you can collect your residence visa in 5 working days without an advance entry permit.
2. Entity Options for Indian Entrepreneurs
| Entity Type | Use-Case | Share Capital | Visa Slots |
| FZ-LLC | Trading, e-commerce, consultancy | AED 0 (no minimum) | 0–6 visas (expandable to 12) |
| Branch of an Indian Co. | Quick route for existing Indian firm | AED 0 | 0–3 visas |
| Holding Company | Hold IP, real estate, or other UAE cos. | AED 0 | 0 visas |
3. Pre-Requisites Checklist (Indian Nationals)
- Scanned colour passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Indian PAN card (for CRS/FATCA compliance)
- Business activity shortlist (pick up to 3 from IFZA’s 1,000+ list)
- Preferred company name (three alternatives; must end in “FZCO” or “LLC”)
Pro-tip: Use the exact spelling as per your passport to avoid re-notarisation later.
4. Timeline & Cost (Remote Incorporation)
| Phase | Action | Days |
| Day 0 | KYC call + proposal from Yogesh Kohinkar & Associates | 0 |
| Day 1 | Submit docs + pay license fee | 1 |
| Day 3 | E-sign MOA/AOA & shareholder resolutions | 3 |
| Day 5 | License + e-certificate issued via email | 5 |
| Day 7 | Apply for e-visa + Emirates ID appointment | 7 |
| Day 12 | Fly to Dubai (optional) for biometrics & medical | 12 |
5. Banking & Transfer Pricing for Indians
- RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows each Indian shareholder to invest up to USD 250k per year into the UAE entity without prior RBI approval.
- DTAA between India & UAE means no withholding on dividends or interest remitted from UAE to India.
6. Visa & Relocation Options
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost | Notes |
| Investor visa (2-yr) | 2 years | AED 3,750 | IFZA waives the fee during promo months |
| Employment visa | 2 years | AED 3,100 | Sponsor yourself as Managing Director |
| Family residence | 2 years | AED 2,600 / person | Spouse, children, parents |
Golden Visa shortcut: Invest AED 2 million (≈ ₹4.5 cr) in UAE real estate via your IFZA entity and secure 10-year residency.
7. Compliances for Indian-Owned IFZA Companies
| UAE Side | India Side |
| Annual license renewal (IFZA) | Filing FLA return (RBI) if paid-up capital > ₹10 lakh |
| Economic Substance Report (only for certain activities) | Form 67 (if claiming DTAA relief on UAE income) |
| Audit optional for trading licenses | Transfer-pricing documentation (if > ₹20 cr turnover) |
We bundle all of the above into a single dashboard for our clients.
8. Success Stories (2024-25)
Bengaluru e-commerce aggregator parked its IP in IFZA, then licensed it back to its Indian subsidiary—reducing effective tax from 25 % to 9 %.
9. Next Steps (Yogesh Kohinkar & Associates)
1. Free 15-minute Zoom consult—map your structure, visa needs, and banking.
2. Receive a fixed-fee quote—no hidden charges, no travel needed.
3. Sit back—we handle the rest in 12 working days.
? Book your slot: +91 9766874157
? Email: yogeshkohinkar@kohinkarcs.com
? WhatsApp: +91 9766874157
Closing Thought
IFZA is not just a free zone; it is a plug-and-play subsidiary that lets Indian founders legally globalise without leaving their desks. If you are exporting goods, selling software, or holding IP, the UAE-India corridor has never been more frictionless.
Yogesh Kohinkar & Associates
Company Secretary & IFZA Setup Partner
Turning Indian ambition into UAE reality—one incorporation at a time.
Disclaimer: Fees and promotions are subject to change by IFZA authority. Please confirm with us before proceeding.
