IFZA UAE Free Zone for Indian SaaS Founders
IFZA is the lower-cost alternative to MEYDAN for Indian SaaS founders planning a personal Dubai relocation: AED 12,900 base license, fast digital setup, and full residence visa access. Combined with UAE 0% personal income tax after breaking Indian residency, this is one of the most tax-efficient global SaaS structures.
Under Federal Decree-Law 47/2022, UAE CT applies 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income. Free Zone Person meeting substance requirements retains 0% on qualifying income (specific activity types).
India side: RBI Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) kicks in above USD 250,000 aggregate contribution; LRS covers below.
Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee
- SetupIFZA setup$12,900
- AnnualYear 2 renewal$12,900
What the tax authority sees
UAE IFZA companies fall under Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022: 9% CT above AED 375,000 taxable income; Free Zone Person status may preserve 0% on qualifying income given adequate substance.
ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) RBI approval required for equity
IFZA suits Indian SaaS founders relocating to Dubai (Golden Visa for founders); RBI ODI governs capital contributions above USD 250,000.
- 01RBI ODI filing required above USD 250,000 aggregate capital contribution
- 02UAE CT 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income (Federal Decree-Law 47)
- 03Indian residency 182-day rule — relocation triggers NRI status
- 04Substance requirements to preserve 0% qualifying income treatment
From filing to funded bank account
UAE Free Zone (IFZA) vs US LLC (Wyoming)
FAQ
IFZA base ~AED 12,900. MEYDAN base ~AED 14,500. Difference ~AED 1,600. MEYDAN has slightly stronger brand for banking and enterprise. IFZA is faster and cheaper. For solo Indian SaaS with 1-2 year Dubai relocation plan, IFZA is fine.
Start filing with IFZA
Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.