What documents does an Italian national need to start a engineering consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your engineering consultancy venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a engineering consultancy company in IFZA?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Engineering Consultancy company in IFZA?

Most of the setup process for a engineering consultancy business in IFZA can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

What are the tax implications for an Engineering Consultancy business in International Free Zone Authority?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in IFZA may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What are the annual renewal costs for an Engineering Consultancy business in International Free Zone Authority?

The annual licence renewal for an Engineering Consultancy IFZA company costs approximately AED 11,750, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Is International Free Zone Authority good for engineering consultancy start-ups?

IFZA is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering most affordable dubai free zone and fast 48-hour setup. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 3,500 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

How long does it take to get a Engineering Consultancy licence in IFZA?

The typical processing time for a engineering consultancy licence at IFZA is 2 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Engineering Consultancy in International Free Zone Authority for Italian nationals

Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Engineering Consultancy in IFZA

Starting From

AED 11,750

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Engineering Consultancy

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and IFZA is one of the most popular jurisdictions for engineering consultancy operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from International Free Zone Authority gives your Engineering Consultancy business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up engineering consultancy businesses in International Free Zone Authority since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why IFZA for Engineering Consultancy?

Choosing IFZA for your engineering consultancy business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers most affordable dubai free zone, which is particularly valuable for engineering consultancy operations. Additionally, fast 48-hour setup ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 3,500 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of IFZA for engineering consultancy professionals. Furthermore, no currency restrictions positions your engineering consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, IFZA remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Most affordable Dubai free zone

Fast 48-hour setup

100% foreign ownership

No currency restrictions

Multiple activities on one licence

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your engineering consultancy licence is issued by IFZA, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your engineering consultancy business in IFZA, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for engineering consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to IFZA.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Engineering Consultancy is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	11,750
Visa Package (per visa)	3,500
Flexi Desk	3,500
Shared Office	8,000
Private Office	18,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 18,750

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your engineering consultancy business plan and the best IFZA licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the engineering consultancy licence application to IFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official IFZA trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your engineering consultancy business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. IFZA allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Engineering Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750