What documents does an American national need to start a insurance brokerage business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your insurance brokerage venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a insurance brokerage 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Insurance Brokerage company in International Free Zone Authority?

Yes, IFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What documents do I need to set up an Insurance Brokerage business in IFZA?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Insurance Authority. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

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

Most of the setup process for a insurance brokerage 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 Insurance Brokerage 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 business activities can I include on my IFZA licence?

Your IFZA licence can include insurance brokerage as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Insurance Brokerage in International Free Zone Authority for American nationals

Free ZoneFinancialRegulated Activity

Insurance Brokerage in IFZA

Starting From

AED 11,750

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Insurance Brokerage

The UAE continues to attract American entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and IFZA is one of the most popular jurisdictions for insurance brokerage operations. Growing American business community (~50,000), 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 Insurance Brokerage 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 Insurance Authority before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up insurance brokerage 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 Insurance Brokerage?

Choosing IFZA for your insurance brokerage 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 insurance brokerage 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 insurance brokerage professionals. Furthermore, no currency restrictions positions your insurance brokerage 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 financial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your insurance brokerage 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 American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your insurance brokerage business in IFZA, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for insurance brokerage), 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 United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Signed application form from IFZA authority

Regulatory Note: Insurance Brokerage is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Insurance Authority 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 insurance brokerage business plan and the best IFZA licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the insurance brokerage 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. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

Start Operations

Your insurance brokerage 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 American nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Insurance Brokerage in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000