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Expo City Dubai vs IFZA: Which Free Zone Is Better Value?

Almost the same entry price, very different packages. Compare visas, activities, workspace and who each free zone suits.

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Expo City Dubai and IFZA start at almost the same price, around AED 12,500–12,900 for a company licence, so the choice comes down to what you get for it. Expo City bundles workspace and visa allocations into its packages and adds Grade A offices and short-term options. IFZA offers the widest activity mix and a no-office, address-only setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Expo City Dubai vs IFZA at a glance

Expo City Dubai Free ZoneIFZA
AuthorityExpo City Dubai AuthorityInternational Free Zone Authority
LocationExpo City Dubai, the former Expo 2020 siteDubai Silicon Oasis
Entry company licenceAED 12,520 a year (Business Hub Package 1)About AED 12,900 with zero visas; about AED 14,900 with one visa (promotions vary)
FreelancersExpo Freelance permit from AED 9,020, visa includedCompany licence route
Activities1 licence type with up to 6 activities on most packages2,000+ activities; combine up to 7 on one licence
Visas4 on Business Hub Package 2; 6 free allocations on the Standard 6 Visa PackagePackages from 0 to 6+ visas
WorkspaceShared desk in packages, coworking, Grade A LEED-certified offices, retail units, leases from 1 dayRegistered address included; physical space optional
Best forTeams that will hire, green businesses, companies wanting real workspace or event operationsConsultants and online businesses wanting many activities and no office

Expo City prices are official 2026 packages, checked by Pro24 as an authorised channel partner. IFZA prices are typical quotes; IFZA runs frequent promotions, so we quote the live offer on the day.

Choose Expo City Dubai if…

  • You will hire soon: Business Hub Package 2 includes 4 visas and the Standard package 6 free allocations.
  • You want real workspace, from a shared desk to a Grade A office in a LEED-certified building.
  • You run a sustainability business that may qualify for the Expo Green Licence.
  • You are a freelancer who wants a visa without forming a company.

Choose IFZA if…

  • You need many different activities on one licence (up to 7 from a list of 2,000+).
  • You want an address-only setup with no workspace.
  • You want to start with zero visas and add them later.

More detail: Expo City Dubai Free Zone business setup and IFZA free zone. Also compare Expo City vs Meydan and Expo City vs DMCC.

Expo City or IFZA? Get both quoted

Tell us your activities and team size. We will price Expo City and IFZA side by side and recommend the cheaper all-in option.

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Expo City Dubai vs IFZA: FAQs

Is Expo City Dubai cheaper than IFZA?
At entry they are close: AED 12,520 for Expo City’s Business Hub Package 1 against about AED 12,900 for a zero-visa IFZA licence. Once you hire, compare the all-in cost for your team size, because Expo City packages include visa allocations.
Which has more business activities, Expo City Dubai or IFZA?
IFZA: it lists 2,000+ activities and lets you combine up to 7 on one licence. Expo City packages cover 1 licence type with up to 6 activities, with more at extra cost.
Do I need an office in Expo City Dubai or IFZA?
Neither requires a separate lease for a small company. Expo City packages include workspace such as a shared desk; IFZA licences include a registered address.
Which is better for a freelancer?
Usually Expo City Dubai: its Expo Freelance permit from AED 9,020 includes a residence visa without forming a company.
Source & review. Expo City Dubai packages from Expo City Dubai’s 2026 package sheets, checked October 2026 by Pro24, an authorised channel partner. IFZA figures are typical Pro24 quotes; IFZA promotions change often, so we confirm the live price before you pay.