Comparison · 2026
SPC vs IFZA: which free zone is right for you?
IFZA is a Dubai-based free zone; SPC sits in Sharjah. Both offer 100% ownership and competitive packages. SPC tends to cost less and adds a dual (mainland) licence, while IFZA carries a Dubai address and network. The choice comes down to budget, location, and whether you need direct mainland access.
At a glance
SPC vs IFZA at a glance
Directional comparison. Confirm live IFZA details before relying on figures.
| Factor | SPC (Sharjah) | IFZA (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Entry cost | From ~AED 4,499 | Typically higher |
| Dual (mainland) licence | Yes | Not a standard offering |
| Address prestige | Sharjah, 30 min from Dubai | Dubai |
| Activities | 1,500+ | Broad |
| Best for | Cost-conscious, mainland-facing | Dubai-address priority |
Cost comparison
SPC generally sits at a lower entry price than Dubai-based zones, which is much of its appeal. If your customers don't care whether your licence says Sharjah or Dubai, the saving is real. Compare all-in quotes — see the SPC cost breakdown.
Location & address
IFZA gives you a Dubai address, which some clients and partners value. SPC is in Sharjah, about 30 minutes from Dubai, reaching the same ports, airports, and customers at a lower cost base.
Mainland access
SPC's dual licence adds mainland trading rights to your free-zone company. If you need to invoice UAE mainland clients directly, that's a meaningful advantage.
Which is right for you?
- Budget matters most: SPC tends to be cheaper.
- Dubai address is a priority: IFZA.
- You need mainland clients: SPC's dual licence.
For a wider view, compare zones side by side in our free-zone comparison tool, or weigh Sharjah against Dubai overall in SPC vs Dubai.
FAQ
SPC vs IFZA questions
Is SPC cheaper than IFZA?
SPC generally sits at a lower entry cost than Dubai-based zones like IFZA. Confirm with all-in quotes for your specific activity and visa count.
Does a Sharjah licence limit my business?
No. A Sharjah free-zone company trades internationally and, with the dual licence, on the UAE mainland too. You reach the same markets as a Dubai company.
Can I move from IFZA to SPC later?
You can set up a new SPC company and wind down the other, though it's simpler to choose the right zone at the start. We can advise on the switch.