Choosing from the IFZA activity list sounds simple until you realise one wrong selection can slow approvals, confuse your bank, or force a licence amendment later. This guide breaks down IFZA activities, how licence activities work, what “regulated” really means, and which activity combinations founders use most often.

Last updated: January 2026

What the IFZA activity list is (and why it matters more than you think)

The IFZA activity list is the menu of approved business activities you can place on your IFZA licence. Your activity selection determines:

• What you can legally invoice for (and what you can’t)
• Which licence type you need (commercial, professional, industrial)
• Whether you trigger external approvals (regulated/“amber” activities)
• How smoothly your corporate bank account onboarding goes
• Whether you’ll need extra facilities (warehouse, clinic approvals, specialised space)

A useful way to think about it:

Your activity is your legal “permission slip.”
Your marketing can be broad, but your invoices must match the activity on your licence.

IFZA licence types: how activities are grouped

Most founders meet the IFZA activity list while choosing a licence. In plain English:

Professional (services)

For businesses selling expertise, time, or deliverables (consulting, IT, marketing, design, project services).

Commercial (trading)

For businesses buying/selling goods, importing/exporting, distribution, and product-based models.

Industrial (manufacturing/production)

For businesses producing, assembling, processing, or packaging products (often with facility requirements).

Important practical point: IFZA often allows you to select multiple activities under one licence, but the “best” mix depends on your real business model and whether any activity is regulated.

The fastest way to choose the right IFZA activity (6-step checklist)

Use this before you touch the IFZA activity list:

1) Write your revenue sentence

Finish this sentence in one line:

• “We make money by selling ____ to ____ through ____.”

Examples:

• “We sell marketing retainers to SMEs through monthly subscriptions.”
• “We sell consumer electronics to retailers via import/distribution.”

2) Decide: services, goods, or both?

• Services → professional activity set
• Goods → trading activity set
• Both → choose a structure that stays clean on invoices and bank compliance

3) Match your invoice wording to the activity name

Banks and counterparties look for consistency. If your invoices say “software development” but your licence says “IT consultancy,” you may get questions.

4) Check if you’re stepping into regulated territory

Regulated activities can require approvals from external authorities, extra documents, and additional time.

5) Think 12 months ahead (not just day one)

If you plan to add a second revenue stream, choose a licence activity combination that supports your realistic roadmap.

6) Optimise for “bank-ready”

Your bank application goes smoother when:

• Your activity is clear and common
• Your website/portfolio matches the activity
• Your invoices/contracts match the activity wording

If you want the cleanest path, choose activities that describe what you actually do today, then expand later with a controlled licence amendment—rather than selecting a vague activity that doesn’t match your operations.

Regulated (“amber”) vs non-regulated activities: what changes?

Not all IFZA activities are equal.

Non-regulated activities

Usually the fastest path. Minimal external approvals.

Regulated (“amber”) activities

Often require:

• External NOC/approval (industry authority or regulator)
• Proof of qualifications, experience, or compliance systems
• Extra documentation (policies, premises, specialist staff)
• Longer timelines

Typical regulated categories (examples):

• Healthcare/medical-related services
• Education/training in regulated formats
• Financial services/insurance-related work
• Travel/tourism activities
• Certain transport, security, or high-risk services

Rule of thumb: If your industry is regulated on the mainland, assume it may also be regulated in a free zone—and plan accordingly.

IFZA activity list: the categories founders use most (with practical examples)

Below is a high-utility breakdown of the IFZA activity list—the activities founders repeatedly ask for because they map cleanly to real business models and typical banking expectations.

A) Consultancy & advisory activities (professional)

Best for founders selling expertise, strategy, or management support.

Common IFZA activities in this cluster include:

• Management consultancy
• Business consultancy
• Project management services
• HR consultancy
• Marketing consultancy
• Sales consultancy
• Operations consultancy
• Financial modelling and business planning support (non-regulated scope)
• Quality management consultancy
• Supply chain consultancy

Best for: consultants, fractional executives, boutique advisory firms, agencies providing strategy + delivery.

Avoid: selecting a “financial services” style activity unless you truly need it and are prepared for regulated scrutiny.

B) IT, software & digital activities (professional)

Ideal for SaaS founders, developers, IT consultancies, and product teams.

Commonly used IFZA activities include:

• IT consultancy
• Infrastructure & network consultancy
• Internet consultancy
• Web design services
• Internet content provider services
• Software-related services (development/support scope)
• Systems integration support
• Cybersecurity support services (non-regulated scope)
• Data processing support services (scope-dependent)

Example activity codes often seen in this cluster (illustrative):

• IT Consultants (6202001)
• Internet Consultancy (6202002)
• Infrastructure & Network Consultants (6202003)
• Web Design (6201005)
• Internet Content Provider (6311001)

Best for: SaaS, app development, web studios, IT managed services (scope-dependent), digital product teams.

C) Marketing, media & creative activities (professional)

For agencies and creators delivering campaigns, content, branding, and production work.

Common IFZA activities here include:

• Marketing management services
• Advertising services (scope-dependent)
• Public relations services
• Social media management
• Content creation services
• Graphic design services
• Branding services
• Photography/videography services (scope-dependent)
• Media production support services

Best for: marketing agencies, creative studios, brand consultants, content teams.

D) Recruitment, staffing & people services (professional)

For HR firms, recruiters, and people-ops consultancies.

Common IFZA activities include:

• Recruitment services (scope-dependent)
• HR consultancy
• Training and development support (scope-dependent)
• Organisational development consultancy

Tip: recruitment-related work can attract more due diligence than general consulting—choose the activity wording carefully.

E) Events, exhibitions & community businesses (professional)

For founders building event brands, networking platforms, and event services.

Common IFZA activities include:

• Event management services
• Exhibition organising services
• Conference organising services
• Corporate event services
• Entertainment/event support (scope-dependent)

F) Logistics, transport & operational services (mixed)

Depending on whether you provide services or trade goods, your activity set changes.

Common IFZA activities include:

• General warehousing (commercial/service scope)
• Logistics support services
• Freight-related support (scope-dependent)
• Delivery/dispatch services (scope-dependent)

Example code often referenced:

• General Warehousing (5210002)

G) Trading activities (commercial): the most requested clusters

If your model involves importing, distributing, wholesaling, or selling goods, you’ll be looking at the trading side of the IFZA activity list.

1) General trading

Chosen when you want flexibility across product categories.

Example code often referenced:

• General Trading (4690018)

2) Specialised trading (category-based)

Often cleaner for banks and counterparties because it’s specific.

Common trading clusters include:

• Electronics trading
• Computer and software products trading
• Building materials trading
• Textiles and garments trading
• Perfumes and cosmetics trading
• Stationery and office supplies trading
• Auto spare parts trading
• Cleaning materials trading
• Furniture trading
• Foodstuff trading (often regulated / higher scrutiny)

3) E-commerce aligned trading

If you sell goods online, choose an activity that supports:

• Online sales
• Import/export (if relevant)
• Warehousing (if you store inventory)

H) Industrial/manufacturing activities (industrial)

If you produce, assemble, package, or process products, industrial activities may apply.

Common clusters include:

• Packaging and repackaging
• Light assembly
• Printing/production (scope-dependent)
• Product manufacturing (scope-dependent)

Reality check: industrial activities may require facility alignment, inspections, or specific approvals depending on the product.

The “activity bundle” strategy: what founders choose in real life

The IFZA activity list becomes easier when you choose a bundle that matches your operating reality.

Bundle 1: SaaS / software company

A clean, bank-friendly mix often looks like:

• IT consultancy
• Web/software-related services
• Internet content/provider services (if you host or publish)

Invoice alignment: subscriptions, implementation fees, support retainers.

Bundle 2: Marketing agency (strategy + delivery)

Common mix:

• Marketing consultancy
• Marketing management services
• Design/content services (if you deliver creative work)

Invoice alignment: retainers, campaigns, content packages.

Bundle 3: Trading business (import + distribution)

Common mix:

• General trading or specialised trading category
• Import/export aligned trading (if applicable)
• Warehousing/logistics support (if you store goods)

Invoice alignment: purchase orders, sales invoices, shipping documents.

Bundle 4: Consultant who may later add a course

Start clean:

• Management/business consultancy

Expand later (only if needed):

• Training activities (scope-dependent / may be regulated)

The biggest mistakes people make with the IFZA activity list

1) Picking an activity that sounds impressive, not accurate

If it doesn’t match what you actually do, it can create:

• bank onboarding friction
• invoice mismatch issues
• compliance questions later

2) Accidentally selecting a regulated activity

You think you’re choosing a simple consulting activity, but it triggers external approvals. Result: delays and extra requirements.

3) Choosing too broad when your bank prefers specificity

For many founders, specialised trading or a precise professional activity is easier to support with contracts and website evidence.

4) Not planning for the first 10 invoices

Your first invoices are often reviewed more carefully. Make sure your activity wording supports exactly what you will bill.

How long approvals take (and why activities change the timeline)

Timelines vary, but in general:

• Non-regulated activities: faster processing
• Regulated activities: longer due to third-party approvals, additional documentation, and review steps

If speed matters, choose a non-regulated activity that still accurately reflects your business model—then expand later once you’re operating.

Can you add or change IFZA activities later?

Yes—licence amendments are possible, but they can cost time and fees and may require additional approvals (especially if the new activity is regulated).

Best practice:

• Start with a clean, accurate set of activities for your current operations
• Add expansion activities when you have the documentation, website proof, and contracts ready

A practical shortcut: IFZA activity selection questions (copy/paste)

Use these in your planning notes:

1. What exactly will I invoice for in month one?
2. Will I touch physical goods (import, store, deliver)?
3. Do I need external approvals (health, finance, education, tourism)?
4. Does my website clearly match the activity wording?
5. If a bank asked for a contract sample tomorrow, would it match my licence activity?
6. What’s my most likely second revenue stream within 12 months?

If you want a fast answer, a single call with the right inputs usually solves it: business model, revenue sentence, and what you will invoice for first.

Get your IFZA activity list checked before you apply

Most IFZA delays are avoidable—because they’re not “licence problems,” they’re activity-selection problems.

First Elite Global helps founders:

• shortlist the correct IFZA activities
• avoid regulated surprises where possible
• keep activity wording aligned with banking and invoicing
• structure the licence to support your 12–24 month plan

If you want the fastest path, share what you sell, who you sell to, and how you deliver it—then you’ll get a clean activity shortlist that matches your business from day one.

3) FAQ Section

1) What is the IFZA activity list?

The IFZA activity list is the approved catalogue of IFZA activities you can place on your IFZA licence. Your licence activities define what you can legally invoice for and whether extra approvals apply.

2) How many activities can I choose from the IFZA activity list?

Many IFZA licences allow multiple activities under one licence. The exact number depends on your package and whether activities are regulated, but it’s common to start with a small, accurate set and expand later if needed.

3) What are “regulated” (amber) activities in the IFZA activities list?

Regulated (often called “amber”) IFZA activities are activities that may require approvals from external authorities. They typically involve more documentation and longer processing timelines than non-regulated activities.

4) Should I choose general trading or specialised trading in IFZA?

If you need flexibility across multiple product categories, general trading may fit. If you want cleaner banking and clearer invoices, specialised trading often works better—because it’s easier to prove with contracts, suppliers, and product documentation.

5) Can I change my licence activities after my IFZA licence is issued?

Yes. You can usually add, remove, or amend IFZA business activity selections later, but amendments can involve extra steps, fees, and approvals—especially if the new activity is regulated.

6) How do I know which IFZA business activity matches my business?

Start with your “revenue sentence,” then match your invoice wording to the activity name. If you’re unsure, get the activity shortlist reviewed before applying—this is where most avoidable delays happen.