Meydan Free Zone Business Setup: Cost & Activities 2026
Meydan Free Zone is one of Dubai’s fastest-growing free zone authorities, operating under the Government of Dubai and located within Meydan City, the landmark development home to the iconic Meydan Racecourse. For entrepreneurs looking to pursue a meydan free zone business setup, the authority offers two distinct licence routes: a standard trade licence from AED 12,500 per year and the Fawri instant licence at AED 15,000, which is guaranteed to be issued in under 60 minutes or a full refund is given. Both options allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, no paid-up share capital, and no physical office lease obligation.
Unlike some free zones that limit activity selection or impose complex tiered structures, Meydan Free Zone permits the registration of up to three activity groups from a list of over 2,500 approved activities spanning 17 categories, from ICT and professional services to trading, manufacturing, and financial services. Companies incorporated here are MoFA-approved free zone LLCs, accredited by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and can access UAE mainland markets by applying for a mainland permit with DET approval, without the need for a separate mainland licence.
This guide covers every material aspect of setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone: the exact costs, available activities, the step-by-step process, visa fees, office solutions, tax obligations, and how Meydan compares with other Dubai free zones. All facts and fees are sourced exclusively from meydanfz.ae, tax.gov.ae, and u.ae, the official UAE government portal.
What is Meydan Free Zone and where is it located?
Meydan City and the free zone’s physical setting
Meydan Free Zone is situated within Meydan City, a large-scale mixed-use development in Dubai that incorporates the Meydan Racecourse, five-star hotels, residential towers, and premium commercial space. The free zone authority is positioned approximately 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), offering straightforward access to international transport links and Dubai’s wider business districts. Physical walk-in support is available at Meydan Hotel Dubai, and the free zone operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week via its digital platform at portal.meydanfz.ae. (Source: meydanfz.ae/about-us)
Legal status and regulatory standing
Meydan Free Zone issues Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) licences that carry Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) approval, meaning documents such as corporate certificates are accepted internationally for banking, visa, and commercial purposes. The free zone is also accredited by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Its compliance framework includes Client Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) models that satisfy UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosure requirements, in line with the UAE Federal AML legislation. (Source: meydanfz.ae/about-us; meydanfz.ae/rules-regulation)
Community size and ecosystem
As of 2026, the Meydan Free Zone community comprises over 83,000 registered businesses and professionals. The Meydan Plus Marketplace provides members with access to partnerships, corporate services, and value-added solutions. ISO-certified data security governs all digital interactions through the portal, and the authority’s platform is described as award-winning for its digital-first operations model. (Source: meydanfz.ae/about-us)
The Meydan Plus suite of value-added services extends beyond the core licence to include mCore (banking introductions, registered agent, and corporate compliance support), mResidency (visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and family sponsorship), mAssist (business support and growth advisory), and mAccounting (bookkeeping, VAT filing, and financial compliance). These services are available as optional add-ons at each stage of the business lifecycle, meaning founders can start lean with the base licence and layer in services as the business grows, without being locked into a bundled package from day one.
How much does a Meydan Free Zone business setup cost in 2026?
Standard trade licence: AED 12,500 per year
The standard Meydan Free Zone trade licence is priced from AED 12,500 per year. This package includes the trade licence itself, company registration, a digital application process, access to the Meydan Free Zone portal, and a flexi-desk workspace facility. There is no requirement to pay a minimum share capital and no obligation to lease a physical private office. The AED 12,500 price point is identical for both UAE-resident applicants and non-residents setting up remotely. (Source: meydanfz.ae/dubai-trade-license-aed-12500)
Fawri instant licence: AED 15,000 with a 60-minute guarantee
The Fawri licence is Meydan Free Zone’s fast-track product, priced from AED 15,000. It is designed for solo founders: one person holds 100% ownership as shareholder, manager, director, and ultimate beneficial owner. The Fawri licence is issued in under 60 minutes via a fully digital process, and if the issuance is delayed beyond that threshold the applicant receives a full guaranteed refund. Applicants can use UAE Pass for faster verification. The base AED 15,000 package includes the trade licence, lease agreement, digital application, and portal access. Add-ons such as visa processing, Emirates ID, and office upgrades are available separately. (Source: meydanfz.ae/fawri)
The Fawri licence allows selection of up to three business activity groups from 1,800+ approved options. Additional activity amendments after issuance cost AED 1,000 per change, and the Fawri structure is restricted to single-shareholder companies; multi-shareholder businesses require the standard licence instead.
Cost comparison: Standard vs Fawri vs additional fees
| Cost Item | Standard Licence | Fawri Licence |
| Base Annual Licence Fee | From AED 12,500 | From AED 15,000 |
| Company Registration | Included | Included |
| Flexi-Desk / Lease Agreement | Included (flexi-desk) | Included (lease agreement) |
| Digital Application and Portal Access | Included | Included |
| Issuance Timeframe | Within 24 hours | Under 60 minutes (guaranteed) |
| Shareholder Structure | Single or multiple shareholders | Solo founder only (1 shareholder) |
| Business Activity Groups | Up to 3 from 2,500+ | Up to 3 from 1,800+ |
| Activity Amendment Fee | Quoted separately | AED 1,000 per amendment |
| Multi-Year Discount | Up to 15% | Up to 15% |
| Paid-Up Share Capital | None required | None required |
| Investor Visa (first investor) | From AED 4,000 (add-on) | From AED 4,000 (add-on) |
| Immigration Establishment Card | From AED 2,000 (add-on) | From AED 2,000 (add-on) |
| Medical and Emirates ID | From AED 2,250 (add-on) | From AED 2,250 (add-on) |
Multi-year licences and the Easy Payment Plan
Businesses that commit to multi-year licence renewals can save up to 15% on the annual fee. UAE-resident credit card holders are also eligible for the Easy Payment Plan (EPP), allowing the licence fee to be split into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly instalments at 0% through participating UAE banks including FAB, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic, ADCB, and Emirates NBD. The EPP requires a minimum spend of AED 500 and is not available to non-residents or cash payments.
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What business activities can you register under a Meydan Free Zone licence?
The 17 activity categories
Meydan Free Zone organises its approved business activities into 17 broad categories. Each category covers a defined set of commercial operations that a licensed company may undertake. The authority’s full list of 2,500+ activities can be browsed on meydanfz.ae/business-activities-list, where each activity is categorised and searchable.
| Category | Examples of Activities |
| Administrative | Staffing, security, facilities management, support services |
| Healthcare | Clinical care, residential services, community health support |
| Services | Personal services, device repair, domestic services |
| Agriculture | Animal breeding, equine production and racing |
| ICT | Publishing, broadcasting, software development, content delivery |
| Sewerage | Wastewater and drainage infrastructure operations |
| Art, Entertainment and Recreation | Creative performance, sports, events, entertainment |
| Maintenance | Electrical, security, and building systems maintenance |
| Trading | Sourcing, selling, and distribution of goods |
| Education | Teaching, training, professional development |
| Manufacturing | Production, repair, and installation of physical goods |
| Transportation | Movement of people and freight by land, sea, and air |
| F&B and Rentals | Restaurants, hotels, catering, and rental operations |
| Financial | Holdings, capital management, insurance, financial markets |
| Real Estate | Property acquisition, brokerage, and management |
| Professional | Consulting, design, research, advisory services |
| Waste Collection | Hazardous and non-hazardous waste management |
Multi-activity licences and combining groups
A single Meydan Free Zone licence can cover up to three activity groups drawn from different categories. This is particularly useful for businesses with diversified income streams, for example a company that combines ICT consultancy, professional advisory services, and trading under a single entity. Activity groups must be selected at the point of application, though amendments can be made later subject to the applicable fee. For the Fawri instant licence, the 1,800+ activities available represent a subset of the full 2,500+ list; businesses requiring access to the full range should apply for the standard licence. (Source: meydanfz.ae/business-activities-list; meydanfz.ae/fawri)
Mainland access for free zone licence holders
Free zone companies including Meydan Free Zone LLC entities are permitted to work with and invoice mainland UAE companies by applying for a mainland permit. This requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with approval from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), rather than requiring the business to incorporate a separate mainland entity. For UAE residents starting a second business while employed, no NOC from the employer is required to obtain the free zone licence itself. (Source: meydanfz.ae/fawri FAQ; u.ae)
What is the step-by-step process to set up a business in Meydan Free Zone?
Step 1: Choose your activities and check your company name
The first step is to browse the list of approved business activities at meydanfz.ae/business-activities-list and select up to three activity groups that match your intended operations. Once activities are identified, the free company name check tool at meydanfz.ae/name-check confirms whether your preferred trade name is available and compliant with UAE naming regulations. Name availability is typically confirmed within 20 minutes. Choosing the correct activities at this stage is important: amendments made after issuance incur additional fees, so it is worth taking time to identify all intended revenue streams before submitting. (Source: meydanfz.ae/fawri)
Step 2: Complete the online application and make payment
The application is submitted entirely through the Meydan Free Zone portal at portal.meydanfz.ae. Applicants need only a valid passport copy to begin; UAE residents can additionally use UAE Pass for faster digital verification. Payment of the licence fee (AED 12,500 for the standard licence or AED 15,000 for Fawri) is made online. UAE-resident credit card holders may activate the Easy Payment Plan at this stage. No physical documentation is required. (Source: meydanfz.ae; meydanfz.ae/fawri)
Step 3: Receive your licence and company documents
For the standard licence, the company is live and documents are delivered digitally within 24 hours of application. For Fawri, the trade licence is issued in under 60 minutes with a full refund guaranteed if the deadline is not met. All company documents, including the trade licence, lease agreement, and registration certificate, are delivered through the portal. No physical attendance is required at any stage, making the process fully accessible to international applicants. (Source: meydanfz.ae; meydanfz.ae/fawri)
Step 4: Activate immigration profile and apply for visas
For businesses that need UAE residency visas, the immigration establishment card and e-channel activation are processed within one to two business days after licence issuance. This creates the company’s immigration profile, through which investor and employee visa applications are submitted. The full visa process, including medicals, Emirates ID, and visa stamping, takes three to seven business days. Visa processing is handled by the mResidency team at Meydan Plus. (Source: meydanfz.ae/fawri; meydanfz.ae/meydan-plus/mresidency)
Step 5: Open a corporate bank account
Once the trade licence is live, the mCore team initiates the corporate bank account opening process with one of Meydan Free Zone’s 26+ partner banks and fintech institutions. A guaranteed IBAN is provided, though final account approval is subject to the individual bank’s KYC and compliance policies. Account initiation typically takes one business day to begin. Non-resident founders can also access banking support through this channel without visiting the UAE in person. (Source: meydanfz.ae/meydan-plus/mcore)
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What are the visa options and residency costs at Meydan Free Zone?
Investor and employee visa fee schedule
Meydan Free Zone offers visa processing through its mResidency service. The following fees are published by the free zone authority and are subject to change based on government-regulated costs.
| Visa / Service Item | Fee (from) | Notes |
| Investor Visa | AED 4,000 | 2-year validity; renewable |
| Employee Visa | AED 3,500 | 2-year validity; renewable |
| Immigration Establishment Card | AED 2,000 | One-time fee; required before visa applications |
| Medical Examination and Emirates ID | AED 2,250 | Per applicant |
| First Investor Total (all-in estimate) | AED 7,850 | Establishment Card + Investor Visa + Medical and EID |
| Dependent Visa (spouse / family) | Quoted on request | Via mResidency add-on |
| Return Permit | Quoted on request | Via mResidency |
| Medical Insurance | Quoted on request | Via mResidency; mandatory for UAE residents |
Visa validity and renewal
Investor and employee visas issued through Meydan Free Zone are valid for two years and are renewable. The immigration establishment card is a one-time fee paid when a company first activates its immigration profile. Renewals are processed through the same mResidency portal. It is important to note that the two-year visa described here is the standard free zone investor residence visa; it is distinct from the UAE Green Visa (five-year self-sponsored visa for qualified professionals and investors), which is issued separately by the ICP under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 and has its own eligibility criteria. (Source: meydanfz.ae/meydan-plus/mresidency; u.ae Green Visa page)
UAE residency visas, once stamped, also act as the legal basis for obtaining an Emirates ID, enrolling dependants in local schools, accessing the UAE healthcare system, and sponsoring domestic workers. Business founders who do not initially require UAE residency can still obtain the free zone licence and operate the company as a non-resident, with the option to add visa services at a later date when relocation plans are confirmed.
Non-resident licence holders
Meydan Free Zone explicitly offers a non-resident licence option starting from AED 12,500, enabling entrepreneurs to establish a UAE-licensed company and open a corporate bank account without relocating to or visiting the UAE. Non-resident licence holders do not automatically receive a UAE residency visa; visa processing is an add-on service available if the business owner later wishes to relocate. The fully digital process means that passports and documents are verified online without any requirement to appear in person. (Source: meydanfz.ae/business-setup-in-dubai-remotely)
What office and workspace solutions does Meydan Free Zone offer?
Flexi-desk: included in the standard and Fawri licences
Both the standard AED 12,500 licence and the AED 15,000 Fawri licence include a flexi-desk facility as part of the base package. For the standard licence this is described as a flexi-desk; for the Fawri licence a lease agreement is included. This means businesses do not need to pay separately for a physical address in order to satisfy the licence requirements. The flexi-desk arrangement provides a registered business address within Meydan City without the cost or commitment of a dedicated private office. (Source: meydanfz.ae/dubai-trade-license-aed-12500; meydanfz.ae/fawri)
Upgrade options: private offices, co-working spaces, retail and warehousing
Businesses that need more than a flexi-desk can upgrade to co-working spaces, fully furnished private offices, unfurnished customisable offices, retail units, or warehouse facilities, all located within Meydan City. The co-working spaces support networking and collaboration for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The warehouse facilities include inventory management, packing, and shipping infrastructure suited to trading businesses with physical stock requirements. Office upgrade fees are quoted separately through the portal. (Source: meydanfz.ae/about-us)
Meydan City: live-work-play environment
Meydan City offers a premium business address combined with a lifestyle environment that includes luxury residential units, five-star hotel facilities, the Meydan Racecourse and event spaces, and proximity to Dubai’s main road network. The address carries prestige value for client-facing businesses. International founders and their families considering relocation benefit from access to luxury amenities, international schools, and healthcare facilities throughout the wider Dubai area. The mission statement of the free zone authority is to make entrepreneurship accessible and to foster a vibrant and connected ecosystem for innovators and business owners to create, grow, and lead. (Source: meydanfz.ae/about-us)
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How does Meydan Free Zone compare with other Dubai free zones?
Key differentiators of the Meydan Free Zone model
Meydan Free Zone positions itself as a multi-sector, digital-first free zone aimed at entrepreneurs, SMEs, freelancers, and international founders. Its AED 12,500 entry price inclusive of flexi-desk and company registration represents a competitive offer in the Dubai market, where equivalent packages at other free zones often require separate fees for each component. The Fawri instant licence with its 60-minute issuance guarantee and full refund commitment is a product unique to Meydan among mainstream Dubai free zones. The 2,500+ activity range across 17 categories also makes Meydan a more generalist option compared with sector-specific zones such as DMCC (commodities and crypto), DIFC (financial services), or Dubai Healthcare City (healthcare). (Source: meydanfz.ae; publicly available free zone authority sites)
Points to evaluate when choosing a free zone
The optimal free zone for any business depends on several factors: the nature of the business activity, whether physical warehousing or specialist infrastructure is needed, the target client base (free zone-to-free zone, mainland, or export), visa quota requirements, and budget. Meydan Free Zone’s lack of a mandatory share capital requirement and its digital-only process make it well suited for service-based, consultancy, ICT, and trading businesses where physical stock or specialised facilities are not needed. Businesses in regulated sectors such as financial services, healthcare, or aviation may need to evaluate whether a sector-specific free zone authority provides regulatory advantages that justify a higher cost. (Note: businesssetuphq.com advisors can assist with a formal comparison across all major UAE free zones.)
Established free zone alternatives for reference
Other well-known Dubai and UAE free zones include DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a top-ranked global free zone authority for commodities and financial businesses), IFZA (International Free Zone Authority, competitive generalist pricing), SHAMS (Sharjah Media City, media and creative sector focus), RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, lower-cost option for manufacturing and trading), and JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, logistics and large-scale trading). Each has distinct fee structures, activity lists, and infrastructure. For a full side-by-side comparison calibrated to a specific business activity, the BusinessSetupHQ cost calculator and advisory team can provide activity-specific breakdowns across multiple jurisdictions.
| Free Zone | Entry Licence Cost | Sector Focus | Issuance Speed | Key Note |
| Meydan Free Zone | From AED 12,500/yr (standard) or AED 15,000 (Fawri) | Multi-sector (17 categories, 2,500+ activities) | Standard: 24 hrs; Fawri: 60 min guaranteed | Solo-founder Fawri licence with money-back guarantee; digital-only process |
| IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) | From approx. AED 11,900/yr (activity-dependent) | Multi-sector; popular for trading, services, media | 24–48 hours | Multiple licence types; well suited to multi-shareholder structures |
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | From approx. AED 5,750/yr (freelance) to AED 11,500+ (company) | Media, creative, publishing, digital | 24–48 hours | Lower cost for solo media/creative founders; Sharjah emirate |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) | From approx. AED 8,000–12,000/yr (activity-dependent) | Manufacturing, trading, services | 2–5 business days | Physical warehousing available; lower cost for industrial activities |
| DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) | From approx. AED 18,000–25,000+/yr | Commodities, crypto, financial services, gems | 5–10 business days | Globally ranked free zone; specialist for commodities and crypto compliance |
| JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) | From approx. AED 15,000–30,000+/yr | Logistics, manufacturing, large-scale trading | 5–10 business days | Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port; best suited for import/export with physical warehousing needs |
Note: Competitor pricing above is indicative only and sourced from publicly available free zone authority websites. All fees vary by activity type, office selection, and shareholder count. Official quotes should be obtained directly from each free zone or through BusinessSetupHQ advisors before making a decision. Meydan Free Zone pricing is confirmed from meydanfz.ae. (Source: meydanfz.ae; rakez.com; shams.ae; publicly available free zone authority websites)
What compliance, tax, and renewal obligations apply to Meydan Free Zone companies?
UAE Corporate Tax and Qualifying Free Zone Person status
The UAE Corporate Tax (CT) regime, established under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, applies to all UAE businesses including free zone entities. A free zone company that meets the definition of a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) as set out by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) benefits from a 0% CT rate on qualifying income. To maintain QFZP status, the company must, among other conditions, derive qualifying income primarily from transactions with other free zone persons or from qualifying activities as defined by the FTA, maintain adequate substance in the UAE, and comply with transfer pricing rules where applicable. Income that does not meet the qualifying threshold is taxed at the standard 9% CT rate applicable where taxable income exceeds AED 375,000. Businesses should seek qualified tax advice to assess their specific QFZP eligibility. (Source: tax.gov.ae; Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022; FTA Corporate Tax Guide)
VAT obligations
UAE VAT at 5% applies to taxable supplies made by businesses with annual taxable turnover exceeding AED 375,000 (mandatory registration threshold) or AED 187,500 (voluntary threshold). Free zone companies are not automatically exempt from VAT; the obligation depends on the nature and volume of taxable supplies made. Certain free zones are designated as Designated Zones for VAT purposes, which affects how intra-zone and zone-to-mainland transactions are treated. Meydan Free Zone’s VAT position should be confirmed against the FTA’s current designated zone list for the most precise treatment. (Source: tax.gov.ae)
Licence renewal and UBO and AML compliance
Trade licences issued by Meydan Free Zone are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Failure to renew on time incurs penalties and can result in the licence being suspended or cancelled, which in turn affects the validity of any associated visas. In terms of ongoing compliance, all Meydan Free Zone companies are subject to UAE federal AML legislation (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and its amendments) and must maintain accurate Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) records. The free zone’s CDD and EDD compliance framework means that changes in ownership, directorship, or business activities must be reported promptly through the portal. (Source: meydanfz.ae/rules-regulation; u.ae)
Companies that benefit from the multi-year licence discount (up to 15% off for committing to two or three-year terms) can reduce both the annual cost and the administrative overhead of annual renewal applications, though they must still ensure their underlying compliance documentation remains up to date with the free zone. For businesses with UAE-resident staff, the timely renewal of the trade licence is also a prerequisite for renewing employee residence visas, making licence renewal a business-critical deadline that should be tracked well in advance.
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Practical tips for Meydan Free Zone business setup
- Use the cost calculator before committing. The free cost estimator at meydanfz.ae/cost-calculator gives an activity-specific total that accounts for your visa requirements, office preference, and licence type, so you are not surprised by add-on costs at checkout.
- Check the company name early. Name availability is confirmed within 20 minutes via meydanfz.ae/name-check, but popular names are claimed quickly. Secure your name before completing the rest of your application to avoid delays.
- Choose Fawri only if you are a solo founder. The Fawri instant licence is restricted to single-shareholder companies where one person holds all roles. If you intend to bring in a co-founder or investor at any point, the standard licence structure is more appropriate from the outset.
- Activate your immigration profile promptly if you need a visa. The one-time Immigration Establishment Card (from AED 2,000) must be set up before any employee or investor visa can be applied for. Initiate this within the first week of licence issuance to avoid delays to residency timelines.
- Assess QFZP eligibility with a tax adviser before trading. Not all free zone revenue automatically qualifies for the 0% CT rate. If your business model involves significant mainland UAE clients or non-qualifying activities under the FTA definitions, you may be liable for the standard 9% CT rate on that income from the outset.
- Renew your licence before expiry. Meydan Free Zone licences renew annually, and late renewal incurs penalties that also affect visa validity. Set a renewal reminder at least 30 days before your licence expiry date and consider the multi-year discount (up to 15%) to reduce total cost and administrative overhead.
How can BusinessSetupHQ help with Meydan Free Zone business setup?
Setting up in Meydan Free Zone is one of the more straightforward routes to UAE company formation, but the range of choices, from licence type and activity selection to visa packages, tax registration, and banking, means that first-time founders still benefit from structured guidance to avoid costly mistakes, delays, or missed compliance requirements.
BusinessSetupHQ is a specialist UAE company formation advisory with 22+ years of combined team experience across Dubai mainland, free zone, and offshore structures. The team provides end-to-end support covering business activity identification, name reservation, licence applications, visa processing, corporate bank account introductions, and ongoing compliance support including corporate tax registration and VAT filing. We work with Meydan Free Zone alongside all major UAE free zones and mainland jurisdictions, so our advice is always calibrated to the best structure for your specific business model and goals rather than to a single authority.
Contact BusinessSetupHQ at businesssetuphq.com for a free consultation. Whether you are a solo founder considering the Fawri licence, an international investor setting up remotely, or a growing business evaluating whether Meydan Free Zone fits your expansion plans, our advisors can provide a transparent cost comparison and step-by-step setup roadmap at no initial charge.
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Frequently asked questions about Meydan Free Zone business setup
The standard trade licence starts from AED 12,500 per year and includes the trade licence, company registration, digital application, portal access, and a flexi-desk. The Fawri instant licence costs AED 15,000 and adds a 60-minute issuance guarantee. Both options have no paid-up share capital requirement. Visa fees, office upgrades, and additional services are priced separately. Multi-year renewals attract a discount of up to 15%. Use the free cost calculator at meydanfz.ae/cost-calculator for an activity-specific estimate.
The standard licence is issued within 24 hours of a completed online application. The Fawri instant licence is guaranteed to be issued in under 60 minutes from application and payment, with a full refund if the deadline is not met. The entire process is digital; no physical attendance is required at any stage, making it accessible to both UAE residents and international applicants. Following licence issuance, immigration profile activation takes one to two business days, and the full visa process (medical, Emirates ID, stamping) takes three to seven business days.
Yes. Meydan Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no local UAE sponsor requirement. Non-residents can complete the entire application remotely using a valid passport; UAE Pass is available as an optional verification method for UAE residents. The non-resident licence option starts from AED 12,500 and allows the business owner to establish a UAE-licensed company and initiate a corporate bank account without being present in the UAE.
Fawri is Meydan Free Zone’s instant trade licence product, issued in under 60 minutes through a fully digital process, with a guaranteed full refund if the deadline is not met. It costs AED 15,000 (versus AED 12,500 for the standard licence) and is designed specifically for solo founders where one individual holds all roles: shareholder, manager, director, and ultimate beneficial owner. The Fawri licence covers 1,800+ activities (versus 2,500+ on the standard licence) and allows up to three activity groups. Multi-shareholder businesses must use the standard licence route.
Yes. Meydan Free Zone LLC entities can work with and invoice mainland UAE companies by applying for a mainland permit, which requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with approval from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This avoids the need to incorporate a separate mainland LLC entity. For UAE residents who are employed, no NOC from their employer is needed to obtain the free zone licence itself.
Meydan Free Zone companies that qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. To maintain QFZP status, the company must meet substance, income sourcing, and compliance conditions set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Income that falls outside the qualifying criteria is subject to the standard 9% UAE CT rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. Businesses should obtain specific tax advice to assess their QFZP eligibility given their particular activity and client base.
No. Both the standard AED 12,500 licence and the AED 15,000 Fawri licence include a flexi-desk facility or lease agreement within the base price, satisfying the physical address requirement without the cost of a private office. Businesses that require dedicated office space, co-working facilities, retail units, or warehouse space can upgrade through the portal at additional cost.
Once the trade licence is issued, Meydan Free Zone’s mCore team begins the corporate bank account initiation process with one of 26+ partner banks and fintech institutions. A guaranteed IBAN is provided, though final account approval rests with the individual bank’s KYC and AML compliance review. Account initiation typically starts within one business day of licence issuance. Non-resident founders can also access banking support through this channel without visiting the UAE in person.
