Meydan OVERVIEW
Meydan Free Zone is a Dubai-government regulated free zone located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, within the Meydan Hotel complex. It operates within Dubai’s official economic framework under Dubai Law No. 5 of 2009. License fees start from AED 12,500 for a zero-visa package. Companies are commonly onboarded by UAE banks including Emirates NBD and Mashreq, subject to standard due diligence. Meydan is not listed by the Federal Tax Authority as a VAT Designated Zone. Setup completes digitally in under 60 minutes for standard applications.
What is Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is a Dubai-government regulated business jurisdiction established under Dubai Law No. 5 of 2009, located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, within the Meydan Hotel district. It offers business licenses for consulting, trading, and professional service companies with 100% foreign ownership.
Meydan Free Zone operates within Dubai’s official economic framework, issuing Dubai-recognized business licenses for international operations. The free zone is not a regulated financial free zone and does not carry the same licensing structures as ADGM or DIFC.
Unlike financial jurisdictions such as ADGM or DIFC, Meydan Free Zone focuses on sectors including commercial and general trading, professional services, e-commerce, and consulting. For VAT purposes, Meydan is generally treated like the UAE mainland because it is not listed by the Federal Tax Authority as a VAT Designated Zone.
Who Should Choose Meydan Free Zone?
- Consultants and professional service firms seeking a Dubai address
- E-commerce businesses selling through Amazon, Noon, and international platforms
- International founders establishing their first UAE entity
- Technology and SaaS companies requiring credible Dubai registration
- Holding and investment structures requiring asset management
- Businesses prioritizing banking credibility and clean documentation
Businesses requiring a Dubai-branded address should evaluate Meydan. Meydan suits operators where banking credibility, digital infrastructure, and location prestige outweigh pure cost considerations.
Benefits of Setting Up in Meydan Free Zone
Cost-effective business setup with Dubai credibility and instant banking capabilities
100% Foreign Ownership
All companies registered in Meydan Free Zone are fully foreign-owned with no UAE national sponsor required. Maintain complete control over your business operations.
Instant IBAN Banking
Meydan Pay, powered by Wio Bank, provides an instant IBAN account within 4 working days. Zero minimum balance, full digital banking, and mobile app access from day one.
Dubai Address & Credibility
Prestigious Meydan Hotel address carries significant credibility for client meetings and international correspondence. 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Banking Reputation
Meydan-licensed companies are commonly onboarded by UAE banks including Emirates NBD and Mashreq. Strong acceptance from major UAE banks and international payment processors.
Flexible Visa Allocations
Visa quotas based on office or workspace type, enabling businesses to hire more staff as they grow. Packages allow for one to ten or more visas with pay-as-you-go model.
Fast and Easy Incorporation
Company registration completes digitally in under 60 minutes for standard applications. Trade name approval within 24-48 hours, license issuance in 3-5 working days.
Business Activities Allowed in Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone permits over 2,500 approved business activities across trading, consultancy, technology, media, e-commerce, and creative services. Each base license includes up to 3 activities.
Trading Activities
Standard trading involves buying and selling specific goods. General Trading permits a wider range of commodities at a higher rate.
- Wholesale & retail trade
- Import/export operations
- Online trading platforms
Quota depends on office or warehouse size
Service & Consultancy
Professional services, management consultancy, IT services, and similar activities available under service licenses.
- Management consulting
- IT & software development
- Legal services (non-advocacy)
E-Commerce
Meydan Free Zone supports e-commerce licensing for businesses selling goods or services through digital platforms.
- Sell products online
- Digital marketplaces
- Remote service delivery
Media & Creative
Media licenses cover content production, digital marketing, social media management, and creative services.
- Digital content production
- Creative studios
- Web development
Social media marketing requires UAE Media Council Influencer Permit where applicable.
Industrial
Light manufacturing and industrial operations including assembly, packaging, warehousing, and processing.
- Light manufacturing
- Assembly & packaging
- Raw material processing
Multi-Activity Licensing
Businesses requiring multiple revenue streams can register up to three combined activities on a single license.
- Up to 3 activities included
- Additional at AED 1,000 each
- Cross-category options
License Types Available in Meydan Free Zone
Choose the right license type based on your business activities and requirements
Commercial / Trading
For trading, import/export, and distribution businesses. Covers specific commodity groups.
- Wholesale & retail trade
- Import/export
- Online trading
- Distribution
Professional / Service
For professional services, consultancy, IT, and management activities.
- Consulting services
- IT & software
- Marketing & design
- Corporate services
Industrial
For manufacturing and production activities. Requires physical warehouse or industrial unit.
- Light manufacturing
- Assembly & packaging
- Warehousing
- Processing
E-Commerce
Covers broader range of digital sales and online business operations.
- Online selling
- Digital platforms
- Virtual services
- Remote business
Types of Companies You Can Form
Choose the right company structure for your business needs
| Structure | Who it suits | Shareholders | Required documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZE | Solo founders or single investors | 1 (any nationality) | Passport copy, UAE visa copy, EID (if applicable), photo, UBO form |
| FZCO | Partnerships and joint ventures | 2-50 (any nationality) | Passports, visa copies, photos and UBO forms for all shareholders |
| Branch – UAE Co. | UAE businesses expanding into MFZ | None (parent entity) | Parent trade license, MOA, board resolution authorizing branch |
| Branch – Foreign Co. | Overseas companies entering UAE | None (parent entity) | Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, board resolution – all attested & legalized |
FZE and FZCO are the most common structures. Branch applications require legalized and attested parent-company documents, which can extend setup timelines by 1-3 weeks.
Meydan Free Zone License Cost & Fees 2025
Transparent pricing with no hidden charges. All packages bundle license, establishment card, and visa processing.
| Package | Visas | Annual Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base License (0 visas) | 0 | 12,500 | Up to 3 activities, zero visa allocation |
| One-Visa Package | 1 | 14,350 | Most popular option for solo entrepreneurs |
| Three-Visa Package | 3 | 18,050 | Growing team setup, up to 5 shareholders |
| Additional Visa Quota | Per visa | 1,850 | Per additional position beyond package |
Additional Fees
| Extra Business Activity | AED 1,000 |
| Cross Business Activity | AED 2,000 |
| General Trading Add-on | AED 10,000 |
| Corporate Shareholder | AED 750 |
| Additional Individual Shareholder | AED 350 |
Setup Timeline
Digital registration (no visa)
Under 60 minutes
With investor visa
10-14 working days
Meydan Pay IBAN activation
4 working days
Traditional bank account
2-4 weeks
Visa Quotas
| Standard packages | 1-3 visas |
| Private offices | Up to 10+ visas |
| Large teams | Up to 50 visas |
| Flexi Desk | 1-3 visas |
Quota depends on office or workspace size
Year 1 Full Cost Breakdown (One Investor Visa)
Base License (1 visa package)AED 14,350
Establishment CardAED 2,000
Investor Visa ProcessingAED 3,500 – 4,500
Medical & Emirates IDAED 1,200 – 1,800
Year 1 Total~AED 19,500
Meydan Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones
Compare cost, facilities, and location advantages across UAE free zones
| Factor | Meydan Free Zone | Comparable Zone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | From AED 12,500 | IFZA from ~AED 12,900+ | Meydan offers Dubai address at competitive rate |
| Dubai address | Yes – Nad Al Sheba | SHAMS: No (Sharjah) | Matters for client-facing businesses |
| Instant IBAN | Yes – Wio Bank (4 days) | Others: No | Unique Meydan Pay advantage |
| Digital registration | Under 60 minutes | SHAMS: 3-5 days, IFZA: 5-7 days | Fastest setup process |
| Banking perception | Dubai-tier | SHAMS/IFZA: Northern Emirates | Higher credibility with UAE banks |
| Industrial/Warehouse | Limited | RAKEZ: Yes, AFZ: Yes | Meydan focuses on professional services |
| Regulated finance | Not available | ADGM only | ADGM for licensed financial firms |
| VAT Designated Zone | No | JAFZA: Yes | Standard VAT rules apply |
No free zone is universally best. Compare total annual cost — license + visa + workspace — across shortlisted zones against your specific business model and client expectations.
Required Documents for Meydan Free Zone Company Formation
Prepare these documents for a smooth and fast registration process
Personal Documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- UAE visa copy or entry permit (if inside the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration
Business Documents
- Business plan — required for certain regulated activities
- CV — required for specific permit applications
- Branches: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, Board Resolution — attested and legalized
Corporate Shareholder Documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution authorizing formation
- Certificate of Incumbency
- Valid trade license (if UAE-based)
- Passport copies of authorized signatories
Document Quality Requirements
- All documents must be clearly scanned with no shadows or blurred areas
- Colored copies where specified
- Uploaded following Meydan digital procedures
- Submitted promptly to avoid processing delays
Step-by-Step Meydan Free Zone Business Setup Process
Complete your MFZ business setup in 6 simple steps
Select Activity & License
Choose from 2,500+ business activities and select the appropriate license type for your operations.
Reserve Trade Name
Submit your unique trading name for approval. Name must not contain religious, political, or offensive terms.
Submit Documents
Provide passport copies, Emirates ID, UBO declaration, proof of address, and other required documents.
Initial Approval
Meydan verifies shareholder identities, activity eligibility, and document accuracy within 1-2 days.
Payment & License
Pay license fees and receive your Trade License within 48-72 hours. Your company is now officially registered.
Visa & Banking
Apply for Establishment Card, process visas, and open corporate bank account with partner banks.
Visa Options in Meydan Free Zone
Comprehensive visa solutions for you, your employees, and your family
Investor Visa
For shareholders and owners of FZE, FZCO, or Branch entities.
- AED 3,750-4,500 per visa
- Valid 2 years
- Can sponsor dependents
- Requires medical test & insurance
Employee Visas
Quota depends on office or workspace size.
- AED 3,500 per additional visa
- Aligned with UAE labor standards
- Medical insurance required
- Flexible allocation based on space
Dependent Visas
Sponsor your family members in the UAE.
- Sponsor spouse and children
- After own residency confirmed
- Minimum salary requirements apply
- Medical insurance required
Medical Test & Emirates ID
Mandatory requirements for all visa applicants.
- Medical fitness test required
- Biometric EID registration
- All applicants must complete
Facilities & Workspace Options in Meydan Free Zone
Choose from a range of workspace solutions tailored to your business needs
VIRTUAL
Flexi Desk / Virtual Office
Co-working access via lease; suited to service, e-commerce, freelancers.
- Business address included
- Shared workspace access
- Lower physical space requirements
- Cost-effective for startups
PHYSICAL
Private Offices (Meydan Hotel)
Dedicated workspace with higher visa quota eligibility.
- Dedicated office space
- Higher visa quotas
- Professional environment
- Meeting room access
LIMITED
Industrial Facilities
Limited warehouse facilities compared to industrial free zones.
- Light manufacturing permitted
- Storage options available
- Subject to availability
LOCATION
Strategic Location Benefits
Near Dubai International Airport with excellent GCC connectivity.
- 15 minutes from DXB Airport
- 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai
- Access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Al Khail Road connectivity
Bank Account Opening for Meydan Free Zone Companies
MFZ’s reputation as a trusted Free Zone Authority helps businesses obtain banking support
Common UAE Banks
Emirates NBD
RAKBANK
Mashreq
ADCB
WIO
Sharjah Islamic Bank
Required Documents
- Business license
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment card
- Share certificates
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Passport copies and EIDs of shareholders
- Business plan and transaction description
- Source of funds documentation
Activity & Nationality Considerations
- High-risk sectors face detailed review
- Shareholders from flagged jurisdictions may experience longer onboarding
- Does not automatically prevent approval
- Each bank has own minimum balance requirements
- Approval subject to standard bank due diligence
Important Note
Meydan Free Zone companies apply for UAE corporate accounts subject to standard bank due diligence.
Approval is not guaranteed and depends on business activity, shareholder profile, and documentation. Banks may request additional documents at any stage of onboarding.
Registration, Licensing & Compliance
Stay compliant with UAE regulations and maintain your business in good standing
Naming Policy Rules
- Names must not include offensive or inappropriate terms
- Must not violate religious or political norms
- Must not reference government authorities
- Must reflect business identity accurately
- Ensures all legal entities maintain professional corporate identity
Key Compliance Rules
- A valid lease and valid license must be maintained at all times
- Activities must match the issued license
- Operating outside licensed activities is prohibited
- Subleasing premises requires written authorization
- Additional premises require separate permits
Renewal Requirements
- Annual Trade License renewal
- Annual Establishment Card renewal
- 2-year visa renewals
- Renewals ensure company remains active and compliant
Operating in Mainland UAE
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to UAE mainland customers.
- Distributor model: Appoint a UAE mainland trader to purchase and resell goods locally
- Service agreement: Service companies may invoice mainland clients under contract
- Mainland branch: Requires separate UAE mainland trade license from relevant emirate’s DED
- VAT: Free zone to mainland transactions may attract UAE VAT; confirm with registered tax agent
Why Choose JurisZone for Meydan Free Zone?
Expert guidance through every step of your business setup journey
200+
MEYDAN Formations
92%
Banking Approval Rate
4.2
Days Average Setup
What We Provide
- Complete activity classification and license selection guidance
- End-to-end documentation preparation and submission
- Banking facilitation through Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Meydan Pay introductions
- Workspace selection assistance (virtual, office, or flexi desk)
- Visa processing for investors, employees, and dependents
- Corporate tax TRN registration and FTA compliance support
- Annual license and visa renewal management
“JurisZone made our Meydan Free Zone setup seamless. From selecting the right license to opening our Wio Bank IBAN in 4 days, their team handled everything professionally. Highly recommended for Dubai-focused entrepreneurs.”
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