Set Up Your Company in Meydan Free Zone.
From AED 12,500.

Meydan Free Zone company formation starts from AED 12,500 per year for a standard digital licence with a registered address and flexi-desk, covering up to three business activities. A one-visa package begins from approximately AED 14,350, a two-visa package from AED 16,600, and premium packages with private desk and additional visa allocations from AED 25,000 and above. Additional costs to budget for include the Establishment Card (AED 2,000 in year one, AED 2,200 on renewal), investor visa fees from AED 4,000, employee visa fees from AED 3,500, and medical and Emirates ID fees of approximately AED 2,250. KDHA PRIVE provides a fixed written quote before any payment is made.

Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is a general-purpose UAE free zone established in February 2009 under Dubai Ruler’s Decree No. 5. It is located in Nad Al Sheba, adjacent to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, approximately 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and within easy reach of Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Khail Road. The zone is home to more than 30,000 registered companies and is known for its fully digital setup process, wide range of permitted business activities, and competitive pricing relative to other central Dubai free zones.

Meydan Free Zone company formation typically takes between 3 and 7 working days from the date of complete document submission. The process is fully digital and does not require the applicant to be physically present in the UAE. Initial approval is often granted within 24 to 48 hours for standard applications, after which fees are paid and the digital trade licence is issued. The express Fawri licence for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers can be issued in as little as 60 minutes for eligible applicants.

Yes. Meydan Free Zone’s company registration process is fully digital and can be completed remotely without visiting the UAE. Documents are submitted electronically, approvals are issued online, and the trade licence is delivered digitally. Physical presence in the UAE is typically required only for visa-related steps such as the Emirates ID biometrics appointment and medical screening, which are necessary if you wish to obtain a UAE residence visa through your company.

Meydan Free Zone supports more than 2,500 approved business activities across a wide range of categories including professional and consulting services, general trading and import/export, technology and software development, e-commerce, media and advertising, financial advisory, real estate consulting, education, healthcare consulting, logistics, and holding company structures. Unlike sector-specific free zones, Meydan is a general-purpose zone with no industry restrictions. A single licence can cover up to three activity groups, and trading and professional service activities can be combined on the same licence at no extra cost.

Yes, with a specific permit. While standard free zone companies are generally restricted to trading within the free zone or internationally, Meydan Free Zone permits its licensees to trade with UAE mainland companies through a DET Permit issued by the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department. Meydan Free Zone Authority assists with the DET Permit process, which is typically issued within one working day. For businesses requiring unrestricted mainland trading, a mainland company formation or a dual licence structure may be more appropriate.

Yes. Like all UAE free zones, Meydan Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or partner. You retain complete ownership and control of your company. Profits and capital can be repatriated in full with no restrictions. There is no personal income tax in the UAE, and qualifying free zone companies may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.

Meydan Free Zone requires a minimum declared share capital of AED 100,000 for a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC). However, this capital does not need to be deposited or maintained in a bank account at the time of incorporation. There is no requirement to prove paid-up capital as part of the standard registration process. The declared share capital is reflected in the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Meydan Free Zone offers three main legal structures. A Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is the most common structure and can have one or more shareholders with limited liability. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder entity. A Branch of a Foreign Company allows an existing company incorporated outside the UAE to establish a registered branch presence within Meydan Free Zone. Each structure has different documentation requirements and is suitable for different business objectives.

Yes. Meydan Free Zone company owners are eligible to apply for a UAE investor residence visa, typically valid for two years and renewable. Employee visas can also be sponsored through the company. The number of visas available depends on the package selected and office space allocated. Investor visas cost approximately AED 4,000 and employee visas from AED 3,500, with medical and Emirates ID fees of approximately AED 2,250 charged separately. Once your investor visa is issued, you can sponsor residence visas for family members including spouse, children, and eligible parents.

Yes. A Meydan Free Zone trade licence is accepted by UAE banks and international financial institutions for corporate bank account applications. The account opening process requires the trade licence, shareholder and director passport copies, a business overview, and in some cases proof of initial business activity or transactions. Bank approval timelines in the UAE typically range from two to six weeks depending on the institution and business profile. KDHA PRIVE provides introductions to suitable banking partners and assists with the documentation required to improve approval outcomes.

The UAE applies a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000, with a 0% rate for qualifying small businesses below this threshold. Free zone companies, including those in Meydan, may qualify for a 0% tax rate on qualifying income if they meet the criteria of a Qualifying Free Zone Person under UAE Corporate Tax Law. This requires maintaining adequate economic substance, earning qualifying income primarily from international trade or other free zone companies, and filing annual corporate tax returns. VAT at 5% applies once a business crosses the mandatory registration threshold. KDHA PRIVE handles corporate tax registration, VAT registration, and ongoing compliance filing.

Fawri is Meydan Free Zone’s express digital licence designed exclusively for solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individual business owners. It is a 100% digital, compliance-led LLC licence covering more than 1,800 approved activities. The Fawri licence can be issued in as little as 60 minutes for eligible applicants and allows same-day initiation of corporate bank account applications and visa processing. It is best suited to individuals who want the fastest possible UAE business setup with minimal documentation and administrative friction.

For a standard Meydan Free Zone FZ-LLC registration, the core documents required are a valid passport copy for each shareholder and director, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a completed application form. UAE residents should also provide a copy of their UAE residence visa page and Emirates ID. For corporate shareholders, additional documents are required including a Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Incumbency (issued within the last three months), Memorandum and Articles of Association, and an Ultimate Beneficial Owner Declaration. All foreign-language documents must be legally translated into English or Arabic. KDHA PRIVE confirms the complete document checklist for your specific structure before you begin.

Meydan Free Zone offers a middle ground between IFZA’s budget pricing and DMCC’s premium positioning. IFZA, based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is the most affordable option starting from approximately AED 11,900, suited to cost-conscious entrepreneurs. Meydan starts from AED 12,500 and offers a more prestigious central Dubai address, a wider activity list of 2,500+ options, and the unique ability to combine trading and consulting activities under one licence. DMCC, located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, is the most expensive option starting from AED 20,000+, requires a physical office, and is best suited to established international businesses in commodities, finance, or global trade seeking maximum credibility. For most startups and growing businesses, Meydan offers the best balance of cost, location, and activity flexibility.

Yes. Meydan Free Zone permits up to three business activity groups to be included under a single licence at no additional cost. This makes it one of the most flexible free zones in Dubai for businesses that operate across multiple sectors. Activities can include combinations of trading and professional services on the same licence, which many other free zones either prohibit or charge extra for. Additional activity groups beyond three can be added for a supplementary fee of AED 1,000 per additional group.

Annual licence renewal costs for Meydan Free Zone are typically comparable to the original licence fee, starting from approximately AED 12,500 for a standard package. The Establishment Card renewal costs AED 2,200 per year. Visa renewals are charged separately per applicant. Renewal documents generally include updated passport copies and relevant declarations. Businesses should also account for any changes in regulatory requirements, such as annual corporate tax filing and UBO record updates, which KDHA PRIVE manages on behalf of clients.

Yes. Meydan Free Zone offers specific licensing options for e-commerce businesses, including a dedicated e-commerce activity package. A Meydan e-commerce licence allows businesses to sell products through UAE and international platforms, operate online stores, and conduct cross-border digital commerce. The licence includes the registered address and flexi-desk required for compliance and is eligible for UAE residence visa applications. E-commerce operators using UAE fulfilment centres or selling into the mainland market should discuss their specific model with KDHA PRIVE to confirm the appropriate licence structure and any additional approvals required.

Yes, company migration from another UAE free zone or mainland jurisdiction to Meydan Free Zone is possible, but it typically requires closing the existing entity and incorporating a new company in Meydan rather than a direct transfer. The process involves settling all outstanding obligations with the existing authority, transferring assets, and obtaining new licences and registrations. The timeline and cost of migration vary depending on the complexity of the existing business structure. KDHA PRIVE advises on the most efficient migration approach and manages the process to minimise operational disruption.