Meydan Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai

Why Choose Meydan Free Zone for Business Setup?

Meydan Free Zone, located in the heart of Dubai, attracts entrepreneurs due to its favourable combination of a prestigious address, flexible conditions, and affordable costs. It is one of the most popular zones for start-ups and small businesses due to the possibility of registering a company remotely without the need to be physically present. Meydan Free Zone offers a fast processing procedure, full ownership for foreign investors, and access to corporate banking services in the UAE. There are no visa restrictions, and businesses can operate in the UAE or abroad. Flexibility, convenience, and support make Meydan a great starting point for international business development.

About Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone was established in 2009 by decree of the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is a state-supported free economic zone that is part of Dubai's major logistics cluster that includes the Dubai Logistics corridor, Al Maktoum Airport, and proximity to Downtown Dubai, providing a strategic location.

MFZ is focused on the growth of innovative businesses and e-commerce, offering over 2,500 activities ranging from trading and consultancy to IT and media. It is integrated with the infrastructure projects of Meydan City, a renowned logistics and business hub that includes a hotel, racecourse, and residential developments.

Thanks to Fawri's digital platform, remote business registration is possible, public, fast, and affordable. MFZ has positioned itself as a flexible, SME-focused business hub, and fits perfectly with the UAE's policy of diversifying its economy and attracting foreign investors.

Business Activities Allowed in Meydan Free Zone

A wide range of activities are permitted in the Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) - more than 2,500 items covering commerce, consulting, IT, media, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, and the food industry.

Several areas, e.g., e-commerce, project management, and consulting, can be combined on one general licence for maximum flexibility. Special areas, such as virtual assets under VARA regulation, are available only here.

Some activities require pre-approval from the MFZ, especially for industries like financial services, media production, or virtual assets.

Licences are divided into commercial, consultancy, media, and general trade licences. For example, an IT startup, an e-commerce platform startup, logistics, a property agency, marketing, or production are allowed.

MFZ provides a legal environment with 100 per cent foreign ownership, digital registration, and the ability to expand after the Fawri phase.

Step-by-Step Meydan Freezone Company Formation and Registration

The company registration process at Meydan Free Zone is simple and fast, thanks to the digital filing system. In this section, you will find step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the steps from selecting a licence to obtaining a resident visa and registering a company.

Required Documents and Timeline

The following documents are required to register a company in Meydan Free Zone:

Passport (minimum 6 months validity), copy of visa page (if you are already in UAE), passport photo on white background
Proof of address - utility bill not older than 3 months
For corporate shareholders - incorporation documents (MOA/AOA), certificate of incorporation, tax certificate, and board resolution

Processing Timeframe:

For digital filing, a licence, incorporation documents, and an Establishment Card can be issued in 2-3 working days (assuming the papers are fully ready)
On average, 6-8 working days to obtain the licence, then +2-3 days for the immigration card and another 2-3 days for the Entry Permit and Emirates ID.

The total process from application to obtaining a licence, immigration documents, and visa will take approximately 1-2 weeks, provided all documents are in order and there are no special requirements.

Remote Registration Option

Meydan Free Zone offers a fully digital application process through the Fawri platform. This allows entrepreneurs to register their business remotely - from anywhere in the world, all they need is a valid UAE Pass and an internet connection

Fawri provides instant licence issuance - the process from application to final approval can take as little as 60 minutes. Together with the licence, the entrepreneur immediately receives LLC documents, certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and can start the application for a visa and bank account opening.

Advantages of remote registration:

Completely paperless process, eliminating the need to visit the UAE
Ability to combine up to 1,800 activities under one licence
Guaranteed package: free licence adjustment in the first year, refund in case of delay.
Entry Visa, Corporate Bank Account, and Establishment Card can be applied for at the same time.

In summary, Meydan Free Zone makes remote registration as fast, convenient and reliable as possible, which is ideal for digital entrepreneurs and startups looking to start operating in the UAE immediately.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Meydan Freezone

At Meydan Free Zone, entrepreneurs can choose from several types of licences depending on the type of the business and the scale of operations. The Zone offers flexible licence conditions with the possibility of combining different areas. In this section, we will look at the main types of licences and their associated costs.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Zero-visa Package

Includes licence and flexi-desk (up to 3 workstations).
No visas.
Cost: 12,500 AED/year

1 Visa Package

Licence + 1 resident visa.
Flexi-desk included.
Price: ≈ 14,350 AED/year

Packages with 2-4 visas

2 visas ~16,220 AED
3 visas ~18,050 AED
4 visas ~19,900 AED/year

All include a flexi-desk and basic activities.

Additional fees:

Establishment Card: ~2,000 AED (extensions from around 2,200 AED).
Resident Visa (medical, Emirates ID, etc.): ~3,500-4,670 AED per person.

Expense:

medical examination: 450-850 AED,
Emirates ID: ~390 AED.
e-channel / deposit refund / additional services: as indicated by MFZ-sheets (approximately 1,000-2,000 AED).

MFZ offers clear packages: from visa-free to 4 visas with a flexi-desk. Visa formalities and an Establishment Card are additionally paid. The price depends on the number of visas and required services, and can reach ~20-25 thousand AED for a complete package for one visa.

Meydan Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Who is suitable for:

Freelancers and consultants - especially in IT, marketing, project management, finance, and creative services.
Small and medium-sized merchants - thanks to the flexible licence and online sales opportunities.
E-commerce projects - MFZ actively supports online commerce and offers relevant licences.
Companies working with international clients - the zone does not limit the geography of operations.
Investors wishing to start quickly, thanks to remote registration and a licence issued in 1 day.
Startups with limited budgets - low start-up costs and no mandatory authorised capital.

Who is not suitable:

Manufacturing companies and warehouse operators - there are no industrial facilities and logistics infrastructure in MFZ.
High-risk nationalities (e.g., Iran, Afghanistan, Syria) - they may be subject to visa denial or lengthy approvals.
Companies that require mandatory VAT registration - MFZ does not provide automatic VAT TRN, this requires separate registration.
Offline trading companies with a physical shop, a flexi-desk, do not give the right to rent retail space.

Meydan Free Zone is ideal for digital entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce, and start-ups that need speed, remote registration, and minimal costs. But it is not the best choice for those who plan manufacturing, warehousing activities, or require a physical shop.

Conclusion

Opening a company in Meydan Free Zone is a strategic solution for those looking for a fast, affordable, and flexible start-up in the UAE. Meydan offers fully digital registration, the ability to obtain a licence within one business day, and combine different activities under one licence, which is particularly attractive to freelancers, consultants, IT companies, e-commerce projects, and small businesses.

The zone is ideal for entrepreneurs working in services, online commerce, and international consultancy. It does not require a large share capital, remote registration is possible, and the cost of visa packages is one of the most affordable in Dubai. If physical space rental or warehousing is not critical for your business, Meydan Free Zone may be the optimal entry point into the UAE market.

Nevertheless, the process, especially when choosing the type of activity, number of visas, and taking into account visa restrictions on nationality, requires care and professional support. Contacting experienced business consultants will help you avoid mistakes, speed up the license and visa application process, and select the optimal package of services.

If you are planning to enter the UAE market quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy, start with a consultation. Our experts will help you go through all the stages of registration as efficiently as possible and prepare a personalised business proposal tailored to your objectives. We’ll help you avoid mistakes and achieve success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about business setup in the UAE. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us directly.

Can I register a company in Meydan Free Zone without visiting the UAE?

Yes, Meydan Free Zone offers a fully remote registration process through their digital platform. You can submit all documents online, receive the trade license within 1–2 business days, and apply for visas remotely. Physical presence in the UAE is not required at the initial stage. However, if you plan to obtain a residence visa, you will need to visit the UAE later for medical tests and Emirates ID processing.

Does Meydan Free Zone offer installment payment options?

Yes, Meydan Free Zone provides flexible payment plans, including installment options in some cases. The availability of installment payments depends on the specific service provider or authorized agent assisting you with the registration. It’s advisable to clarify payment terms in advance, as direct installment options through Meydan itself may be limited. Many business setup consultants offer tailored packages with split payments to ease the financial burden for new businesses.

Can I use a Meydan license for trading outside the UAE?

Yes, a Meydan Free Zone license allows you to conduct international trade and provide services to clients outside the UAE without restrictions. You can issue invoices to foreign clients and open international bank accounts. However, local trading within mainland UAE requires a local distributor or additional licensing. Meydan is particularly well-suited for e-commerce, consulting, and service-oriented businesses targeting global markets.

What activities require pre-approval in the Meydan free zone?

Activities that typically require pre-approval in Meydan Free Zone include financial services, media production, real estate brokerage, education-related businesses, and healthcare services. Additionally, businesses dealing with regulated sectors like virtual assets may need approvals from external authorities such as VARA or the UAE Central Bank. Always verify whether your selected business activity has specific regulatory requirements before applying for the license.

How does Meydan compare to other zones like DMCC or IFZA?

Meydan Free Zone is generally more affordable and faster in processing than DMCC, which is known for higher costs but stronger international prestige. Compared to IFZA, Meydan offers simpler digital registration, though IFZA may provide broader activity categories and larger visa quotas. Meydan is ideal for startups, freelancers, and e-commerce, while DMCC suits businesses needing a high-profile address, and IFZA targets flexible, cost-conscious companies seeking broader trading options.