Meydan Freezone: Who It Suits, What You Get and Costs

If you are a freelancer, consultant or small trading or service firm, Meydan Freezone offers a quick route to a Dubai licence with 100% ownership. A standard digital trade licence starts from AED 12,500. Visas and other services cost extra, so budget for them before you commit.

What is Meydan Freezone and what do you actually get?

Meydan Freezone is a Dubai free zone where you can register a company online. Foreigners can hold 100% ownership with no local sponsor, and you do not need UAE residency to begin. Non-residents can register, open a corporate bank account and apply for a residence visa online from anywhere in the world.

There are two licence routes. The standard digital trade licence includes up to 3 business activities, a flexi-desk and visa allocation eligibility. A flexi-desk is a flexible workspace arrangement used instead of a leased office. The Fawri instant licence is issued in under 60 minutes, with one free amendment and a money-back guarantee if it is delayed. A standard licence arrives within a day.

A free zone licence normally lets you operate from the zone, and Meydan also points to the option of trading on the mainland when you are ready. “Mainland” means Dubai’s onshore jurisdiction, which has its own rules. Keep in mind that licence activities, visas, bank account assistance and other services are separate line items.

Who is Meydan Freezone best suited to?

Meydan Freezone tends to fit people who want low overheads and a fast, remote setup. That usually means freelancers, consultants, and small service or trading firms that do not need a large physical footprint. Use this checklist to test the fit:

• Physical office: Will clients or staff visit you, or can a flexi-desk cover your licensing needs?
• Number of activities: Do your services fit within 3 activities?
• Team size: How many employee visas will you need, now and in a year?
• Client requirements: Do your customers expect a mainland contract partner?

Who may want to look elsewhere

Ask harder questions if your plans include large warehouse or office space, heavy retail, or direct mainland customer-facing work. The same goes for regulated activities. None of these is a firm “no”. They are reasons to confirm the details before paying.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing activities too narrowly or too broadly. Too narrow, and you may need an amendment later. Too broad, and you may pay for activities you will never use.
• Assuming a flexi-desk suits every business. It works for many service models, but not all.
• Ignoring tax status. Free zone companies are subject to the UAE’s 9% corporate tax. A 0% rate on qualifying income applies only if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria under the UAE Corporate Tax Law. VAT applies at 5% on most goods and services, and there is no personal income tax. Confirm your position with a tax advisor, ideally one who can also handle bookkeeping. Our guide to accounting services in Al Ain, covering bookkeeping, VAT and audit explains what ongoing support looks like.

How much does Meydan Freezone cost in AED?

The prices below are Meydan’s own starting figures, not all-in totals. The licence is only the first line of your budget.

Multi-year licences save up to 15%. Bank account assistance is priced separately too, so ask for that figure in writing.

How to build your own budget

Start with the licence you need. Add an investor visa if you plan to live in the UAE under the company. Then add each employee visa, plus medical and Emirates ID assistance. Because the typical first investor visa total already includes the establishment card, avoid counting that card twice. Ask for a written quote that shows each line.

Before you pay, confirm final fees on the official Meydan Free Zone website or through a licensed consultancy. Starting prices exclude add-ons.

What visa allowances and residency benefits come with it?

As the company owner, you can sponsor residence visas for yourself, your employees and your dependents, including your spouse, children and eligible parents. These visas are typically valid for 2 years and renewable.

Meydan describes the journey as entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping, all handled by the zone. Visa services are priced separately from the trade licence. If you want to understand how long a residence visa lasts and how to check it, see UAE visa validity and how to check status and validity of visa in UAE and how to plan ahead. If you will be travelling to the UAE during setup, our tourist visa validity check guide covers the basics.

Practical tip: map your visa needs to the licence package before choosing. Ask Meydan or your consultant to confirm in writing the visa allocation tied to your package, rather than assuming it.

How does the Meydan setup process work, and how does it compare with other free zones?

The process runs in a clear sequence:

1. Choose your activities. Decide which of your up to 3 activities you need.
2. Pick your licence type. Choose between the standard digital licence and the Fawri instant licence.
3. Submit documents online. Non-residents can do this from anywhere.
4. Receive your licence. This takes within a day for standard, or under 60 minutes for Fawri.
5. Add the extras. Visa, Emirates ID and a corporate bank account can be added during the same process.

For a wider view of the registrations a new Dubai company should plan for, read 6 registrations new companies need in Dubai.

Comparing free zones fairly

Meydan’s figures are its own, so compare other zones against the same criteria. Check each competitor’s fees on its own official site.

Which way to lean

Meydan looks strongest for lean, remote-friendly service or trading startups. If you need physical space or heavy mainland trade, compare other options before you decide.

Not sure which licence matches your plans? Book a free consultation with Al Ain Business Center’s experts. They can help you match activities, visas and budget to your goals before you pay for anything.