Meydan Free Zone​ Business Setup

Meydan Free Zone is a strategic business hub in Dubai that is quickly becoming a preferred destination for entrepreneurs. Established in 2009 under Ruler’s Decree, Meydan FZ functions as a fully regulated free zone designed to simplify company formation and operations in the UAE.

The free zone offers over 2,500 business activities across sectors like trading, consulting, e‑commerce, logistics, media, and services. Its 24/7 digital setup platform (meydanfz.ae) lets you apply for licenses and manage operations online, reducing bureaucracy and saving time.

Located within Meydan City and just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), Meydan Free Zone gives businesses fast access to global markets. It supports full foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and streamlined residence and visa for investors and staff. These features make it a practical choice for companies aiming for business setup in the UAE.

Starting a business in the Meydan Free Zone is fast, flexible, and cost-effective. Key advantages include:

• 100% Foreign Ownership: You retain full ownership of your company without the need for a local sponsor or partner.
• Tax Advantages: Benefit from a favorable tax environment, including no personal income tax and access to corporate tax reliefs where applicable. Eligible companies may also enjoy 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, subject to compliance with the UAE Corporate Tax Law and relevant regulatory conditions.
• Flexible Business Licenses: Select from a wide range of license options covering trading, consultancy, e-commerce, media, logistics, and professional services.
• Strategic Location: Operate from Dubai with seamless access to major highways, airports, and key commercial districts.
• Digital-First Infrastructure: Complete company registration, license management, and renewals entirely online through a single portal.
• Smooth Banking and Visa Support: Access structured assistance for opening corporate bank accounts and securing UAE visas for investors and employees.

Whether you are a startup, SME, or holding company, Meydan Free Zone provides the ideal environment for a smooth and efficient business setup in the UAE free zone.

Choosing the right structure directly affects ownership, liability, and licensing when starting a business in Meydan Free Zone. Your choice will affect business ownership, liability, and licensing. The free zone offers various options for entrepreneurs, partnerships, and international companies, including:

1. FZE: A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is for a single shareholder. You get 100% ownership and limited liability. FZEs are popular for consultancy, trading, and IT services.
2. FZCO: A Free Zone Company (FZCO) allows two to five shareholders. Owners share profits and responsibilities as defined in the formation documents. FZCOs suit small businesses and partnerships.
3. Branch of a Foreign Company: International companies can open a branch in Meydan Free Zone. This lets foreign businesses operate in Dubai without forming a separate entity. Branches maintain control from the parent company and can repatriate profits.
4. Freelancer License: A freelancer license is for individual professionals. It allows legal operation without setting up a company. This type works best for consultants, designers, IT developers, and other service providers.

Each structure offers full foreign ownership, tax benefits, and access to Meydan Free Zone’s facilities. Choose the one that fits your business goals and growth plans.

Meydan Free Zone supports a wide range of business activities across different sectors. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs and investors to operate in areas that match their business goals. Some of the most popular business activities include:

• Trading & Import-Export: Buy, sell, and distribute goods locally and internationally, leveraging customs duty advantages.
• Consultancy & Professional Services: Offer business, legal, IT, marketing, or financial consulting services to clients in the UAE and beyond.
• E-Commerce & Digital Businesses: Set up online stores, digital marketing agencies, or tech-based startups with flexible licensing options.
• Media & Advertising: Operate creative agencies, media production companies, or advertising consultancies.
• Logistics & Warehousing: Manage storage, distribution, and supply chain operations from strategically located warehouses.
• Education & Training: Offer specialized courses, workshops, and professional development programs.
• Technology & IT Services: Software development, IT solutions, app development, and cybersecurity services.
• Healthcare & Medical Services: Clinics, wellness centers, medical consultancy, or health-related training programs.
• Retail & Franchising: Retail outlets, showrooms, or franchise businesses targeting local and regional markets.

By choosing these business activities, companies can grow efficiently and expand across the UAE and international markets.

Setting up a company in Meydan Free Zone is a fast and fully digital process designed to reduce paperwork and save time. Below is the complete Meydan Free Zone company formation and registration process:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activities

• Select up to three business activity groups from over 2,500 options.
• Ensure your chosen activities match your business plan and license type.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Note: You need special approvals from authorities like the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for certain regulated activities before or after license issuance.

Step 2: Choose Your Legal Structure and Trade Name

• Decide the company structure (e.g., Free Zone Establishment or Free Zone Company).
• Reserve a unique trade name that complies with UAE naming rules.
• Authorities quickly approve your name reservation once you submit it.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Note: You can also apply for trademark registration to protect your brand and intellectual property from the start.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application

• Gather required documents such as passport copies, chosen trade name, and selected business activities.
• Submit your application digitally via the Meydan Free Zone portal (Fawri system) at “ae”.

No local sponsor or presence in the UAE is needed at this stage.

Estimated Timeline: 1–3 days

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval and License Issuance

• Meydan Free Zone reviews your application and conducts due diligence.
• If all is in order, you can receive your trade license and company documents.
• With the Fawri service, licenses can be issued in as little as 60 minutes once approved.

Estimated Timeline: 1–5 days

Step 5: Open Your Business Bank Account

• After the license issuance, start the bank account application.
• Use your trade license and establishment card for compliance checks.
• Some partner banks offer digital onboarding and guaranteed IBAN access. This step is an important part of the business setup in the Dubai Free Zone.

Estimated Timeline: 3–7 days (some banks may take longer depending on compliance checks)

Step 6: Apply for Visas (if Needed)

• Once your license is active, apply for your investor/residence visa and visas for staff.
• The process includes entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.

Estimated Timeline: 10–20 days (after documentation is complete)

Step 7: Fulfill Post‑Setup Compliance

• Renew your license and visas before expiry to stay operational.
• Keep your company records updated and follow mandated compliance filings (e.g., UBO records).
• Ensure all regulatory documents and tax eligibility requirements remain valid.

Estimated Timeline: Ongoing (renewal yearly or triennially, depending on license)

Step 8: Start Your Business Operations

• With your license, bank account, and visas ready, you can begin operations.
• Set up your online presence, hire employees, and sign contracts with vendors or clients.
• You can even start with a virtual office and upgrade to a physical workspace. You can expand your license activities later as your business grows.

Estimated Timeline: Immediately after license and bank account issuance

Looking to set up your Meydan Free Zone company smoothly? SafeLedger offers expert guidance from license issuance to visas and bank accounts. With years of experience in the UAE, we make the process smooth. Contact us today and grow your business stress-free!

The cost of registering a company in Meydan Free Zone​ ranges from AED 12,500 to 35,000. Below is a clear breakdown of the Meydan free zone business setup fees to help you plan your budget effectively.

The cost of business setup in Meydan Free Zone can vary slightly depending on chosen packages, activity types, office requirements, and optional services. Always verify with Meydan Free Zone Authority or your setup partner for the current exact pricing.

Tip: If you don’t need visas right away, the zero‑visa license (starting ~AED 12,500) is the most cost‑effective entry point.

The documents required to set up a company in Meydan Free Zone can be submitted digitally via the Fawri system. Below is a clear breakdown of the documents you need.

1. Key Documents Required

To get your Meydan Free Zone company up and running, you need to prepare a set of essential documents that the authority requires for license issuance.

• Passport Copies & Photographs: Recent passport copies and passport-sized photographs of all shareholders, partners, and directors.
• Trade Name Approval & Business Activity List: Confirmation of your reserved trade name and selected business activities.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement for shareholders or partners.
• Business Plan (if required): Often requested for consultancy, professional, or regulated activities.
• Board Resolution / PoA: A board resolution or a Power of Attorney (PoA) is needed if a representative is submitting the application on your behalf.
• Reference Letters / CVs (if applicable): For professional or consulting activities that require credentials.

2. Additional Documents Required

Depending on your business type, office choice, or visa needs, certain additional documents may be required to meet regulatory, banking, or operational requirements.

• Regulatory Approvals: Required for businesses in finance, healthcare, or education. Relevant authorities include the Central Bank of the UAE or the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
• NOC: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is needed if shareholders or directors are UAE residents under another sponsor.
• Bank Reference / Letters: Some banks request a reference letter from your current bank for corporate account opening.
• Shareholder / Director Credentials: CVs, qualification certificates, or professional references for consultancy or professional activities.
• Ejari / Office Lease: Ejari registration is required if you choose a dedicated physical office instead of a virtual or flexi-desk setup.
• Attested / Legalized Documents: Power of attorney, passports, or shareholder documents may need attestation from the UAE Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for certain activities or banking.

Prepare these additional documents in advance to avoid delays in processing, regulated activities, and corporate bank account approvals.

Meydan Free Zone offers a variety of business licenses to suit different activities. These include:

Choosing the right type of business license ensures your business operates efficiently and grows without legal obstacles.