Dubai is one of the best places in the world to launch a business. It’s tax-friendly, strategically located, and always evolving. Among the many Free Zones here, Meydan Free Zone stands out for its digital-first approach, fast-track licensing, and prime location near Downtown Dubai.
If you’re thinking about starting a business in Meydan Free Zone, this guide gives you a step-by-step breakdown, covering everything from picking the right activity to getting your license and opening your bank account. You’ll get clarity, direction, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding Meydan Free Zone
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what makes Meydan Free Zone unique. Located just minutes from Burj Khalifa and Business Bay, this Free Zone offers a modern setup that works well for startups, freelancers, and international companies alike.
Unlike traditional zones, everything at Meydan—from license issuance to visa processing—is handled digitally. This means less paperwork, faster setup, and more flexibility. Whether you’re setting up an e-commerce store, a marketing agency, or a global consultancy, Meydan Free Zone makes it easy to hit the ground running.
Why Choose Meydan Over Other Free Zones?
Meydan is all about ease. The zone is built for the modern entrepreneur—no complicated approvals, no long waiting periods. You can apply online, get your business license within a few days, and work from anywhere in the UAE. There’s no need to rent a huge office space either. Even a flexi-desk can get you started.
Benefits of Starting a Business in Meydan Free Zone
Starting a business in Meydan Free Zone comes with more than just location perks. It gives you the freedom to scale without the typical restrictions of other zones or mainland setups.
100% Ownership Without a Local Sponsor
You own your company completely. No need to share equity with a UAE national or pay annual sponsorship fees.
Zero Corporate and Personal Income Tax
There’s no corporate tax on your business (if you meet certain exemptions) and no personal income tax. That means you keep more of your earnings.
No Restrictions on Capital Repatriation
You can send profits back home anytime—no limits, no red tape.
Fast Licensing and Visa Processing
The digital platform allows you to get everything done in record time. In most cases, your company can be licensed within 3–5 days.
Wide Range of Activities
You can choose from more than 2,500 approved business activities—from media to consulting, trading to education, and more.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Business in Meydan Free Zone
Launching your business in Meydan Free Zone is simpler than most other jurisdictions in the region. But it still helps to follow the steps properly to avoid delays or rejections.
Step 1 – Choose Your Business Activity
Start by selecting what type of business you want to run. Meydan Free Zone supports a wide variety of sectors, so whether it’s digital marketing, software development, or food trading—you’ll find your match. Choose an activity that aligns with your long-term goals and expansion plans.
Step 2 – Pick a Company Structure
You can register as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Sole Establishment, or even a Branch of a Foreign Company. Most solo entrepreneurs or small businesses go with an FZ-LLC for full flexibility.
Step 3 – Name Your Business
Choose a trade name that matches your activity. Make sure it’s not already in use, not offensive, and follows UAE naming rules (no religious, political, or government-linked names).
Step 4 – Submit the Application
Once you’ve picked your name and activity, you’ll need to fill out your application and upload documents like passport copy, Emirates ID (if applicable), photo, and business plan if required.
Step 5 – Get Your Business License
After submitting the application, you’ll receive your business license in as little as 3–5 days. You’ll be able to start operating legally from the moment you receive it.
Step 6 – Apply for Visa (if needed)
You can apply for a residence visa for yourself and your team. The number of visas depends on your office type. Even with a virtual office, you can get at least one visa.
Step 7 – Open Your Bank Account
With your trade license and visa in hand, you can now open a business bank account in the UAE. Meydan Free Zone has partnerships with local and international banks to make this process smoother.
Documents Required for Business Setup
To speed things up, it helps to have all your documents ready. While the exact list depends on your structure, here’s what most applicants need:
For Individual Entrepreneurs
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Residence visa (if you’re in the UAE)
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution
- Memorandum of Association
- Passport copies of company directors/shareholders
Make sure documents are clear, recent, and if necessary, notarized.
Costs of Setting Up a Business in Meydan Free Zone
Understanding the cost breakdown is important to budget smartly. While Meydan is one of the more affordable Free Zones, pricing still depends on your activity and visa requirements.
Business License Fees
- Starting from AED 12,500 per year (single activity, no visa)
- Multi-activity licenses and visa allocations increase the fee
Visa Fees
- Investor visa: Around AED 4,000–AED 7,000, depending on duration and medical test
- Employee visas cost a bit more due to labor file fees
Office Options
- Virtual/Flexi Desk: Starts around AED 6,500/year
- Shared office: AED 10,000–15,000/year
- Executive offices: AED 20,000+ depending on location and size
Other Expenses
- Medical test & Emirates ID
- Bank account opening balance (varies per bank)
- Optional PRO services if you want expert help
Top Business Activities to Consider in Meydan Free Zone
If you’re not sure what business to launch, here are some top activities trending in Meydan right now:
E-commerce
Sell products across the UAE or globally with an e-commerce license. No warehouse required.
Consulting
Offer business, HR, marketing, or legal advice. Ideal for professionals with experience.
Digital Marketing
Run ad campaigns, create content, or manage social media for clients worldwide.
Trading
Buy and sell goods—locally or internationally. Great for those with supply chain connections.
Conclusion
Setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone gives you a fast, modern, and flexible way to establish yourself in Dubai’s economy. The low entry cost, simplified licensing, and range of activities make it perfect for solo entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international firms looking to expand. If you’re exploring Business Setup in Meydan Free Zone Dubai, you’ll find it offers an easy start, strong infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment that checks all the boxes.
FAQs
How to start a business in Meydan Free Zone?
Pick your activity, choose a name, apply through the Meydan online portal, and get your license in 3–5 days. The process is digital and hassle-free.
How much does it cost to start a business in Meydan Free Zone?
Costs start from AED 12,500 for a single-activity, no-visa license. Add-ons like extra visas, office upgrades, or multiple activities will increase the total.
What are the benefits of setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone?
You get 100% ownership, zero tax on profits, fast setup, and no need for physical office space unless you want one.
What kind of businesses can you start in Meydan Free Zone?
Consulting, e-commerce, IT services, trading, logistics, marketing, and more. There are over 2,500 approved activities to choose from.
How to open a company in UAE Free Zone?
To open a company in a UAE Free Zone, follow these steps:
- Choose your Free Zone (like Meydan, IFZA, SHAMS, or DMCC).
- Select your business activity from the approved list.
- Decide on a legal structure (e.g., FZ-LLC or Sole Establishment).
- Reserve your trade name.
- Submit the application with required documents.
- Get your license and, if needed, apply for residence visas.
- Open a corporate bank account.
Each Free Zone has its own process, but most now offer online registration and digital license issuance, especially Meydan Free Zone which operates fully online.
Is Meydan Free Zone good?
Yes, Meydan Free Zone is one of the best Free Zones in Dubai for modern entrepreneurs. It’s ideal if you’re looking for:
- Fast and fully digital setup
- Affordable license packages
- No physical office required to start
- Access to over 2,500 business activities
- Strategic location just minutes from Downtown Dubai
It’s especially popular among startups, freelancers, and service-based businesses looking for an easy, low-cost entry into the UAE market.
What is the minimum share capital of Meydan Free Zone company?
Unlike some other Free Zones in the UAE, Meydan Free Zone does not require any minimum share capital to start. You can register your company without depositing any capital in advance, which helps reduce the initial setup cost.
However, if you’re applying for specific activities like financial services or regulated consulting, you may need to show proof of financial capability depending on the activity and bank requirements.
Which is the cheapest Free Zone company in UAE?
The cheapest Free Zone in the UAE depends on your needs (e.g., visa, office, or business activity), but here are a few that consistently offer low-cost packages:
- Meydan Free Zone – Great for digital businesses, e-commerce, and consultants. Starts around AED 12,500.
- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) – Popular for flexible packages with or without visas.
- SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) – Ideal for media, content creation, and digital services.
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) – Offers attractive pricing for industrial and general trading licenses.
If you’re focused on affordability with a modern, paperless setup, Meydan Free Zone offers some of the best value for new businesses.
