Meydan Free Zone in Dubai is a 100% digital, 24/7 freezone built for fast, compliant business setup in 2025—including a 60‑minute Fawri LLC license. Key benefits: 100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital, direct trading with Dubai mainland companies, and 2,500+ activities (up to 3 per license) within a community of 83,000+ members. Cost starts from AED 12,500, and total fees depend on activities, visa quota, shareholders, and office choice (from flexi‑desk to dedicated space). Taxes are simple: 0% personal income tax; 9% federal corporate baseline, with 0% on qualifying income if you meet Qualified Free Zone Person conditions. The process is fully online—choose a compliant name, select FZ‑LLC, FZE, or Branch, upload documents, pay, and download your e‑license, often within one business day. Banking and visas can start the same day, with partner support for IBAN issuance and a location 15 minutes from Downtown and about 20 minutes from DXB—making this freezon a practical base for growth.
Why Meydan Free Zone is on every founder’s 2025 shortlist
Meydan Free Zone sits minutes from Downtown Dubai and a short ride from DXB. That matters. Clients can reach you. Couriers don’t get lost. And your team can move fast. The vibe is modern and polished, with business lounges, flexi-desks, and private offices that scale with you. If you don’t need a large space on day one, you don’t have to pay for it.
The real headline is digital. Meydan runs a 24/7, 100% online portal. Name check, cost calculator, license, payments, and company documents all live in one place. With the Fawri path, founders can secure an LLC license in about 60 minutes once KYC is cleared. The activities catalogue is deep—think 1,800+ now, expanding toward 2,500+ across commercial, services, media, and investment. For a business setup in Dubai, this freezone is built for speed without skipping compliance.
The headline benefits you actually feel day one
You own 100% of your company and can repatriate capital and profits freely. That alone simplifies investor conversations. You can also contract with mainland clients in Dubai under your free zone license. If your model requires an onshore retail presence, stock storage, or regulated onshore activity, plan for a distributor, a mainland branch, or additional approvals. Service businesses often operate cleanly with free zone + onshore contracts.
There’s community baked in. Meydan’s network has tens of thousands of members, which helps with deal flow and hiring. And the admin experience is tidy: one portal covers licensing, renewals, and corporate actions. No paper-chasing across multiple authorities. If you value predictable process, this is where Meydan free zone pulls ahead.
What it really costs to set up in Meydan Free Zone
Entry packages start from about AED 12,500 for a trade license with up to three activities. Costs rise with visas, office solutions, extra activities, and any third‑party approvals. If you take a flexi‑desk and one visa, expect a higher figure than a license‑only option. Three visas and a dedicated office move you up another tier. The cost calculator on Meydan’s portal is useful and, frankly, one of the best in Dubai’s freezone scene.
Banks in the UAE support easy payment plans on qualifying cards, so you can spread the setup cost over several months. That helps cash flow in the first 90 days. Keep a cushion for health insurance, visa medicals, Emirates ID, attestation of foreign documents, and initial bookkeeping. Those are real costs that don’t show up on the license invoice but matter to your runway.
The step-by-step process that works in 2025
The process is straightforward and mostly digital. You choose activities, check your company name, upload KYC, pay, and get your license—often the same day—then handle visas and banking. Timelines vary with your passport, prior UAE residence history, and bank selection, but 2–4 weeks for the whole journey is common if you move briskly.
- Step 1: Pick your activities (you can bundle up to three on one license). Use the name check tool to reserve a compliant company name fast.
- Step 2: Select structure (FZ-LLC, FZE, or Branch) and your license type (Commercial, Services/Consultancy, or Media).
- Step 3: Upload KYC on the portal and pay. The Fawri track can issue your LLC license in about 60 minutes after approvals.
- Step 4: Obtain establishment card, set your visa quota, and apply for entry permits. Complete medicals and biometrics for Emirates ID.
- Step 5: Open your corporate bank account. Start VAT and corporate tax registrations if applicable. Align bookkeeping from month one.
Expect visas to take 5–10 working days after your entry permit is issued. Bank accounts can take 1–3 weeks depending on the bank, your business model, and the quality of your documentation.
Documents you’ll be asked for
For individual shareholders and managers, have passport copies, current UAE visa/Emirates ID (if resident), a profile/CV, a simple business plan, and proof of address. A bank reference letter or recent bank statements are often requested.
For corporate shareholders, add the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, Memorandum/Articles, incumbency or extract, board resolution appointing the Meydan manager, and a Power of Attorney where required. Ensure recent notarisation and legalisation if the parent is foreign. Meydan may ask for audited financials for established parents.
Getting the license right: structures and license types
Most founders choose a Free Zone LLC (FZ‑LLC). It limits liability, keeps governance simple, and fits investor expectations. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single‑shareholder variant. If you’re extending an existing foreign or UAE company, a Branch can be cleaner for brand continuity and consolidated reporting.
Meydan Free Zone issues three core license types. Commercial is for trading, import/export, and distribution (note: Meydan does not provide warehouses). Services/Consultancy covers professional services like tech, marketing, management, and advisory. Media suits creative, content, and communications businesses. You can combine up to three activities, and the catalogue is broad enough that most service-first startups find a perfect match.
2025 tax and compliance: the part most people get wrong
The UAE corporate tax is 9% for taxable income, but free zones have a special regime. If your Meydan company qualifies as a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” (QFZP), qualifying income can be taxed at 0%, while non‑qualifying income is at 9%. To keep the 0%, you must meet substance rules in the free zone, maintain audited financial statements, avoid excluded activities, and observe the de minimis limits for non‑qualifying income. Transactions with mainland customers may be 0% only in narrow cases; many are at 9%. Plan your revenue streams accordingly.
You still have compliance. File UBO details. Evaluate Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) annually and submit notifications; file ESR reports when in scope. Register for VAT if you cross the threshold or expect to—VAT remains 5% as of 2025. Keep timely accounting records and annual financial statements; audited accounts are now standard for freezone companies that want QFZP status. If your activity falls under AML regulations (think corporate services providers, real estate brokerage, dealers in precious metals and stones), register on goAML and keep policies, KYC, and training current.
Banking in Dubai without the headaches
Open your account as soon as you have your license and company documents. Choose a bank that fits your transaction profile. If you’re global-first, look at banks comfortable with cross‑border flows and platform revenues. Bring a tight pack: license, shareholder structure, UBO chart, office lease/flexi-desk letter, sample contracts, website, invoices pipeline, and a simple compliance note on your sources of funds and target markets.
Expect a video KYC and follow‑up questions. A clear narrative shortens the process. Some founders start with a digital business account for speed, then layer a traditional bank for larger payments and trade finance later. No one can “guarantee” a bank account, but Meydan’s partner network smooths the path and often secures an IBAN quicker than going it alone.
Why Meydan Free Zone beats many alternatives—and when it doesn’t
Speed and simplicity are Meydan’s superpowers. If your business is services-led, remote-first, and wants to scale fast in Dubai, the 100% digital portal and Fawri licensing are hard to beat. Costs are competitive, the community is active, and the brand carries well with clients and banks. For many founders, that balance of speed, cost, and credibility is the winning trifecta.
If you need warehousing or customs‑linked distribution benefits, other zones may fit better. Some “designated zones” offer customs advantages for goods distribution that Meydan doesn’t. If your industry is highly regulated—financial services, healthcare, certain education models—you may need a specialist free zone or mainland approvals. Use Meydan’s agility for services and light‑asset models; look elsewhere when physical logistics or sector regulation drives the show.
Your 2025 checklist: keep the benefits, avoid the pitfalls
Lock your activities before you submit. Changing them later can trigger amendments and extra fees. Align your mainland strategy from day one: service contracts to onshore clients are fine; physical retail requires onshore licensing. Build a simple compliance calendar covering CT, VAT, ESR, UBO, audits, and license renewals. It’s easier to keep benefits than to win them back after a lapse.
Budget beyond the headline license cost. Add line items for visas, medicals, Emirates IDs, health insurance, attestations, office solutions, accounting software, and a light monthly bookkeeping retainer. That way, the business setup in Meydan feels as smooth at month nine as it did on day one.
Frequently asked founder questions
Can I really get licensed in 60 minutes? With the Fawri route, yes—once KYC is cleared and payment is made. Complex shareholding or regulated activities will take longer, so plan buffer time.
How many visas can I get? It depends on your selected office solution and the activity mix. Flexi‑desk packages allow fewer visas than dedicated offices. Set your quota early so recruitment isn’t delayed.
Can my Meydan company invoice mainland clients in Dubai? Yes, you can contract and invoice mainland entities. For some onshore activities—especially those requiring a storefront, local stock, or sector approvals—you may need a mainland branch or partner.
What’s the real tax position in 2025? Freezone doesn’t mean “no tax.” If you meet QFZP rules, qualifying income can be at 0%; the rest is at 9%. Keep substance, audited accounts, and mind the de minimis rule. Seek advice before signing big mainland contracts.
Does Meydan offer warehouses? No. It’s a services‑first zone. If you need storage or industrial space, compare other zones while keeping your holding or service arm in Meydan if that better fits your model.
Is a business plan required? A short one is often requested. Keep it practical: activities, markets, founders’ bios, expected turnover, and basic risk/compliance notes. Banks value it as much as the authority does.
How do I estimate the total cost? Start with the license package (from AED 12,500), add visas and office, then layer third‑party costs. Use the Meydan cost calculator for your scenario and keep a 10–15% contingency. That’s the difference between a smooth setup and unwelcome surprises.
Final word on process, benefits, and cost in this free zone
Think of Meydan Free Zone as a freezon built for founders: quick setup, serious digital tools, and enough flexibility to do business in Dubai and beyond. If your 2025 plan prioritizes speed, clean governance, and credible banking, it’s hard to find a better blend of process, cost, and benefits for a business setup in Meydan.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is Meydan Free Zone | A 100% digital Dubai free zone (freezone) offering fast business setup in Meydan, near Downtown and DXB. Founders can choose from 2,500+ activities, manage everything online, and join a large business community. |
| Key benefits in 2025 | – 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation – No personal income tax – Fawri 60‑minute LLC license option for a rapid start – Fully online portal for name check, cost calculator, payments, and license issuances – Ability to contract with mainland Dubai companies (subject to activity rules and tax treatment) – Strategic location with modern facilities and flexible offices |
| Setup process (simple view) | – Define activities (up to 3 commonly included) and pick a compliant name – Choose legal form (FZ‑LLC or Branch) and license type (Commercial, Service/Consultancy, Media) – Upload documents and UBO info via the portal – Pay fees; receive digital trade license – Immigration setup: establishment card, visa quota – Visa steps (if needed): entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID – Open corporate bank account – Register for VAT (if applicable) and Corporate Tax; set up bookkeeping |
| License types | – Commercial: trading, import/export, e‑commerce, distribution – Service/Consultancy (Professional): advisory, IT, marketing, design, training, technical services – Media: advertising, production, PR, content, web and creative services |
| Indicative costs (2025) | – License + company formation from AED 12,500 (0 visa quota) – Packages with 1 or 3 visa quotas are available; pricing varies by promotion – Visa-related government costs and insurance are additional; budget several thousand dirhams per visa – Use the Meydan cost calculator for an exact, up‑to‑date figure for your business |
| Timeframes | – Fawri instant license: as fast as 60 minutes (simple cases) – Standard incorporation: typically 1–3 business days after full submission and payment – Visa issuance: usually 5–10 working days per person after entry permit |
| Documents checklist (individual owners) | – Passport copy and recent photo – UAE visa/entry stamp (if applicable) – Proof of address – CV or brief profile and activity description – UBO declaration and compliance forms – Business plan only if requested (regulated activities may need it) |
| Documents checklist (corporate owners) | – Certificate of incorporation, Memorandum/Articles – Board resolution to establish the entity and appoint a manager – Certificate of incumbency (recent) – Notarized/legalized copies as required – UBO forms and group structure chart |
| Eligibility and structures | – Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ‑LLC) with 1+ shareholders – Branch of a foreign or UAE company – No practical paid‑up capital requirement for most activities – Manager/person‑in‑charge required |
| Name rules | – Must be unique, activity‑appropriate, and respectful of UAE public order – Avoid religious or government terms and restricted words – Use the portal’s name check; entity suffix typically FZ‑LLC |
| Office and facilities | – Flexi‑desk, coworking, and dedicated offices available – Paperless administration via customer portal – No onsite warehousing; trading businesses use third‑party logistics or external storage |
| Banking | – Account opening supported via partner banks; IBAN issuance is at the bank’s discretion after KYC – Prepare license, constitutional docs, business plan/flows, invoices/contracts, and proof of address – Start bank onboarding the same day you get the license (possible with Fawri) |
| Taxes and compliance in 2025 | – UAE Corporate Tax: 9% headline rate – Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) regime can give 0% on qualifying income if conditions are met: adequate substance in the free zone, audited financial statements, transfer pricing compliance, no excluded activities, and mainly dealing with foreign persons or free zone persons for qualifying activities – Income from non‑qualifying mainland activities is generally 9% – VAT: 5% standard; mandatory registration at AED 375,000 threshold (voluntary at AED 187,500) – Maintain proper books; audits often required for QFZP status and may be requested for renewals |
| Mainland dealings | – Service providers can contract with mainland companies subject to license scope; tax treatment applies (qualifying vs non‑qualifying income) – Traders selling into mainland typically use a local distributor/importer; customs duty applies upon import into mainland |
| Customs and logistics | – Free zones are outside the UAE customs territory for duty purposes – Re‑exports from the free zone: 0% UAE customs duty – Goods entering UAE mainland: duty applies according to tariff rules |
| Regulated and restricted activities | – Some activities need external approvals (e.g., education, health, financial services, media content) – No industrial manufacturing or hazardous storage inside Meydan Free Zone – Check specific NOCs before applying |
| Visas | – Packages offer 0/1/3 visa quotas; more visas depend on office size and approval – Steps: entry permit, status change, medical, biometrics, Emirates ID – Employees, partners, dependents can be sponsored after the company file is set up |
| Ongoing obligations | – Annual license renewal – Keep accounting records; file audited financial statements if requested; mandatory audit if claiming QFZP benefits – Corporate Tax registration and returns as applicable – VAT returns (if registered) – ESR filings for relevant activities; AML/CFT program for DNFBPs |
| Cost optimizers and add‑ons | – Bundle multiple activities under one license to save – Flexi‑desk to control overheads – Payment plans via selected banks may be available – E‑commerce and consultancy often have lower operating costs than trading with storage |
| Common mistakes to avoid | – Assuming “guaranteed bank account” without meeting KYC – Picking a name that breaches UAE rules – Choosing mainland‑facing activities but budgeting for 0% corporate tax – Skipping bookkeeping/audit and risking tax penalties or loss of QFZP status – Underestimating visa insurance and dependent costs |
| Why choose Meydan Free Zone vs others | – Fast, fully digital setup in Dubai – Flexible office options and no heavy capital requirements – Broad activity list and practical support tools (name check, cost calculator) – Strong location advantage for client meetings and travel |
| Quick glossary and search tips | – Keywords people use: business setup in meydan free zone, freezon dubai, dubai free zone company formation, meydan freezone cost, benefits 2025, business setup process – FZ‑LLC: Free Zone Limited Liability Company – QFZP: Qualifying Free Zone Person (0% CT on qualifying income if conditions met) |