Are you wondering how to setup business in Meydan free zone? You’re looking at a fantastic choice for your new venture. Imagine your company in a prime location, just minutes away from the heart of Dubai. Meydan Free Zone stands out as a leading hub for entrepreneurs, offering modern facilities and a truly business-friendly atmosphere.
Its digital-first approach simplifies the Meydan company formation process, making it faster than ever to get started. Whether you’re a startup or an established international business, this is the perfect place to grow. This guide will walk you through every step, showing you exactly how to start a business in Meydan with confidence. Let’s get your company up and running!
Quick Takeaways:
- You get a complete, step-by-step guide on the Meydan free zone business setup process, covering everything you need to know from A to Z.
- We break down the full Meydan FZ license cost and explain the 2025 Meydan free zone corporate tax rules so there are no hidden surprises for your UAE free zone business.
- You will learn about all the Meydan free zone requirements and different Meydan free zone license types to find the perfect fit for your activities.
- We offer a simple comparison of Meydan free zone vs other free zones, helping you see why it might be the best option for you.
- You’ll discover how to easily open company in Meydan Dubai and set up your Meydan free zone bank account without any hassle.
- Find out how expert business setup consultants Dubai, like Firmz, can make your journey smooth and quick.
Why Choose Meydan Free Zone for Your Business Setup?
Strategic Location and World-Class Infrastructure
First, you can’t beat the location. Meydan Free Zone is just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and about 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport. This makes it super easy for you to meet clients, handle logistics, and connect with the rest of the city.
The facilities here are modern and built for today’s businesses. You don’t need a big, expensive office to start. You can choose a flexible Meydan free zone office for rent, like a shared flexi-desk, or get a dedicated office as your business expands. This flexibility is a huge plus when you are just starting out.
Unmatched Business Benefits in 2025
The Meydan free zone benefits are a big reason why people choose it. You get 100% foreign ownership Dubai, which means you own your entire business without needing a local partner. You can also take all your profits and capital back to your home country without any restrictions.
A major advantage is the tax environment. You don’t pay any personal income tax. For corporate tax, while the UAE has a 9% rate, Meydan is a “Qualified Free Zone.” This means if your business meets certain conditions, you could pay 0% Meydan free zone corporate tax on your qualifying income. This is a huge saving that helps your business grow faster.
A Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Meydan Free Zone is more than just a place to get a license; it’s a community. It’s filled with startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and international companies, creating a vibrant space for you to network and collaborate.
The environment is perfect for new ideas and innovative businesses, especially in fields like tech and consulting. The simplified Meydan FZ company registration process and supportive ecosystem make it one of the best places for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in Dubai.
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A Detailed Guide to Setup Business in Meydan Free Zone
1. Finalize Your Business Activity and Company Name
Your first move is to decide exactly what your business will do. Meydan Free Zone offers a massive list of over 2,500 business activities, giving you incredible flexibility. You can even group up to three different activities under one license, which is perfect if your business offers multiple services.
Once you’ve picked your activity, you need a name for your company. The name must be unique and follow the UAE’s naming rules. The great part is that the name reservation is a quick and fully digital process. You can submit your choices and often get approval in less than 30 minutes.
2. Choose the Right Legal Structure and License Type
Next, you’ll select the legal structure for your company. If you’re starting a brand-new business, you’ll set it up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC). If you already have a company and want to open an office in Meydan, you can register it as a Branch.
Then, you must choose from the different Meydan free zone license types.
- Commercial License: This is for you if you plan to trade, import, or export goods.
- Consultancy/Professional License: This license is ideal for offering expert services, such as business consulting, marketing, or IT solutions.
- Media License: If your work involves advertising, communications, or other creative media, this is the one you’ll need.
3. Prepare and Submit All Required Documentation
Once you have your activity and name sorted, the next step is getting your documents ready. The list of Meydan free zone requirements is straightforward, which makes the Meydan FZ company registration process quick.
For individuals, you will typically need:
- A completed application form
- A clear copy of your passport
- Proof of your residential address (like a utility bill)
- A brief business plan outlining your goals
One of the best parts about this process is that you can do it all online. You don’t need to be physically present in Dubai to submit your application, making your setup business in Meydan freezone journey very convenient.
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4. Receive Your Business License and Registration
After you submit your documents, the approval process is very fast. You can expect to receive your license in just 3 to 8 working days.
First, you’ll get an “initial approval”. Think of this as the green light confirming that your application is in order and you can move to the final stage. After you complete the final payments and sign the legal documents, you will receive your official trade license and certificate of formation. This is your legal permission to start operating your new UAE free zone business.
5. Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Once your Meydan FZ company registration is set, you’ll need a business bank account to handle payments and operations. Banks require your trade license, shareholder IDs, proof of address, a business plan, and sometimes Emirates ID.
With the setup business in Meydan freezone, accounts can open in as little as 1–5 working days—especially through Meydan’s partner banks who guarantee IBANs and offer quick, digital onboarding.
Common challenges include strict compliance checks and document completeness. Pre-checks by Meydan’s support team or trusted business setup consultants Dubai help you avoid delays or rejection.
6. Manage Your Visas and Immigration
After banking, manage residency for yourself and your team. Every Meydan free zone business setup comes with a set visa quota, which depends on the license and chosen Meydan free zone packages (flexi desk and office options affect quota).
Investor visas (for owners) and employment visas (for staff) require an entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and status change. Meydan free zone visa cost is around AED 3,500–5,000 per person, including a medical and Emirates ID.
Full digital support makes this process smooth, often finished in 10–20 working days.
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7. Fulfill Post-Setup Compliance Requirements
After you start, some ongoing rules keep your company compliant. You’ll need to keep your Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) record up to date and file required declarations.
As of 2025, UAE Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) filings are streamlined and now integrated into new corporate tax rules: no separate forms, with substance built into your tax compliance.
Annual Meydan free zone renewal is required, needing updated documents and sometimes an audit report. Meydan’s digital portal handles alerts and renewals efficiently, helping you stay bankable and ready for growth.
Decoding the Costs and Legalities of Meydan Company Formation
A Transparent Breakdown of the Meydan FZ License Cost
One of the best things about Meydan Free Zone is its clear pricing. The Meydan FZ license cost starts at just AED 12,520 for a package with no visas. Here is a quick look at the typical Meydan free zone packages for 2025:
| Package | Cost (AED) | Details |
| Zero Visa License | 12,520 | License + 3 Activities + Flexi-Desk |
| 1-Visa License | 14,370 | License + 3 Activities + 1 Visa |
| 3-Visa License | 18,070 | License + 3 Activities + 3 Visas |
Remember to budget for other potential costs like the Establishment Card (around AED 2,000), e-channel registration, and the Meydan free zone visa cost, which includes medical tests and Emirates ID fees.
Understanding the UAE Corporate Tax in Meydan Free Zone (Updated for 2025)
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax in 2023, but companies in free zones like Meydan can still benefit from a 0% tax rate. To get this benefit, your company must be a “Qualifying Free Zone Person”. This means you must:
- Have a real office and staff in the free zone (maintain “adequate substance”).
- Earn “Qualifying Income,” which is mainly from business outside the UAE or with other free zone companies.
- Follow transfer pricing rules and file your tax returns annually.
Any income from mainland UAE customers is generally taxed at the standard 9% rate.
Office Solutions and Requirements
You must have a registered office address in Meydan, but you don’t need a large physical office to start. There are several Meydan free zone office for rent options to fit your needs and budget.
- Flexi-Desk: This is a shared desk space you can use for a few hours a week. It’s the most affordable option, perfect for startups and solo entrepreneurs, with costs around AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 annually.
- Private Offices: If you have a team, you can rent a dedicated, private office. These are modern, fully-equipped spaces that give you more privacy and room to grow.
Free Zone vs Mainland Company
Meydan Free Zone vs. Other Dubai Free Zones
When you’re planning your Dubai free zone company setup, it helps to see how your options stack up. This quick comparison of Meydan free zone vs other free zones shows you where Meydan stands in terms of cost, location, and focus, helping you make the best choice for your UAE free zone business.
| Free Zone | Cost Range (AED) | Location | Permitted Activities | Best For |
| Meydan Free Zone | 12,520 – 24,000+ | Near Downtown Dubai | 2,500+ diverse activities | Service businesses, freelancers, SMEs |
| DMCC | Higher setup costs | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) | Wide, incl. commodities & trade | Trade, commodities, crypto, tech |
| IFZA | Very affordable | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Broad range, multi-activity licenses | Startups, consultants, e-commerce |
| JAFZA | Higher, industrial focus | Near Jebel Ali Port | Trading, logistics, manufacturing | Logistics, manufacturing, large-scale trade |
As you can see, Meydan hits a sweet spot with its competitive license cost and a prestigious location close to the city center. While zones like JAFZA are built for heavy industry and logistics, and DMCC has a premium feel for traders, Meydan offers flexibility and affordability, making it perfect for service-oriented companies, consultants, and tech startups.
How Firmz Helps in Meydan Free Zone Business Setup?
While you can manage the Meydan free zone business setup on your own, working with a team of experts can make the process much faster and simpler. This is where leading business setup consultants Dubai like Firmz can assist you. We specialize in making the journey smooth for entrepreneurs looking to start their UAE free zone business.
Firmz provides complete, end-to-end support for your Meydan company formation. Our team helps you choose the right license, handles all the legal paperwork for your Meydan FZ company registration, manages the entire visa process, and even assists in getting your corporate Meydan free zone bank account opened without any issues.
What’s really helpful is our guidance on complex topics like the 2025 Meydan free zone corporate tax regulations. With our expert support, you save valuable time and avoid costly mistakes. This allows you to put all your energy into what truly matters—growing your new business from day one.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to set up a business in Meydan Free Zone?
Initial costs start around AED 12,500 for a zero-visa package, but a full setup with one visa can range from AED 20,000 to AED 25,000.
Can I get a residence visa with a Meydan Free Zone license?
Yes, you can. The number of visas depends on the package and office space you choose, with options for both investor and employee visas.
What is the process to setup business in Meydan freezone?
The process involves choosing an activity, getting name approval, submitting documents, paying fees, and receiving your license, which can take 3-8 working days.
Do I need a physical office in Meydan Free Zone?
No, a physical office is not mandatory. Most entrepreneurs start with a cost-effective flexi-desk option which provides a registered address and meets the minimum requirement.
Is there corporate tax in Meydan Free Zone?
Yes, a 9% corporate tax applies in the UAE. However, companies in Meydan can potentially qualify for a 0% rate on specific “qualifying income.”
Get Started on Your Meydan Journey
Starting your company in Meydan Free Zone is a straightforward journey, thanks to its digital-first approach, prime location, and affordable packages. While the setup is simple, staying on top of compliance, from corporate tax rules to annual renewals, is what builds a strong foundation for long-term success. You have the tools and information to begin your Meydan FZ company registration with confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Begin your entrepreneurial journey in one of Dubai’s most dynamic business hubs. For a completely smooth and worry-free experience, consider partnering with an expert team like Firmz to guide you.