Meydan Free Zone Company Setup 2025: Costs, Requirements, Visa Rules & Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive business destinations in the world – and Meydan Free Zone has quietly become a favourite for startups, consultants, e-commerce founders, and holding companies who want a prestigious Dubai address with a fully digital, cost-effective setup.

If you’re considering Meydan Free Zone company setup in 2025, this guide is for you.

In this guide, Business & Beyond will walk you through:

• What Meydan Free Zone is and who it suits
• Realistic cost components (not just the base license fee)
• Visa rules and office options
• Step-by-step company formation process
• Document requirements for individuals and corporate shareholders
• Ongoing tax, accounting, ESR, UBO and compliance obligations
• A comparison with other free zones so you can decide if Meydan is really the best fit

By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical roadmap – not just marketing promises.

What Is Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is a Dubai free zone located in the wider Meydan district, close to Downtown Dubai and within convenient access of major highways and Dubai International Airport.

What makes Meydan stand out is its combination of:

• Prestigious address – associated with Meydan racecourse, hotels and upscale developments
• Digital-first setup – most processes can be done fully online
• Flexible licensing – a wide range of commercial, service, media, e-commerce and holding activities
• Attractive pricing – competitive licensing costs with options for solo founders, SMEs and holding structures

It’s particularly popular with:

• Solo consultants and freelancers who don’t need a large physical office
• E-commerce and online businesses targeting the UAE, GCC or global markets
• Marketing, media and tech firms that want a modern, flexible regime
• Investors and holding structures looking to consolidate shareholdings and IP in Dubai

Meydan Free Zone License Cost in 2025: What You Actually Pay

Most competitor websites only show you a headline license price – usually “from AED XX,XXX”. In reality, your total setup cost in Meydan includes several components.

Below is an indicative cost structure (amounts are illustrative – your exact quote will depend on promo campaigns, activity mix and visa requirements):

1. License & Registration Fees

These are the core costs for your Meydan Free Zone trade license.

Typical scenarios:

• Single shareholder, 1–3 activities, no visa
• License with 1 visa quota
• License with 2–3 visas + office

You’ll usually pay:

• Trade license fee (per year)
• Registration / incorporation fee (one-time)

Business & Beyond can help you structure the package to avoid paying for features you don’t actually need.

2. Visa-Related Costs

If you require visas (for yourself, partners or employees), budget for:

• Establishment card / immigration file
• Entry permit
• Status change (if already in UAE)
• Medical fitness test
• Emirates ID fees
• Visa stamping

Each visa comes with its own cost cycle and renewal timeline. For a lean startup, a “license with 1 investor visa” structure is commonly chosen.

3. Office / Flexi-Desk Costs

Depending on your visa needs, you can choose:

• No physical office (for license only, no visas)
• Flexi-desk / shared desk (usually supports 1–2 visas)
• Executive office (can support more visas)

The office or flexi-desk component may be:

• Included in the license package, or
• Charged separately via a lease agreement

We help you balance visa capacity, budget and bank expectations (some banks prefer to see a proper office lease).

4. Other Possible Costs

Depending on your situation, you might also see:

• Name reservation fee
• Activity pre-approval fee (for regulated activities)
• Corporate documents attestation / notarisation
• POA charges (if someone is authorised to sign on your behalf)
• Health insurance (often required for visa issuance)

💡 Tip from Business & Beyond:
When you compare quotes, always ask for a full breakdown: license + visas + establishment card + flexi-desk + any “optional” items that are practically mandatory. Only then can you compare apples to apples between different providers.

Does Corporate Tax Apply to Meydan Free Zone Companies?

From 2023 onwards, the UAE has introduced Corporate Tax (CT), which also impacts free zones – but not in a simple “everyone pays 9%” way.

As of 2025, many free zone entities – including those in Meydan – may still access 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, provided they meet the conditions to be treated as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP).

In practical terms, this usually means:

• Maintaining adequate substance in the free zone
• Earning qualifying income from permitted activities and customers
• Complying with transfer pricing and documentation requirements
• Filing returns on time

If the conditions are not met, the entity may be subject to the standard 9% CT on taxable profits.

Because the rules are technical and evolving, you should not rely purely on free zone marketing brochures. This is where working with a specialist tax and accounting firm becomes crucial.

✅ How Business & Beyond can help
Through our group’s tax and accounting experts, we can:

• Assess whether your planned activity can qualify for free zone CT benefits
• Structure your company to optimise CT, VAT and ESR
• Handle registration and annual CT/VAT filings so you remain compliant as rules evolve

Visa Rules & Office Requirements in Meydan Free Zone

One of the key decisions in Meydan is how many visas you need and what type of facility you’ll lease.

While exact quotas may vary case-by-case and change over time, the general logic is:

• License with no facility / “no visa” package
  • Cheapest option, but no resident visas allowed
  • Useful for holding, IP-holding, or offshore shareholders who don’t need UAE residency
• License with flexi-desk / shared workspace
  • Can typically support 1–2 visas
  • Suitable for solo founders, consultants, remote-first teams
• License with larger dedicated office
  • Higher visa quota, more suitable for growing teams

Visa options include:

• Investor / partner visa
• Employee visas
• Dependent visas (family, in line with immigration rules)

💡 Practical note:
Don’t over-estimate your visa needs on day one. Start lean, then scale your facility and quota as your team grows.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Company in Meydan Free Zone

Here is a clear, practical step-by-step process Business & Beyond typically follows when supporting a Meydan setup:

Step 1 – Define Your Business Activity & Structure

• Clarify your core activities (consulting, trading, e-commerce, media, holding, etc.)
• Check if any activity is regulated or requires external approvals
• Decide on your legal form:
  • FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company) – most common
  • Branch of an existing UAE or foreign company

We help you align your activity with:

• CT & VAT impact
• ESR categorisation
• Banking risk appetite

Step 2 – Choose and Clear Your Trade Name

• Shortlist 2–3 possible names
• Ensure they comply with UAE naming rules (no offensive terms, no religious/political references, etc.)
• Submit for availability check & reservation

Step 3 – Prepare and Submit Your Application

Depending on whether you have individual or corporate shareholders, you will need:

For individual shareholders:

• Passport copy
• Recent photo (digital)
• UAE visa & Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Basic KYC form or application form

For corporate shareholders:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Board Resolution approving formation of the Meydan entity
• Certificate of Incumbency / good standing (often within last 3 months)
• Passport & KYC for authorised signatories

Business & Beyond can help:

• Draft resolutions
• Coordinate notarisation / attestation where required
• Complete application forms correctly to avoid delays

Step 4 – Obtain Initial Approval & License Issuance

Once the application and documents are submitted:

• The free zone reviews and may seek clarifications
• Company name is reserved
• Upon approval, your trade license and incorporation documents are issued

At this stage, you can:

• Sign contracts
• Issue invoices
• Start operations (subject to any specific regulatory approvals for your activity)

Step 5 – Immigration Card, Visas & Emirates ID

If you have visas in your package:

1. Obtain immigration file / establishment card
2. Apply for entry permit(s)
3. Process status change, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping

We coordinate this end-to-end and keep you updated at each stage.

Step 6 – Open a Corporate Bank Account

Banks in the UAE have become stricter in recent years. For Meydan companies, you should expect to prepare:

• License & corporate documents
• Shareholder/UBO KYC, source of funds
• Office lease / flexi-desk agreement
• Business plan or activity explanation
• Sample contracts / invoices (for certain industries)

Business & Beyond can:

• Help you position your case correctly
• Prepare a bank-friendly business profile
• Introduce you to banking partners that are more open to your profile

Types of Licenses Available in Meydan Free Zone

Meydan offers a range of licenses to fit different business models. The main categories include:

1. Commercial / Trading License

For companies engaged in:

• Import-export
• General trading activities
• Trading in specific product categories

2. Service / Consultancy License

For professionals and firms offering:

• Management consulting
• Accounting & bookkeeping
• HR, marketing, IT, design, training, and other professional services

3. Media License

For activities such as:

• Digital marketing
• Advertising
• Social media management
• Production and related fields

4. E-commerce License

For online platforms and digital sellers:

• Online stores
• Marketplaces
• Service platforms that operate digitally

5. Holding / Investment License

For entities primarily holding:

• Shares in other companies
• Intellectual property
• Real estate or investments (subject to local rules)

💡 Tip:
Choosing the right license and activity description is crucial for bank compliance, VAT registration and CT profiling. Business & Beyond always reviews the bigger picture – not just “what looks cheaper today”.

Compliance: UBO, ESR, VAT & Accounting for Meydan Companies

A key gap in most competitor content is that they focus only on setup, not on what happens after.

When you set up in Meydan, you may also have to meet the following obligations:

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Reporting

Most UAE entities must file and maintain UBO records, disclosing the natural persons who ultimately own or control the company. Incorrect or missing UBO details can attract penalties.

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)

If your company undertakes any relevant activities (e.g., holding company, HQ business, distribution, service centre, etc.), you may be subject to:

• ESR notification
• ESR return
• Substance tests

Value Added Tax (VAT)

If your UAE taxable supplies cross the threshold or you’re required to register voluntarily:

• You must register for VAT
• Charge VAT where applicable
• File periodic VAT returns
• Maintain compliant tax invoices and records

Corporate Tax (CT)

As discussed earlier, you may need to:

• Register for CT
• File annual corporate tax returns
• Maintain audited or at least reliable financial statements

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Even if the free zone doesn’t demand audited accounts for small entities in all cases, you still need proper books of account, including:

• Chart of accounts
• General ledger
• Bank reconciliations
• Fixed asset register
• Supporting documentation

Business & Beyond, together with our specialist accounting and tax arm, can handle:

• Bookkeeping
• VAT & CT compliance
• ESR & UBO filings
• Audit coordination where required

This allows you to focus on growing the business, not chasing deadlines.

Meydan vs Other Free Zones: Is It Really the Best Option?

Meydan is a strong choice, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your needs, other free zones like IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, SPC, DMCC, ADGM etc. may be better for:

• Certain regulated activities
• Specific geographical or sector positioning
• Office or warehouse-heavy operations

Broadly:

• Meydan Free Zone – excellent for digital, consulting, e-commerce, media, holding structures; strong address and digital onboarding.
• IFZA / SHAMS / SPC – sometimes more aggressive pricing for certain packages, especially for pure consultancy or media with no visa needs.
• RAKEZ / JAFZA / DMCC – better if you need industrial space, logistics or commodities focus.

The right choice depends on:

• Your activity
• Your budget
• Your visa needs
• Your target clients
• Your banking and CT/VAT strategy

That’s why Business & Beyond always starts with a short discovery consultation before recommending Meydan or any other free zone.

Meydan Free Zone Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimated Pricing)

Actual fees vary based on activity, visa count & office type

Cost Component	Amount (AED)	Notes
Trade License (1–3 Activities)	12,500 – 24,000	Annual
Incorporation / Registration Fee	Included / 1,000 – 2,000	Depends on package
Establishment Card (Immigration)	600 – 1,500	Valid for 1 year
Investor Visa (Cost per Visa)	3,500 – 5,000	Medical + EID fees separate
Status Change	750 – 1,200	If inside UAE
Medical Test	350 – 450	Standard
Emirates ID (2 Years)	800 – 1,200	Based on duration
Flexi-Desk / Co-Working Space	Included / 4,000 – 8,000	Required for visas
Office Ejari (Optional)	12,000 – 25,000	For larger visa quotas
Name Reservation	200 – 300	One-time
Activity Pre-Approval (If Applicable)	500 – 2,000	For regulated activities
Bank Account Opening Assistance	Included	Provided by Business & Beyond

Total Estimated Cost (License + 1 Visa):
➡️ AED 18,000 – AED 28,000 (all-inclusive)

Total Estimated Cost (License Only):
➡️ AED 12,500 – AED 15,000

Who Should Choose Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan may be ideal for you if:

• You want a Dubai address with a modern, digital setup experience
• You run or plan to run a consulting, service, media, e-commerce or tech business
• You prefer fully online incorporation with flexible licensing options
• You value a prestigious brand association (Meydan) without DMCC-level pricing
• You want a structure that can be optimised under the UAE’s corporate tax and free zone rules

Meydan vs IFZA vs SHAMS vs RAKEZ

Feature	Meydan Free Zone	IFZA	SHAMS	RAKEZ
Location	Dubai (Meydan / Downtown proximity)	Dubai Silicon Oasis	Sharjah	Ras Al Khaimah
Reputation Level	High	High	Medium	High
License Cost	Medium	Medium–Low	Low	Medium
Visa Options	0–6 visas depending on office	0–6 visas	0–6 visas	1–20+ depending on facility
Office Requirement	Flexi-desk accepted	Flexi-desk accepted	Flexi-desk accepted	Flexi-desk/office/warehouse
Digital Setup	Fully digital, very fast	Mostly digital	Fully digital	Mixed
Corporate Tax (CT) Benefits	QFZP eligible (0% possible)	QFZP eligible	QFZP eligible	QFZP eligible
Activities Range	2,500+ activities	2,000+	200+	Very wide
Ideal For	Consultants, media, e-commerce, holding	SMEs, freelancers, global operations	Startups, creative firms	Manufacturing, trading, logistics
Banking Acceptance	Good with proper KYC	Strong	Moderate	Strong
Timeline	2–5 days	2–5 days	2–4 days	3–7 days

Verdict:

• Choose Meydan if you want a Dubai address, fast setup, wide activity range, and strong banking acceptance.
• Choose IFZA if you want high flexibility and strong visa options.
• Choose SHAMS if you want the lowest-cost media/creative setup.
• Choose RAKEZ if you need warehouses, industrial space, or larger staff quotas.

FAQs – Meydan Free Zone Company Setup (Quick Answers)

Ready to Explore Meydan Free Zone for Your Business?

Setting up in Meydan Free Zone can be an excellent strategic move – if it is chosen for the right reasons, structured correctly, and supported by proper tax, accounting and compliance planning.

Instead of piecing together information from multiple websites, you can let Business & Beyond:

• Analyse which free zone best fits your business model
• Give you a transparent cost breakdown for Meydan (license + visas + office + banking)
• Handle the full setup process – from license issuance to visas and banking
• Coordinate ongoing accounting, VAT, CT, ESR, UBO through our specialist partners

If you’re considering Meydan Free Zone or comparing it with other options, you can:

• Book a free consultation with Business & Beyond
• Share your business model, budget and expansion plans
• Receive a clear, tailored recommendation – without generic sales talk

Thinking about Meydan?
Let’s make sure it’s not just a “good marketing idea”, but the right strategic structure for your next stage of growth.

Call: +971 55 447 5703