Meydan Free Zone

What Is Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan Free Zone was established in 2009 under Ruler's Decree No. 5 by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It sits in central Dubai, minutes from Downtown, Business Bay, and Dubai International Airport.

This is a fully digital, award-winning free zone that operates 24/7. Every step of company formation happens online. No queuing, no paperwork, and no need to be physically present.

Meydan supports consulting firms, e-commerce brands, media companies, tech startups, and trading businesses under one ecosystem. Over 2,500 activities across 20+ sectors are available.

The free zone sits alongside the Meydan Hotel, a premium golf course, and the Dubai World Cup venue. It is a business address that leaves a real impression on international clients.

Business Benefits

Why Set Up Your Company in Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan combines a central Dubai address, fully digital registration, and transparent pricing. It is one of the most practical free zone choices for founders at every stage.

  • Central Dubai address at one of the most affordable free zone price points
  • Fully digital setup with no physical visit required for registration
  • License issued in as little as 60 minutes through the Fawri platform
  • Over 2,500 business activities with no single-sector restrictions
  • Zero personal income tax and zero paid-up capital requirement
  • 100% foreign ownership across all license types and legal structures
  • Free cost calculator gives you exact pricing before you commit
  • Money-back guarantee on Fawri, a first in the UAE free zone space
License Benefits

What Comes with Your Meydan License?

Every Meydan company setup includes the legal documents, access rights, and support you need to operate, open a bank account, sponsor visas, and grow your business in the UAE.

Trade License

Your official Meydan free zone license covering all selected activities. Valid for 12 months, renewable annually with digital processing.

Certificate of Formation

Legal proof your company is registered in Meydan Free Zone. Required for banking applications, contracts, and visa processing.

Dubai Business Address

A recognized address in central Dubai near Downtown and Business Bay. Used for banking, official filings, and client correspondence.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Your founding legal document covering shareholders, activity scope, and governance. Issued digitally during your company setup.

Share Register

Formal record of all shareholders and their ownership percentages. Included as a core document in your company formation kit.

Lease Agreement

Digital lease tied to your chosen workspace option. Required for license issuance and determines your visa quota allocation.

Visa Eligibility

Apply for UAE residence visas based on your package. Quotas range from zero on entry plans to six or more with larger office setups.

Corporate Banking Access

Connect with 26+ banking partners through Meydan's network. Pre-vetted documentation support is built into the setup process.

License Types

Which Meydan License Fits Your Business?

Every Meydan license can be processed through the Fawri platform for instant digital issuance in as little as 60 minutes. Choose the category that matches your business.

Pricing

How Much Does a Meydan License Cost?

Meydan is one of the most transparent free zones in Dubai when it comes to pricing. A free cost calculator shows your exact numbers before you apply. Here is what to budget for 2026.

Zero Visa License

From AED 12,500/year

The entry option for founders who do not need UAE residency yet. Includes your trade license, registered Dubai address, and up to three business activities under one license.

One Visa Package

From AED 14,350/year

Includes your trade license and one investor or partner visa with flexi-desk access. Ideal for solo entrepreneurs relocating to Dubai who need residency from day one.

Six Visa Package

From AED 23,600/year

Covers your trade license and six visa slots for team members. Suited to small businesses and growing companies with active staffing needs in the UAE.

What Affects Your Total License Cost?

  • Visa Processing

    Each visa costs approximately AED 3,500 to 5,000 covering the entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID. Your package determines how many slots you get.

  • Establishment Card

    Required before any employee visas can be processed. Budget around AED 2,000 for the first year and AED 2,200 on renewal.

  • Office Type

    Flexi-desks range from AED 5,000 to 15,000 per year. Fully serviced private offices are available for teams that need dedicated workspace.

  • Extra Activity Groups

    Up to three activity groups are included in every base license. Adding a fourth group attracts a cross-activity fee. Meydan periodically offers waivers, so check current promotions before applying.

  • Payment Plans

    UAE residents can spread license costs across monthly installments with a minimum spend of AED 1,000. This makes Meydan one of the few Dubai free zones offering structured payment flexibility from the start.

Setup Process

How to Register a Meydan Free Zone Company

Every step of your Meydan registration is online. Fawri gets you licensed in 60 mins. Standard setup takes 1 to 3 business days. Here is what to expect at each stage.

Day 1

Select Activities and License Type

Choose Fawri or standard. Pick up to three industry groups with related activities under one license.

Day 1

Reserve Your Company Name

Use the Meydan name check tool to confirm availability. Run the free cost calculator to get an exact quote.

Day 1 to 2

Upload Documents Through the Portal

Submit passport, proof of address, and corporate documents online. The portal walks you through each file.

Day 1 to 3

Receive Your License and Company Kit

Fawri delivers the full kit in 60 minutes. Standard track takes 1 to 3 days. Includes license, MOA, and lease.

Day 3 to 10

Apply for Establishment Card and Visas

Establishment card is processed first. Once issued, visa applications go through the Meydan digital system.

Day 10 to 20

Complete Medical Test and Emirates ID

A UAE visit is needed for medical and biometrics. Riz & Mona handles submissions. Emirates ID in 7 to 10 days.

Week 2 to 6

Open Your Corporate Bank Account

Choose from 26+ banking partners with pre-vetted document support. Select banks offer same-day IBAN issuance.

Documents Required

Documents Required for Meydan Free Zone Company Formation

Prepare these documents before you start. Having everything ready avoids delays at the free zone authority and later at the bank.

For Individual Applicants (shareholders)

  • Valid passport copy (all pages, minimum 6 months validity)
  • Coloured passport-size photograph on white background
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, last 3 months)
  • UAE entry visa or residence visa copy (if already in the UAE)
  • Completed Meydan free zone application form
  • No Objection Certificate from current UAE sponsor (if on a residence visa)
  • UAE Pass and Emirates ID (required for Fawri instant licensing)

For Corporate Shareholders (companies setting up a subsidiary or branch)

  • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company (attested)
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company (attested)
  • Board resolution authorising the UAE company setup
  • Power of attorney for the authorised signatory
  • Passport copy of all directors and the authorised signatory
  • Company profile and latest audited financial statements
  • Good standing certificate from the home jurisdiction

Documents issued outside the UAE may need to be notarised and attested before submission. Requirements vary by license type. We will tell you exactly what applies to your situation before you prepare anything.

Visa & Immigration

How Do Meydan Free Zone Visas Work?

Your Meydan license lets your company sponsor UAE residence visas. The number you get depends on your package and workspace type.

Entry packages start with zero visas for founders who only need the license and business address. Mid-range packages include one to three visa slots. Larger office setups unlock higher quotas.

Riz & Mona Consultancy manages the full visa process for Meydan clients. Every government submission is handled on your behalf, from the establishment card through to Emirates ID collection.

The only step that requires your physical presence in the UAE is the medical fitness test and biometric registration. Everything else is processed remotely by our team.

  • Investor or partner visa, 2 to 3 years
  • Employee work visa for sponsored staff
  • Dependent visa for spouse and children
  • Emirates ID registration for all visa holders
  • Health insurance support, mandatory
  • Golden Visa guidance for qualifying investors
  • Visa renewal and cancellation support

Important Visa Notice

Visa approvals and requirements are set by UAE immigration authorities and may change without notice. Riz & Mona Consultancy handles the full process.

Corporate Banking

Banking for Meydan Companies Meydan Companies

Most free zones leave you to figure out banking on your own. Meydan connects you to 26+ banking partners through its digital platform with pre-vetted document support built in. Some partners offer instant IBANs.

Banks, Timelines, and What You Should Know

Banks Active with Meydan Free Zone Companies

Emirates NBDMost widely used
Dubai Islamic BankStrong for UAE residents
RAKBANKGood for newer businesses
Mashreq BankPreferred by tech companies
ADCBSolid for growing SMEs
Wio BankDigital-first, fast onboarding

Realistic Account Opening Timelines

UAE Resident Applicant2 to 4 weeks
Non-Resident Applicant6 to 12 weeks
Digital Bank Partner3 to 7 days
Zero-Balance Partner AccountSame day to 3 days
  • Non-residents should start with a digital bank option while their main account is being reviewed to keep operations running.
  • General trading license holders should expect a more thorough review. Prepare a strong business case covering suppliers, markets, and projected volumes.
  • Account approval and processing timelines are not guaranteed and may vary depending on the bank's compliance requirements.
Why Meydan

What Makes Meydan Free Zone Different?

Affordable pricing and fast setup get the attention. But Meydan offers a few things that most Dubai free zones simply do not. These are worth knowing before you decide.

01
Fawri Instant Licensing

Full Company Kit Issued in 60 Minutes

Solo founders with a UAE Pass and Emirates ID get their license, MOA, lease, and formation certificate in under an hour.

02
Transparent Pricing

Free Cost Calculator Before You Apply

Enter your license type, activities, visa count, and office preference. Get an exact cost in seconds. No hidden figures.

03
Fully Digital Free Zone

100% Online Setup, 24 Hours a Day

From name reservation to license issuance, everything happens online. No office visit needed. Set up from anywhere.

04
Flexible Payments

Spread Your License Cost Monthly

UAE residents can pay license fees monthly via credit card from AED 1,000. Ideal for managing early-stage cash flow.

Need Help Choosing the Right Free Zone?

Every business has different priorities. Riz & Mona Consultancy compares free zones based on your activities, visa needs, and budget, then recommends the best fit.

Business Setup Process

Meydan Free Zone Setup at a Glance

1

Choose Activity & License

Select from 2,500+ activities across 20+ sectors. Pick Fawri for instant licensing or standard track.

2

Reserve Company Name

Check availability through the Meydan name tool. Run the free cost calculator for exact pricing.

3

Upload Documents Online

Submit passport, proof of address, and corporate documents through the fully digital portal.

4

Receive License & Company Kit

Fawri delivers in 60 minutes. Standard track takes 1 to 3 business days. Includes license, MOA, and lease.

5

Visa & Bank Account

Apply for establishment card and visas. Open your corporate bank account with 26+ banking partners.

How Can We Help You?

Ready to start your Dubai business? Our experts are here to guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey.

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