UAE · Dubai · Free Zone

Meydan.

A premium Sheikh Zayed Road address. Fully digital licensing.

Meydan Free Zone sits inside the iconic Meydan complex on Sheikh Zayed Road — a brand address with substance. Four to six days to licence, fully digital portal, 0% qualifying tax. The natural choice for e-commerce, digital agencies and services businesses where address matters but DMCC fees are excessive.

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A good fit for

When Meydan fits.

E-commerce brands trading internationally
Digital agencies, creatives, marketing
SaaS and digital services with up to 3 visas
Founders wanting prestige address at IFZA price

A poor fit for

When Meydan doesn't.

Teams larger than 3 (visa cap)
Commodities trading (DMCC required)
Operations needing physical warehouse
Direct UAE B2C sales (mainland required)

Cost, itemised

Line-by-line, in USD.

Line item	Year 1	Year 2+
Meydan licence (services, 1 visa quota)	USD 4,500	USD 4,500
Meydan establishment card	USD 580	USD 580
Digital flexi-desk	Included	Included
ArxSetup professional fee	USD 4,320	USD 2,340
MOA, share cert, 2 bank intros, UBO/goAML	USD 720	USD 600 UBO
All-in total	USD 10,120	USD 8,020

Reviewed by the ArxSetup editorial team

Prepared and reviewed by qualified counsel within ArxSetup and our affiliated practices, Neo Legal (UAE) and Cornwalls (Australia). Figures verified against primary regulator sources. Last reviewed: May 2026. How we review →

Est. 2021 · DDA Licence 107229

Direct registry filing partner

Not a reseller or middleman

Frequently asked about Meydan

Common questions on Meydan.

These are the questions UAE-resident founders most often ask before signing an engagement letter. Each answer is current as of 2026 and reviewed by our incorporation team.

How much does a Meydan free zone licence cost in 2026?

From USD 10,120 all-in for year one with one visa — covering Meydan licence (USD 4,200), establishment card (USD 800), visa (USD 1,300), medical and Emirates ID (USD 320), plus ArxSetup professional fee. Year-two renewal is roughly USD 8,020.

How long does it take to get a Meydan licence?

Under 60 minutes for the Meydan Fawri instant licence (premium tier), or within 24 hours via the standard digital licence pathway.

How many business activities can a Meydan licence have?

Up to three activity groups on a single licence, drawn from Meydan's catalogue of 2,500+ approved activities across consultancy, trading, e-commerce and professional services.

Does Meydan require a physical office?

No — every Meydan package includes a flexi-desk address at Meydan Free Zone, MBR City, Dubai. A private office is optional, not mandatory, regardless of visa quota.

How many visas can a Meydan company have?

Visa quota scales with package — one visa in the entry tier, three in mid-tier, and up to six in the premium tier. Additional visas above six require a private-office upgrade.

Can I set up a Meydan company without visiting Dubai?

Yes — registration, signing and licence issue are fully online. A UAE visit is only required if you take a residence visa, for the in-person medical and Emirates ID biometrics.

Does Meydan offer 100% foreign ownership?

Yes — 100% foreign ownership, full capital and profit repatriation, no UAE national partner required.

Is Meydan cheaper than IFZA?

They start at the same price point (USD 10,120 all-in for one visa). Meydan tends to win on instant Fawri issuance and Downtown address; IFZA wins on activity flexibility (7 activities vs 3 groups) and multi-year discounts.

Can a Meydan company sell on Amazon, Noon or Shopify?

Yes — Meydan offers a dedicated e-commerce activity authorising sales through UAE marketplaces (Amazon.ae, Noon, Carrefour) and direct-to-consumer platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce).

What is the address on a Meydan licence?

Meydan Free Zone, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai — a Downtown postcode that carries weight with premium banks and B2B clients.

Can I open a UAE bank account with a Meydan licence?

Yes — Mashreq, ENBD, RAKBANK and WIO all onboard Meydan companies. Banks may ask additional questions of flexi-desk-only setups versus DMCC; account opening typically takes 4–8 weeks.

What documents do I need for Meydan free zone setup?

Passport copy, digital passport photo, completed online application, and Emirates ID if you are already a UAE resident. KYC is fully digital and shareholder documents do not need to be notarised.

Does Meydan offer a consulting/services licence?

Yes — consultancy is one of Meydan's most popular categories, with business consultancy, marketing, HR, IT and project management permissible under a single licence.

What is the Meydan Fawri instant licence?

A premium tier of the Meydan digital licence that issues the trade licence in under 60 minutes after online application and KYC clearance — useful for founders racing a tax-year cutoff or bank-account deadline.

Is Meydan a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)?

Yes — Meydan Free Zone is a Designated Zone under the UAE Corporate Tax law. A Meydan company can qualify as a QFZP and access the 0% rate on qualifying income with adequate substance and audited financials.

Quick answers on Meydan.

Is Meydan licence valid in mainland Dubai?

Meydan is a free zone, so direct B2C sales to UAE mainland customers require either a mainland distributor, a dual licence, or use of the e-commerce activity through approved marketplaces.

How fast is Meydan Fawri?

Under 60 minutes from online payment to issued trade licence — the fastest commercial licence in Dubai when KYC is pre-cleared.

Does Meydan need an audit?

No annual audit is mandatory for standard Meydan companies in 2026 (unlike DMCC). Audited financials are required only if the company elects QFZP status.

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