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Meydan Free Zone at a glance
| Emirate | Dubai (Nad Al Sheba, near Mohammed Bin Rashid City) |
|---|---|
| License from | AED 12,500 a year (0 visas) |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership, limited liability |
| Activities | Up to 3 on one license; trading and consulting can be mixed at no extra fee |
| Workspace | Shared workspace included. No physical office required to start |
| Visas | Added through visa allocation packages |
| Setup time | Often 2 to 5 working days once documents are complete |
| Setup | Fully remote. Shareholders do not need to visit |
Meydan Free Zone license cost (2026)
| Package | License cost (per year) |
|---|---|
| 0 visas | AED 12,500 |
| License with 1-visa allocation | about AED 14,370 |
| License with 2-visa allocation | about AED 16,220 |
| License with 3-visa allocation | about AED 18,070 |
On top of the license: each visa you actually process costs about AED 3,500 per person (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping). Health insurance is extra.
Example: 1 founder with 1 visa is about AED 14,370 for the license plus about AED 3,500 for visa processing, so about AED 17,900 in the first year.
Meydan Free Zone activities
Meydan offers a wide range of commercial and professional activities. You can choose up to 3 per license, and trading and consulting can be combined. Popular choices include e-commerce, general trading, management consulting, marketing and advertising, IT and software, events and media, and education services.
Search every code in our Meydan Free Zone activity list. Some activities need external approval, for example financial, health, education and food. We confirm your activities before you apply so you do not pay for the wrong license.
How to set up a company in Meydan Free Zone: 6 steps
- Choose your activities (up to 3) and your visa allocation.
- Reserve your company name.
- Submit documents: passport copies of all shareholders, a photo, and a UAE visa or entry stamp if you have one.
- Sign and pay. You receive your digital license and company documents.
- Establishment card and visas, if needed, then the medical test and Emirates ID.
- Open a corporate bank account. We support your application with UAE banks.
Entityz handles all 6 steps. You sign digitally and attend the medical and biometrics appointments.
Is Meydan worth it for you?
Tell us your activities and how many visas you need. We will send a full Meydan cost breakdown, plus the cheapest alternative.
Get My Free QuoteMeydan Free Zone reviews: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A Dubai address, which matters to clients and some banks | About twice the price of Sharjah free zones like SPC and Shams |
| Up to 3 activities, trading and consulting mixed at no extra fee | Visa allocation raises the license price in steps |
| Fully remote setup in a few working days | Only 3 activities per license; complex businesses may need more |
| No physical office needed to start | Selling on the Dubai mainland needs a separate arrangement |
Our honest view: pay for Meydan if a Dubai address helps you win clients or bank approval. If you just need the cheapest license, SPC or Shams saves you about AED 6,000 or more a year.
Meydan vs other free zones
| Meydan | SPC | Shams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Sharjah | Sharjah |
| License from | AED 12,500 | about AED 5,750 | about AED 5,750 |
| Activities per license | Up to 3 | Several, within the license type | Up to 5 |
| Dubai address | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Dubai credibility | Lowest cost + e-commerce | Media and creative businesses |
Compare in detail: SPC Free Zone guide, Shams Free Zone guide and e-commerce license options. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and is not Meydan Free Zone; for Meydan's own portal and login visit meydanfz.ae. The AED 12,500 starting price is Meydan's published offer; visa figures are market figures gathered in September 2026 and change from time to time. We confirm the current price for your activities and visas before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Meydan Free Zone license cost?
A Meydan Free Zone license starts from AED 12,500 a year with no visas. With a 1-visa allocation the license is about AED 14,370, plus about AED 3,500 to process each visa.
How much does a Meydan Free Zone visa cost?
Visa allocation raises the license fee in steps: about AED 14,370 for 1 visa, AED 16,220 for 2 and AED 18,070 for 3. Each visa you process then costs about AED 3,500 per person, plus health insurance.
How many activities can I have on a Meydan Free Zone license?
Up to 3 activities on one license. You can combine trading and consulting activities at no extra fee.
Where is Meydan Free Zone located?
In Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, near Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport.
Do I need an office in Meydan Free Zone?
No physical office is needed to start. The license package includes access to a shared workspace.
How long does Meydan Free Zone company setup take?
Often 2 to 5 working days for the license once your documents are complete. Visas and the bank account take longer.
Is Meydan Free Zone good for e-commerce?
Yes, if you want a Dubai address. If the lowest cost matters most, a Sharjah free zone like SPC offers an e-commerce license from about AED 5,750.
Is Entityz the official Meydan Free Zone website?
No. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and a direct authorized partner of Meydan Free Zone. For Meydan's own portal and login, visit meydanfz.ae. We help you choose, apply and set up.
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