Meydan Free Zone Dubai 2026 | Costs, Licences and Setup Guide

Meydan Free Zone is one of Dubai's fastest and most flexible free zones, offering trade licenses from AED 12,500 per year with fast licence processing when documents are ready. Located in the heart of Dubai at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, it's a popular choice for e-commerce, fintech, digital services, and startups that want a premium Dubai address without the overhead of larger free zones.

Meydan Free Zone at a Glance

Meydan Free Zone License Packages & Pricing 2026

Meydan offers tiered packages combining a trade license with visa allocations. All packages include a Dubai registered address (flexi-desk), 200+ permitted business activities, and access to Meydan's business support ecosystem.

Additional costs to budget for:

• UAE Residence Visa (per person): AED 3,000–4,500
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Medical test: AED 300-500
• Establishment card: AED 2,000–3,000

Total all-in cost for a solo founder with 1 visa: approx. AED 18,500–20,000 in year 1.

Why Choose Meydan Free Zone?

1. Fast Processing When Documents Are Ready

Meydan is renowned for its speed. Trade licences may be issued quickly when the activity and documents are ready, but timelines vary by authority checks, activity, name approval and submitted documents. The entire process can be completed online, making it ideal for international founders who want to incorporate remotely before arriving in the UAE.

2. Central Dubai Location

Meydan's address at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Nad Al Sheba places it 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and DIFC. The prestigious Dubai address is accepted for bank account opening, client pitches, and all official UAE government applications.

3. E-Commerce and Digital-First

Meydan has built a reputation as Dubai's go-to free zone for e-commerce and digital businesses. The zone's activity list is optimised for online retail, digital services, fintech, and crypto — with fast-track approvals for activities that other zones may delay or restrict.

4. Minimal Documentation

Meydan requires only a passport copy and completed application form for most activity types — no business plan, no bank reference letters, no minimum share capital deposit. This makes it one of the easiest Dubai free zones to set up in, particularly for first-time UAE incorporators.

Meydan Free Zone Business Activities

Meydan permits 200+ business activities. You can include up to 3 activities on a single license at no extra charge. Popular categories include:

• E-Commerce: online retail, marketplace selling, dropshipping, digital products
• Digital Services: web design, app development, digital marketing, SEO, content creation
• Fintech & Crypto: crypto trading, blockchain consulting, payment solutions (subject to regulatory approval)
• Consulting: business consulting, IT consulting, management consulting, strategy
• Media & Entertainment: production, publishing, events, social media
• Healthcare & Wellness: wellness coaching, health products, telemedicine consulting
• Trading: general trading, commodity trading

Meydan vs IFZA vs DMCC: Comparison

Choose Meydan over IFZA if speed is your priority or if your business is e-commerce or crypto-focused. Choose IFZA over Meydan if you need a broader activity list or more predictable multi-activity licensing.

How to Set Up a Company in Meydan Free Zone

1. Choose your business activities — up to 3 from Meydan's approved list
2. Select your trade name — check availability on Meydan's portal
3. Pick your package — 1, 3, or 6 visa flexi-desk, or dedicated smart desk
4. Submit online application — passport copy + application form only
5. Receive initial approval — typically within a few hours
6. Pay license fee — online payment accepted
7. Receive trade license — within 24–48 hours
8. Apply for visa and Emirates ID — via Meydan's in-house typing centre
9. Open bank account — Meydan companies can prepare a banking file and seek suitable bank introductions, but onboarding speed and approval remain subject to the bank's KYC and compliance requirements

Meydan Free Zone and Corporate Tax 2026

Meydan Free Zone companies are eligible for 0% UAE corporate tax on qualifying income as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs). This is particularly relevant for e-commerce businesses selling internationally and digital service providers with overseas clients.

Businesses generating revenue primarily from UAE mainland consumers should review their QFZP eligibility with a UAE tax advisor, as mainland income above the de minimis threshold attracts the standard 9% rate.

Meydan Free Zone — FAQs

Can I do crypto trading with a Meydan license?

Meydan permits crypto-related consulting and certain blockchain activities. However, operating a regulated crypto exchange or providing regulated virtual asset services requires a license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, regardless of free zone location. Meydan is popular for crypto advisory and Web3 businesses that don't require VARA regulation.

Is Meydan good for Amazon/Shopify sellers?

Yes — Meydan is one of the most popular free zones for Amazon FBA and Shopify sellers based in the UAE. The e-commerce activity is pre-approved and the fast setup means you may be able to complete the licence quickly when documents are ready, but corporate bank account approval is separate and depends on bank KYC, compliance review, business activity, shareholder profile and submitted documents.

What is the renewal cost for a Meydan license?

Meydan licenses renew annually at the same rate as the initial package (AED 12,500–22,000 depending on visa quota). Visa renewals are due every 2–3 years and include repeat medical and biometrics. Renewal must be completed before expiry to avoid daily fines.

Does Meydan allow multiple shareholders?

Yes. Meydan FZ-LLC companies can have up to 50 shareholders (individuals or corporates), all with 100% foreign ownership. There is no minimum share capital requirement. Multi-shareholder structures are common for business partnerships and investor-backed startups.

Can I add more visas to my Meydan package later?

Yes. You can upgrade your Meydan package at renewal to increase your visa quota, or add individual visas mid-term for an additional fee. This flexibility makes Meydan popular with growing teams that start with 1 visa and scale up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meydan Free Zone

How much does Meydan Free Zone setup cost in 2026?

Meydan Free Zone licenses start at AED 12,500 per year for a flexi-desk package with one visa. A solo founder should budget approximately AED 18,500 to 20,000 all-in for year one including the visa, Emirates ID, medical test and establishment card.

How fast is Meydan Free Zone company setup?

Meydan Free Zone can issue a trade license in 24 to 48 hours when the business activity and documents are ready. Timelines vary with authority checks, name approval and document quality.

How many visas does a Meydan license allow?

Meydan flexi-desk packages include 1 to 6 visas (AED 12,500 to 22,000 per year), while dedicated Smart Desk packages support 4 to 8 visas at AED 26,000 to 35,000 per year.

What business activities does Meydan Free Zone allow?

Meydan Free Zone offers over 200 activities, with strong coverage of e-commerce, digital services, consulting, media, trading, and fintech. Crypto and payment-related activities are subject to additional regulatory approval.

What is the renewal cost for a Meydan Free Zone license?

Meydan licenses renew annually at the same rate as the initial package, from AED 12,500 to 22,000 depending on the visa quota included.