Meydan Free Zone in Dubai has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, and international investors looking to set up a business in the UAE. With its strategic location near downtown Dubai, flexible setup packages, and a wide range of business activities, Meydan offers a streamlined approach to company formation.
Whether you're planning to launch a tech startup, open a consultancy, or register a holding company, understanding the available license types and business activity options is essential. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about Meydan Free Zone company registration, license categories, and choosing the right setup for your business.
Why Choose Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone stands out for its simplified registration process, fast turnaround, and competitive pricing. It caters to a wide range of industries and is especially popular among solo entrepreneurs, digital businesses, and service providers.
Some key benefits of Meydan Free Zone include:
100 percent foreign ownership
No corporate or personal income tax
Quick company registration within a few days
Virtual office and e-commerce-friendly solutions
Option to operate from anywhere with a remote license
In addition, Meydan Free Zone is located within the Meydan area, close to Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, providing a prestigious business address without high costs.
Meydan Free Zone Company Registration Overview
Company registration in Meydan Free Zone is designed to be flexible and accessible. You can start a business with as little as one shareholder, and the process can be completed online.
Here are the general steps involved:
Choose your business activity or activities
Select the license package and number of visas required
Submit passport copies and application forms
Receive your license and incorporation documents
Apply for UAE residency visa if needed
Meydan Free Zone licenses are issued under a Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure, offering limited liability protection to business owners.
Meydan Free Zone License Types
Meydan offers a single license that can include multiple business activities across different sectors. This all-in-one licensing model is one of the key reasons behind its popularity.
Below are the main types of activities you can include under your license:
1. Commercial License
This covers activities related to the buying and selling of goods. It is ideal for businesses involved in e-commerce, trading, and distribution.
Examples of commercial activities:
Online retail
Wholesale of electronics
Import and export of consumer goods
Product distribution
2. Consultancy License
This license allows you to offer professional and advisory services. It is suitable for freelancers, independent consultants, and professional service firms.
Examples of consultancy activities:
Marketing consultancy
IT consultancy
Management advisory services
HR and recruitment consulting
3. Media License
Designed for creative professionals and media businesses, this license includes activities in digital content, publishing, design, and production.
Examples of media activities:
Graphic design services
Photography and videography
Content creation
Digital marketing
4. Services License
This category covers a broad range of service-based businesses. It allows you to provide specialized or general services to clients locally and internationally.
Examples of service activities:
Event management
Technical support services
Logistics services
Repair and maintenance services
Business Activity Options in Meydan Free Zone
One of the major advantages of Meydan Free Zone company registration is the flexibility in choosing business activities. You can include multiple unrelated activities under one license, making it ideal for multipurpose startups or freelancers offering varied services.
Meydan offers over 1500 business activities across different sectors. These fall under categories such as:
Technology and IT services
E-commerce and online businesses
Marketing and communications
Real estate and property management
Trading and import-export
Professional services
Education and training
Media, design, and production
You are allowed to combine up to three activities from different categories at no extra cost. This makes it easier to start a diversified business under one license, saving both time and money.
Visa Packages and Office Options
Meydan Free Zone offers multiple visa options based on the business size and needs. Even if you are a solopreneur or freelancer, you can opt for a license with zero visas and later upgrade when needed.
Visa packages typically include:
Zero visa package: For investors operating remotely
One to six visa packages: For businesses with employees or partners
All visas are eligible for a two-year UAE residency visa, which allows you to sponsor family members and access local banking services.
As for office space, Meydan offers:
Shared desk and co-working spaces
Dedicated desks
Private offices
Virtual office options
If you do not require a physical office, you can still register your business using a virtual business address provided by the free zone.
Costs of Meydan Free Zone Company Registration
The cost of registering a company in Meydan Free Zone is relatively affordable compared to other Dubai free zones. Pricing depends on the number of visas, office space, and business activities selected.
Typical costs include:
License fee: Starting from AED 12,500 per year for a zero visa package
Visa costs: AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per visa, including medical and Emirates ID
Office rent: Optional, starting from AED 5,000 per year for shared workspace
Renewal fees are similar to the initial setup costs, and there are no hidden charges or capital deposit requirements.
Who Should Consider Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is ideal for:
Startups and entrepreneurs seeking affordable setup
Freelancers and consultants wanting a legal structure
E-commerce and digital business owners
International investors needing 100 percent ownership
Companies wanting a Dubai-based business address without high costs
If you value flexibility, speed, and cost-efficiency, Meydan is a practical option to consider.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone, avoid these common errors:
Choosing the wrong activity that does not match your actual business model
Not checking visa eligibility before selecting a license package
Assuming all activities are allowed under one license without verification
Delaying residency visa applications after company formation
Failing to renew your license on time, leading to penalties
Working with a trusted business setup advisor can help avoid these issues and ensure a smooth registration process.
Conclusion
Meydan Free Zone offers a simplified, flexible, and cost-effective path to launching a business in Dubai. From e-commerce stores and consultancy firms to creative startups and tech ventures, its licensing model supports a wide variety of business types.
With the ability to combine different activities under one license, easy visa access, and no corporate tax, Meydan Free Zone company registration is a smart move for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the UAE market.
Understanding the available license types and business activity options is the first step toward building a legal, compliant, and successful business in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I register a Meydan Free Zone company without living in the UAE?
Yes, you can set up a company remotely and operate using a virtual office. However, you will need to enter the UAE if you wish to apply for a residency visa.
2. How long does Meydan Free Zone company registration take?
Company registration usually takes 3 to 5 working days, depending on the documentation and visa processing times.
3. Can I include multiple business activities under one license?
Yes, Meydan Free Zone allows up to three business activities from different sectors under a single license without additional fees.
