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IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone: Which Dubai Free Zone Fits You?
IFZA vs Meydan is a comparison of two popular Dubai free zones for small and mid-sized companies. IFZA operates from Dubai Silicon Oasis and works through professional partners; Meydan Free Zone runs a fully digital process with a flexi-desk included and a non-resident licence. Both offer up to 100% foreign ownership and the same corporate tax rules.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
Side by side
IFZA vs Meydan at a glance
| Feature | IFZA | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Location | IFZA Business Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis | Meydan, Dubai |
| How you apply | Through IFZA professional partners | Fully digital; can be completed remotely |
| Licence types | Commercial and professional | Standard digital, instant, non-resident and multi-year licences |
| Premises | Offices in the IFZA Business Park | Flexi-desk included; dedicated offices available |
| Activities | Per IFZA activity list | Up to three activity groups on one licence |
| Remote setup | Through your partner; visas need a UAE visit | Yes, including a non-resident licence |
| Corporate tax | QFZP rules: 0% qualifying income, 9% other | QFZP rules: 0% qualifying income, 9% other |
Choose IFZA if
- You want premises inside Dubai Silicon Oasis
- You prefer an adviser-led application through a partner
- You are a consultancy or service firm planning a small Dubai team
Choose Meydan if
- You are setting up from outside the UAE
- You want a non-resident licence first and visas later
- You need to combine up to three activity groups on one licence
How should you decide?
Both zones license service, trading and digital businesses and both are in Dubai, so for many founders either will work. The differences are practical: how you apply, what premises come with the licence, whether you can stay outside the UAE at first, and how activities can be combined.
Neither zone lets you trade directly with mainland customers, and both companies are taxed the same way: register with the Federal Tax Authority, file annual returns, and apply 0% only to qualifying income if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions. Compare current package terms side by side before you decide, because packages change.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees.
- 01
Compare current package terms from both zones on the same date.
- 02
Check that every activity you need is available in each zone.
- 03
Decide whether you will start as a non-resident or with visas.
- 04
Ask what premises each package includes and how that affects banking.
- 05
Confirm renewal costs, not just the first-year price.
Frequently asked
Questions about IFZA vs Meydan
Is IFZA or Meydan cheaper?
Both publish packages that change over time, and the total depends on activities, visas and premises. We compare current quotes from both for your exact case rather than relying on headline prices.
Can I set up in IFZA or Meydan without visiting Dubai?
Meydan offers a fully digital process and a non-resident licence. With either zone you need to visit the UAE for the medical test and biometrics if you apply for a residence visa.
Are IFZA and Meydan both in Dubai?
Yes. IFZA operates from Dubai Silicon Oasis and Meydan Free Zone is based in Meydan, Dubai. Both issue Dubai free zone licences.
Do IFZA and Meydan companies pay corporate tax?
Both must register and file. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions applies 0% to qualifying income and 9% to other taxable income.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure which to choose?
Tell us your activity, customers and visa plans, and we will compare the options with real quotes.