Free zone · Dubai
Meydan Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai
Meydan Free Zone is a Dubai free zone that issues digital trade licences with up to 100% foreign ownership and a fully online application. A flexi-desk is included with the licence, a non-resident licence lets founders set up without relocating, and up to three activity groups can be combined on one licence.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about Meydan
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Application
- Fully digital; can be completed remotely
- Licence options
- Standard digital licence, instant licence, non-resident licence, multi-year licences
- Premises
- Flexi-desk included; dedicated offices available
- Activities
- Up to three activity groups on one licence
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor
What is Meydan and how does it work?
Meydan Free Zone is built around a digital process: the application, documents and payments can all be completed remotely, and the licence is issued electronically. That makes it a common choice for founders outside the UAE and for service businesses that do not need a physical office on day one.
The zone publishes a wide activity list across sectors such as trading, ICT, financial services, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, education, transport and food and beverage, and lets you combine up to three activity groups under one licence. Some activities still need approval from an external authority before they can be licensed, so the activity choice should be checked first.
Activities
What can a Meydan company do?
- Trading
- ICT and technology services
- Financial and business services
- Real estate-related services
- Education and training (subject to approvals)
- Food and beverage trading
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Flexi-desk included with the licence
- Dedicated office space as the business grows
- Mainland office space with a no-objection certificate where permitted
Visas
How many visas can a Meydan company get?
Investor and employee residence visas are applied for separately from the licence, after the establishment card is issued. The zone describes residence visas as typically valid for two years and renewable. Each visa needs a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics in the UAE.
Tax
How is a Meydan company taxed?
Meydan companies are subject to UAE corporate tax and must register with the Federal Tax Authority. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions can apply 0% to qualifying income; other taxable income is taxed at 9%.
Good fit
Who is Meydan best for?
- Founders setting up from outside the UAE
- Consultancies, agencies and online businesses
- Companies combining several related activity groups
- Owners who want a non-resident licence first and visas later
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Retail or hospitality serving walk-in mainland customers
- Heavy logistics or manufacturing needing warehouses
- Businesses that must bid for mainland government work
Process
How to set up a company in Meydan
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
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06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in Meydan.
- 01
Check whether your activities fit within three activity groups on one licence.
- 02
Decide whether to start with a non-resident licence or apply for visas immediately.
- 03
Confirm whether any activity needs external approval, such as education or financial services.
- 04
Prepare digital copies of passports and shareholder documents for the online application.
- 05
Plan a UAE visit for the medical test and biometrics if you need a residence visa.
Frequently asked
Questions about Meydan
Can I set up a Meydan Free Zone company without visiting the UAE?
Yes. Meydan’s application and payments can be completed remotely, and it offers a non-resident licence. You only need to be in the UAE later if you apply for a residence visa, for the medical test and biometrics.
How many activities can a Meydan licence have?
Meydan allows up to three activity groups on one licence. Activities that need external approval, such as some education or financial activities, still require that approval first.
Does a Meydan licence include an office?
A flexi-desk is included with the licence. You can lease dedicated office space when the business grows, which may also matter for your visa needs.
Is Meydan better than IFZA?
It depends on how you will apply, the activities you need and your visa plans. Meydan’s fully digital and non-resident options suit remote founders; IFZA suits firms that want premises in Dubai Silicon Oasis. See our IFZA vs Meydan comparison.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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