Meydan Free Zone Company Setup: Licenses, Fawri and Costs
Avyanco is the leading business setup company in Dubai. We help entrepreneurs and established businesses to form their company in the Meydan Free Zone. Situated in Meydan City near Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, this zone provides an accessible ecosystem for digital agencies, consultants, IT service providers, ecommerce platforms and SMEs. We guide you through the Meydan Free Zone company setup and help you register your company in a compliant ecosystem.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET license #909402
- Under 60 min Fawri license
Why Founders choose Meydan, and when Another Zone Fit Better
Our clients choose Meydan because of its transparent fixed pricing, central proximity to downtown Dubai, and flexible multi-activity structures. Here's why founders choose the business setup in free zone Meydan
Why Founders choose Meydan
- Published, Transparent Pricing: Because of the clear fee schedule starting from AED 12,500*, with no hidden fees, founders choose Meydan for business setup. It also set the clear costs for mainland company formation.
- Multi-Activity Flexibility: This free zone in Dubai allows up to three distinct activity groups under a single commercial license.
- Fawri Fast Track: Fawri is limited to eligible activities from its own list and is LLC-only. It is designed for one-person companies where the same person is shareholder, manager, director, and UBO.
- Remote Formation: You can easily complete the company registration and KYC verification without visiting Dubai.
- Central Dubai address: Because of the central Dubai address, it allows you to easily secure a commercial presence in Meydan City.
when Another Zone Fit Better
- Our experts recommend the alternative zones when your operations demand specific facilities, as follows as
- Physical commodities or crypto trading: Choose DMCC.DMCC →
- Heavy manufacturing, warehousing, or port logistics: Choose JAFZA.JAFZA →
- VAT-free physical goods movement: Meydan is not a designated zone for VAT.
Avyanco recommends Meydan for management consultancies, digital marketing agencies, software providers, e-commerce firms, and light commercial trading. Proper planning ensures that your Meydan Free Zone company setup aligns with your exact commercial activities and infrastructure needs.
Quick answer: Meydan Free Zone at a glance
Our specialists also help you choose the right business structure based on your operational model, workspace requirements, and timeline. From comparing standard and express Fawri setup routes, to defining business activity, and calculating the total first-year fees, we guide you and make your business formation process efficient in Meydan Free Zones.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
License from: AED 12,500* (standard) and AED 15,000* (Fawri)
With 1 visa: From AED 20,670*
Timeline: Under 60 minutes for Fawri (eligible activities), 1 working day for standard setup
Tax: 0% on qualifying income, upon meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
Meydan Free Zone License Types: Standard vs Fawri
Standard License
Avyanco allows you to select the commercial, professional/service, and light industrial licenses for online and service-focused companies.
- The standard Meydan Free Zone license enables the selection of over 2500 business activities. We add the extra activity groups for AED 1,000 each. The activities that need external approvals from entities such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) should follow the standard processing timelines that our team manages.
Fawri License
Avyanco allows you to select the commercial, professional/service, and light industrial licenses for online and service-focused companies.
- The standard Meydan Free Zone license enables the selection of over 2500 business activities. We add the extra activity groups for AED 1,000 each. The activities that need external approvals from entities such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) should follow the standard processing timelines that our team manages.
Limited liability company
Avyanco's consultants help you register your business in Meydan free zones and allow 1 to 50 shareholders (individuals or corporate entities) with limited liability.
- We also support clients with two specialized licensing options for operational flexibility.
- By obtaining the Meydan Free Zone license, you can get clear options for local and international growth for your business.
Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company
We can also set up the branch of a Foreign or UAE Company for corporate groups, and its obligations and liabilities rest with the parent company.
- We also support clients with two specialized licensing options for operational flexibility.
- By obtaining the Meydan Free Zone license, you can get clear options for local and international growth for your business.
Non-resident license
It is designed for international entrepreneurs who require a registered Dubai entity and corporate structure without applying for UAE residence visas.
- We also support clients with two specialized licensing options for operational flexibility.
- By obtaining the Meydan Free Zone license, you can get clear options for local and international growth for your business.
Dual license
Dual license allows eligible free zone companies to get a branch license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It allows the business to trade directly on the Dubai mainland without separate office space.
- We also support clients with two specialized licensing options for operational flexibility.
- By obtaining the Meydan Free Zone license, you can get clear options for local and international growth for your business.
Flexi Desk, Office and Visa Quota
Every Meydan office setup license includes the flexi desk address. But a basic flexi desk is not enough for QFZP status. If you decide to move to the shared or dedicated office spaces, then you must check the eligibility for higher visa quotas.
| Office option | Visa quota |
|---|---|
| Flexi desk | Up to 6 visas. |
| Shared office (AED 15,000*/yr) | Visa quota depends on the selected office package and Meydan approval |
| Dedicated office (from AED 30,000*/yr) | Custom visa quotas based on physical floor area. |
Companies that want to meet Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax exemptions can contact our tax advisors. We evaluate your physical operational substance in the free zone. A basic flexi desk is not enough for QFZP status; you must have physical premises and local operational expenditure to set up your standard service business. You should also manage your office space efficiently to optimize the Meydan business setup budget.
Meydan vs IFZA vs DMCC at a Glance
Before setting up your business in free zones in Dubai, you must compare IFZA vs DMCC vs Meydan and choose the right zone as per your business activities, budget, visa requirements and licensing needs.
| Feature | ZoneMeydan Free Zone | ZoneIFZA | ZoneDMCC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Meydan City, Dubai | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Jumeirah Lakes Towers |
| Year-one cost from | AED 12,500* | AED 12,900* | AED 20,000+ |
| Fast-track license | Fawri (under 60 min) | Standard express | Standard processing |
| Activities per license | Up to 3 activity groups | Up to 3 activity groups | Up to 6 activities |
| Best for | Agencies, consultants, SMEs | Regional service providers | Enterprise, commodities, trade |
Company Formation in Meydan Free Zone: Six Steps
Avyanco manage the complete business setup process in Meydan Free Zones, as follows as
- 1
Choose activities and license type
We help you select the primary operations and choose the standard or Fawri processing.
- 2
Reserve the trade name
Next, we submit the three proposed corporate names for official business clearance.
- 3
Apply online and complete KYC
We submit the shareholder information and handle the ID verification through the portal.
- 4
Upload Documents
We review and upload your passport copies, address proof and photos.
- 5
Pay Fees and Sign
Next, we review the official invoice, process payment and facilitate the digital execution of incorporation documents.
- 6
License issued and post-incorporation
We deliver your corporate documents, complete the establishment card registration, residency visas, visa allocation and bank account opening. This stage takes 2 to 10 days.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco handles Meydan Business Setup
Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC operate with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) license #909402. Our experts guide me through the Meydan free zone company set up in Dubai legally. We support you at every stage of company formation, including:
Licensing & KYC
- Selecting the business activity and completing license eligibility checks.
- Prepare and submit the trade name and KYC applications.
Visas & Emirates ID
- Coordinate the medical checks, Emirates ID processing, and residence visas.
Banking & tax
- Manage the corporate bank account applications and tax registration.
Documents You'll Need
Our experts at Avyanco streamline the document preparation for business setup in Meydan free zones. We start the company setup without delays and submit all essential legal and identification documents on time. The required documentation includes the
- Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Copy of UAE entry stamp/visa / Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA, attested)
- Board Resolution approving setup and appointing manager
- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) declaration form
Meydan Free Zone License Cost: Year-One Breakdown
Avyanco maintains complete fee transparency by keeping the license costs clearly mentioned. Here are the first-year Meydan free zone license cost below
Worked Example: 1 Shareholder, 1 Visa, Standard Setup
*Indicative, subject to change
UAE Corporate Tax applies at 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. QFZPs may be eligible for the 0% tax on qualifying income, subject to applicable conditions. The service business, including consulting, IT, and marketing, can earn non-qualifying income and may pay 9% Corporate Tax above the threshold.
QFZP rules explained →Meydan is not the VAT Designated Zone. VAT registration is mandatory on taxable supplies above AED 375,000 and may be voluntary above AED 187,500.
Not a Designated ZoneMeydan Free Zone license cost
| Cost Item | Fee Type | Cost from (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard license (includes flexi desk address) | Annual | 12,500* |
| Fawri license (express option) | Annual | 15,000* |
| Extra activity group (beyond 3) | One-time / Annual | Subject to activity and approval |
| Establishment card | Annual | 2,000* |
| Visa allocation fee | Per visa quota | 1,850* |
| Employment visa (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID) | Per visa | 3,500* |
| Shared office space | Annual | 15,000* |
The Meydan Free Zone license cost remains consistent upon renewal from year 2. For the complete pricing model, you can check our full Meydan cost breakdown or review our tailored company formation packages.
Corporate Tax, VAT and QFZP for Meydan companies
QFZPs should maintain adequate economic substance, earn qualifying income, fulfill the de minimis limit (5% of revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower), comply with the transfer pricing rules and maintain audited accounts. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the loss of your QFZP status for five tax periods. Eligible businesses with revenues less than AED 3 million may qualify for Small Business Relief, subject to applicable conditions.
Check our Corporate Tax registration and QFZP review for tailored guidance.
Questions founders ask about Meydan
Can I set up a Meydan company without visiting Dubai?+
Yes, you can set up the company in Meydan without visiting Dubai. We guide you with the company registration, trade name reservation, and document verification digitally. You only need to visit Dubai for the medical tests and biometrics during residence visa processing.
What is Fawri, and who can use it?+
Fawri is the express digital license service that issues registration documents within 60 minutes. Avyanco uses this option for clients who choose the pre-approved business activities that do not need external government approvals.
How many activities fit on one license?+
A standard Meydan license allows up to three business activities under one license fee. You can add additional activities for AED 1,000 each.
Is a flexi desk enough for a residence visa?+
Yes, the flexi desk is enough for up to 3 residence visas. Clients who need larger visa quotas can contact us. We assist you with upgrading to shared or dedicated physical offices.
How long does company formation in the Meydan Free Zone take?+
The company formation via the Fawri express route may take less than 60 minutes for eligible business activities. Standard Meydan free zone company setup takes 1 working day.
Will my service company pay 0% or 9% Corporate Tax?+
Yes, our tax consultants clarify that most standard service income (consulting, marketing, IT) is taxed at 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Qualifying 0% rates may apply upon fulfilling the QFZP conditions.
What does Meydan business formation cost from year two?+
The Meydan business setup renewal cost starts at AED 12,500 for the core license and AED 2,000 for establishment card renewal and visa renewal fees.
Can I open a bank account with a Meydan license?+
Yes, you can open a bank account with a Meydan license with major UAE banks. We support you with accurate documentation and compliance checks required for the corporate bank account application.
Guides to help you decide
Start your Meydan application.
Start your business expansion to Dubai with expert guidance from our advisors. Contact our setup specialists to select the right business activity, calculate your budget and launch your Meydan Free Zone company setup.
- Select the right business activity
- Calculate your budget
- Launch your Meydan Free Zone company setup
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Cabinet Decision 59/2017 (Designated Zones) · Meydan Free Zone (meydanfz.ae) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of Meydan Free Zone and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. Meydan rules, fees, package inclusions, visa quotas, QFZP eligibility and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with Meydan Free Zone and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.