Meydan Freezone is a top business hub in central Dubai, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero taxes, and flexible office options. Ideal for startups and SMEs, it supports industries like e-commerce, consulting, trading, and media, with easy access to Dubai’s key markets and facilities.
Over 70% of new e-commerce startups in 2024 chose Meydan Freezone—here’s why it’s Dubai’s top pick for an affordable, fast company setup.
Unlike other free zones that charge premium rates for prestige, Meydan Freezone offers:
✅ 3-day company formation (new 2025 express processing)
✅ Flexi-desks from AED 9,500/year—60% cheaper than DIFC
✅ Zero hidden fees on license renewals
But is it right for your business?
This straight-to-the-point guide covers:
✔ Real costs (with case studies)
✔ When you should choose DMCC or Dubai South instead
✔ Step-by-step setup process using VA Zone’s proven 5-day method
2025 Update: The new “Tech Entrepreneur Visa” speeds up approvals to just 48 hours for qualifying startups.
📍 Prime Location—8 minutes from Burj Khalifa vs. 30+ mins for others
📍 Startup-Friendly— No mandatory office space for virtual licenses
📍 Future-Proof—New regulations allow crypto/fintech businesses
Is Meydan Freezone the right fit for you? Keep reading to find out.
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is an economic free zone in the UAE, located in the heart of Dubai. Established in 2009 under Ruler’s Decree No. 5, MFZ is situated in one of Dubai’s most prestigious locations near Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City and the Dubai Logistics Corridor.
MFZ is regarded as one of the most strategic locations for company setup due to its proximity to vital commercial hubs and easy access to key locations, including the Dubai International Airport.
The free zone is also surrounded by a wide range of commercial developments, such as state-of-the-art facilities, parks, hospitals, schools, villa communities, sports facilities, entertainment hubs, and established commercial industries. This makes it an appealing destination for investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their businesses in Dubai.
Meydan Freezone offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for businesses:
✳️100% Foreign Ownership: No need for a local sponsor; you retain full ownership of your business.
✳️Tax Benefits: Zero personal and corporate income tax.
✳️Strategic Location: Proximity to Dubai’s central business districts, airports, and ports.
✳️Flexible Office Solutions: Options like flexible desks, virtual offices, and private offices.
✳️No Currency Restrictions: Freedom to repatriate profits and capital.
✳️World-Class Facilities: Access to Meydan Hotel, Meydan Racecourse, and conference rooms.
Meydan Freezone is ideal for a wide range of sectors, including e-commerce, logistics, consulting, fintech, media, and trading. Startups and SMEs in technology and digital sectors often prefer Meydan due to its flexible licensing and cost-effective office solutions. Whether you are in fintech, healthcare, or logistics, MFZ provides the right infrastructure to scale your operations.
Meydan Freezone offers a variety of licenses to suit different business needs:
Setting up a business in Meydan Freezone is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Decide on the type of business you want to establish and ensure it aligns with the activities allowed in the free zone.
Choose between:
Prepare and submit the necessary documents, including:
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your business license.
Open a bank account to manage your business finances.
If you’re considering a Meydan Free Zone Dubai company setup, our company setup and formation services can help streamline the entire process from documentation to licensing.
After setting up your company, you will need corporate banking solutions. Our banking and financial advisory team will assist you in opening accounts and optimizing your financial structure.
The Meydan Freezone license cost is highly competitive compared to other Dubai free zones. Whether you’re launching a small consultancy or an e-commerce platform, Dubai free zone company formation can be more affordable than other free zones. Here’s a breakdown:
License Fees: Starting from AED 15,000.
Office/Desk Rental: Flexi-desks start from AED 10,000 annually.
️Visa Costs: Approximately AED 3,000 per visa.
Annual Renewal Fees: These vary based on license type and office space.
Although Meydan Freezone offers a tax-free environment, understanding corporate tax implications for UAE businesses is essential. Explore our tax services for expert guidance.
✅Tax Exemptions: No corporate or personal income tax.
✅Prime Location: Close to Dubai’s key business and leisure hubs.
✅ Affordable Setup: Competitive pricing compared to other free zones.
✅World-Class Facilities: Access to Meydan Hotel, racecourse, and conference rooms.
✅ Networking Opportunities: Proximity to Downtown Dubai enhances B2B connections.
| Feature | Meydan Freezone | DMCC | Dubai South |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Downtown Dubai | Jumeirah Lakes Towers | Dubai South (Expo City) |
| Setup Cost | Affordable (from AED 15K) | Moderate to High (from AED 20K) | Affordable (from AED 12K) |
| Setup Time | 3-5 days | 5-7 days | 4-6 days |
| Ownership | 100% foreign | 100% foreign | 100% foreign |
| Office Options | Flexi-desks, Virtual | Private Offices | Warehouses, Offices |
| Tax Benefits | 0% corporate/personal | 0% corporate/personal | 0% corporate/personal |
| Best For | Startups, SMEs, Trading | Trading, Commodities | Logistics, Aviation |
✔ Meydan wins for: Startups needing speed + affordability near central Dubai.
✔ DMCC suits: Established traders wanting prestige and JLT access.
✔ Dubai South ideal: Logistics/aviation businesses near Al Maktoum Airport.
| Feature | Meydan Freezone | DMCC | DIFC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 3-5 days | 5-7 days | 7-10 days |
| Ownership | 100% foreign | 100% foreign | 100% foreign |
| License Costs | AED 15,000 (approx.) | AED 20,000 (approx.) | AED 30,000 (approx.) |
| Office Requirements | Flexi-desk options | Physical office needed | Physical office needed |
| Tax Benefits | 0% corporate/personal | 0% corporate/personal | 0% corporate/personal |
| Ideal For | Startups, trading | Commodities, trading | Finance, professional services |
Why Meydan?
✔ Faster setup than DIFC for non-financial businesses.
✔ Lower costs vs. DMCC for flexi-desk startups.
Meydan Freezone offers state-of-the-art facilities, including:
Meydan Freezone operates under a streamlined regulatory framework designed for ease of doing business. It offers simplified compliance with AML/KYC regulations and does not impose mandatory annual auditing requirements, making it attractive for startups and SMEs. Businesses also benefit from clear guidelines around licensing, visa quotas, and repatriation of profits.
While Meydan Freezone simplifies compliance by not requiring annual audits, businesses still benefit from professional accounting services to maintain clean records and ensure financial transparency.
Meydan Freezone provides visa services for investors, employees, and their dependents. Key features include:
Meydan Freezone also offers flexible visa packages for business owners and employees. Our visa services team can assist you with all residency, investor, and employment visas linked to your new company.
Meydan Freezone is a top choice for businesses looking to establish a presence in Dubai. With its strategic location, affordable setup costs, and world-class facilities, it offers everything you need to grow your business. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or freelancer, Meydan Freezone provides the perfect environment to thrive.
The Meydan Freezone license cost starts from AED 15,000, making it one of the most affordable options for Dubai free zone company formation.
The process usually takes 7-10 working days. If you need help, check out our company setup and formation services to get started quickly.
Yes, you can sponsor dependents, including spouses and children. We also offer complete visa services to make the process smoother.
No, virtual offices and flexi-desks are available.
No, there are no corporate or personal income taxes. For expert advice, check out our tax services.
Yes, but you’ll need additional approvals for onshore activities.
There is no minimum capital requirement.
Yes, it’s ideal for e-commerce and digital businesses. Plus, our accounting services can help you stay compliant as you grow.
Yes, you can modify your license as your business grows.
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