Guide to Business Setup in Dubai Meydan Freezone
Most entrepreneurs think getting a Dubai business license takes weeks of paperwork. But Meydan Freezone is changing the game.
Imagine launching your startup in just 60 minutes – no piles of forms, no endless approvals. Sounds unreal? It’s now a reality with the Meydan Freezone Business License in Dubai.
This innovative free zone is attracting tech startups, logistics firms, and media entrepreneurs with its fully digital setup and founder-friendly policies.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why Meydan Freezone might be the perfect launchpad for your business, how to get your license step by step, and what to expect along the way. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Lightning-Fast Licensing: Meydan Free Zone offers an instant license service called Fawri – you can get a full business license in as little as 60 minutes.
It’s a 100% digital process tailored for speed and efficiency.
- Full Foreign Ownership & Tax Perks: Enjoy 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate or personal tax on profits up to AED 375,000 (above that, the UAE’s standard 9% corporate tax applies).
- One License, Multiple Activities: A Meydan Freezone business license covers 2,500+ business activities under a single license.
- Flexible Office Options: Meydan Freezone provides flexible workspace solutions.
- Smooth Setup Process: Setting up in Meydan FZ is straightforward and can be done remotely.
If you need help, Corporate Business Services (CBS), company setup experts can handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on your business.
What Is the Meydan Freezone License in Dubai?
Meydan Freezone (MFZ) is a special economic zone in the heart of Dubai (established 2009) that offers an entrepreneur-friendly environment for company formation.
A Meydan Freezone License is the official permit issued by this free zone authority, allowing you to legally conduct business in Dubai under the jurisdiction of Meydan Free Zone.
In essence, it’s your company’s operational license – and it comes with exceptional perks:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike a mainland license, you don’t need a local sponsor for MFZ – you own your company outright as a foreign investor.
This is a huge draw for startups and SMEs looking for independence and control.
- Tax Benefits: Meydan Freezone companies enjoy 0% personal and corporate income tax (up to the set profit threshold).
There’s also 0% import/export duty within the free zone.
(Note: UAE’s new corporate tax law imposes 9% on taxable profits above AED 375k, but small businesses below that remain tax-free.)
- All-in-One License: Perhaps the biggest advantage – one license covers over 2,500 business activities across sectors.
You can combine multiple business categories (tech, consulting, trading, media, etc.) under a single Meydan license without additional fees.
For a tech startup that also does a bit of trading, or a media company offering consulting services, this flexibility is golden.
- Digital, Hassle-Free Platform: Meydan Freezone is the UAE’s only 100% digital free zone. Everything from registration to document issuance is done through an online portal.
This paperless, one-stop platform means you can apply from anywhere in the world and get your license without visiting offices.
- Recognition and Support: An MFZ license is recognized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding credibility to your business globally.
Meydan FZ also offers support services (“Meydan Plus”) for new businesses – from banking assistance to VAT accounting – to help you hit the ground running.
- Ultra-Fast Licensing: Tired of waiting weeks for approvals? Meydan’s Fawri service can get your company fully licensed in 60 minutes.
That includes your trade license, incorporation documents, MOA, share certificates – all issued within one hour.
(Fawri is tailored for solopreneurs/single-shareholder companies and currently supports 1,800+ approved activities across e-commerce, consulting, trading, education, fintech and more.)
- Mainland Office Option: Worried that a free zone license might restrict you geographically? Meydan FZ has you covered – you are allowed to set up an office in Dubai mainland with a simple NOC (No Objection Certificate).
This unique benefit means your free zone company can still establish a physical presence in the city and tap into local Dubai markets, something not all free zones facilitate.
- Cost-Effective Packages: Despite offering premium services, Meydan Freezone’s pricing is competitive.
A standard Meydan Freezone license package starts at roughly AED 12,000–15,000 (around USD 3.3k–4k) depending on your business requirements.
- No Paid-Up Capital Required: There is no minimum paid-up share capital needed to establish your company in Meydan FZ.
- Industry-Friendly Licenses: Meydan Freezone caters to a broad range of industries.
It offers specific license categories (all under the umbrella of the single business license) for sectors like Media (e.g. marketing, digital content creation), Consultancy/Services (business consulting, IT services, logistics consulting), and Commercial/Trading activities.
Why does this matter? If you’re an entrepreneur in tech, logistics, or media, the Meydan Freezone business license gives you a fast and cost-effective gateway into Dubai’s market.
You get all the benefits of a free zone – ownership, tax exemptions, ease of setup – while staying in a prime Dubai location.
In fact, Meydan Freezone is located close to the Dubai Logistics Corridor and Mohammed Bin Rashid City, positioning your business near major transport and business hubs– a big plus for logistics and distribution companies.
How to Get Your Business License in Meydan Freezone, Dubai (Step-by-Step)
Setting up a free zone company in Meydan is a straightforward process.
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to obtaining your Meydan Freezone business license in Dubai:
1. Choose Your Business Activity (or Activities):
First, decide what business activity (or multiple activities) you want on your license. Meydan Freezone allows a wide range – over 1,800 activities if you opt for the instant license, and 2,500+ in total.
(Tip: Meydan FZ even allows combining up to three activity groups under one license with Fawri, so feel free to broaden your scope.)
2. Pick a Company Name:
Choose a unique name for your company that meets UAE naming guidelines. It should not duplicate an existing company and should avoid any prohibited terms.
For example, if you’re a tech startup, something like “InnovateX Technologies FZ-LLC” could work – just ensure it’s not already taken.
3. Submit the License Application:
With your activities and name set, you’ll fill out Meydan Free Zone’s application form for company formation.
This includes providing shareholder and manager details, passport copies, and a business plan summary (for certain activities).
The beauty of Meydan’s system is that it’s all digital – upload your documents and forms through the portal without any physical paperwork.
If you’re going for the Fawri 60-minute license, you’ll use the dedicated online platform for that service.
The system will run automatic eligibility checks in real-time to make sure everything is in order.
4. Pay Fees and Receive Your License:
Once the application is approved, you’ll pay the required license fee. The cost will depend on your chosen package (number of visa allocations, etc.) – basic licenses start around AED 12k.
After payment, Meydan Freezone will issue your legal documents very quickly. Standard processing is just a few days, and with Fawri it’s within the hour! You will receive your Business License, Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, Share Certificate, and Lease Agreement (for your flexi-desk or facility) all via email or download.
Congratulations – your company is officially established!
5. Apply for Visas:
With your license in hand, you can proceed to UAE residency visas.
Meydan Freezone licenses typically come with eligibility for several visas (usually up to 6 visas for employees and owners, depending on your package and office space allocation).
The visa process involves a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, which can be arranged once you’re in the UAE.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account:
The final step is setting up a UAE business bank account to manage your company finances.
Many local banks are comfortable opening accounts for Meydan FZ companies, given the free zone’s government recognition. You’ll usually need your company license, incorporation documents, passport, visa, and a business plan or summary.
That’s it! In just 6 steps, you can go from idea to a fully licensed Meydan Freezone company. The entire process can be done remotely until the visa stage (which requires your presence in UAE), making it convenient for overseas entrepreneurs too. If at any point you find the process confusing or time-consuming, keep in mind that Corporate Business Services (CBS) specializes in Dubai free zone setups – our team can handle all the paperwork, submissions, and coordination with Meydan FZ on your behalf. We’ve helped numerous startups get their license painlessly, so you can always reach out for a free consultation and let us streamline it for you.
Ready to Launch in Meydan Freezone? Get Expert Consultation From CBS
Launching a business in Dubai’s Meydan Free Zone is one of the smartest moves for today’s entrepreneurs.
Pro tip: Don’t go it alone. Save time and avoid rookie mistakes by leveraging experts who know the ins and outs of Dubai’s free zones. As a leading Emirati-owned business consultancy, Corporate Business Services (CBS) is here to help make your Meydan company formation smooth and stress-free.
From choosing the right license package to handling all the documentation, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to contact our team at CBS for personalized advice or assistance with setting up your business in Dubai.
We’ll walk you through every step (or even handle it all for you), so you can focus on what really matters – building your business.