Setting up a company in Dubai does not always mean choosing a mainland licence. For many entrepreneurs, a free zone company can offer a practical alternative, particularly when the business is focused on services, consulting, e-commerce, trading, or other eligible activities.
Meydan Free Zone is one Dubai-based option that attracts entrepreneurs looking for a business setup in Dubai while maintaining the advantages associated with a free zone structure.
The total setup cost depends on more than the initial trade licence fee. Entrepreneurs should also consider immigration cards, visa-related expenses, additional activities, renewals, amendments, and other government or administrative charges.
This guide explains the main components of Meydan Free Zone company setup cost and the expenses that should be considered before starting the application.
Setting Up in Meydan Free Zone, Dubai
Meydan Free Zone is a Dubai-based free zone option for entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Dubai without setting up a mainland company.
The right structure depends on the proposed business activity, number of shareholders, visa requirements, office requirements, and the type of licence needed.
If you are comparing free zone and mainland structures, our guide on Free Zone vs Mainland UAE can help explain the key differences.
Meydan Free Zone License Packages and Setup Cost
Meydan Free Zone setup costs vary according to the licence package and the requirements of the business. A basic setup calculation should therefore begin with the licence fee and then add the applicable immigration and visa costs.
Base Trade License Cost
The trade licence is one of the primary components of the company formation cost. For the cost figures considered in this guide, the corporate licence cost is AED 12,125.
The final amount payable can depend on the selected package, business activity, number of shareholders, and additional services included in the application.
E-Commerce License Cost
Entrepreneurs planning to operate an online business should check whether the proposed activities are covered by the selected licence. E-commerce businesses may require a suitable activity to be added to the licence structure.
If an additional activity is required, the cost considered in this guide is AED 1,000.
For entrepreneurs specifically interested in online businesses, you can also explore our guide to e-commerce for handmade products in the UAE .
Meydan Setup Cost in Indian Rupees
Entrepreneurs based in India or Kerala often compare UAE business setup costs in both AED and INR before making a decision.
Because the AED-INR exchange rate changes over time, the INR equivalent should be calculated using the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment rather than relying on a fixed conversion.
What Should Your Cost Calculation Include?
A realistic Meydan Free Zone company setup budget should consider the complete setup rather than only the headline licence price.
| Cost Component | Amount / Consideration |
|---|---|
| Corporate Licence | AED 12,125 |
| Additional Activity | AED 1,000, where applicable |
| Immigration Card | AED 2,000 |
| Visa Allocation | AED 1,850 |
| Employment Visa | AED 3,500 |
| Investor / Partner Visa | AED 4,000 |
| Dependent Visa | AED 6,000 |
| Renewal | Depends on the applicable licence package and requirements |
| Other Administrative Costs | Depends on individual requirements |
Meydan Employment, Investor and Partner Visa Costs
Visa expenses are an important part of the overall company setup budget when the shareholder or employees require UAE residency.
Investor or Partner Visa
The investor or partner visa cost considered in this guide is AED 4,000.
Employment Visa
The employment visa cost considered in this guide is AED 3,500.
Visa Quota
Visa availability is also connected to the company's licence and applicable immigration requirements. The visa quota should therefore be checked before finalizing the setup structure, particularly if the business expects to hire employees.
Meydan Free Zone Salary Certificate and Employment Compliance
Companies with employees should also consider ongoing employment and payroll-related compliance requirements. Salary documentation may be required for certain employee or banking-related processes.
The exact requirements can vary depending on the employee, company structure, immigration status, and the purpose for which the document is being requested.
Meydan Free Zone Renewal, Amendments and Cancellation
Company formation costs should not be viewed as a one-time expense. Entrepreneurs should also understand the costs and procedures associated with maintaining the company after incorporation.
Licence Renewal
The licence needs to be renewed according to the applicable renewal cycle. The renewal amount depends on the licence package and services included.
Adding Business Activities
If a company wants to expand into another permitted business activity, an amendment or additional activity may be required.
The additional activity cost considered in this guide is AED 1,000.
Licence Cancellation
If the company is no longer required, the licence should be formally cancelled rather than simply allowed to expire.
Before cancellation, the company should settle outstanding obligations, address immigration matters, and complete the required cancellation process.
Meydan Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones
Meydan is not the only option available to entrepreneurs. The most suitable free zone depends on factors such as location, business activity, licence requirements, visa needs, office requirements, and total cost.
If your priority is finding a cost-effective setup option, you can also compare different jurisdictions through our cheapest free zone UAE comparison guide .
Meydan vs IFZA
Both are Dubai-based free zone options. The better choice depends on the business activity, licence package, visa requirements, and the entrepreneur's preferred setup structure.
Meydan vs SHAMS
SHAMS is based in Sharjah and can be considered by entrepreneurs comparing Dubai and Sharjah free zone structures. Review the licence activities, pricing, and operational requirements before choosing.
Meydan vs RAKEZ
RAKEZ offers a Ras Al Khaimah-based free zone structure. It may be relevant for businesses prioritizing different cost structures, industrial facilities, or other specific requirements.
Meydan vs Dubai South
Dubai South is another Dubai-based business setup option. The appropriate choice depends on the company's activity, location requirements, facilities, and overall setup plan.
You can learn more about another popular option through our SHAMS Free Zone business setup guide .
Is Meydan Free Zone a Qualifying Free Zone for Corporate Tax?
Free zone status does not automatically mean that every company receives a 0% Corporate Tax rate on all income.
The UAE Corporate Tax framework contains specific conditions for Qualifying Free Zone Persons and qualifying income. Businesses should therefore assess their activities, income, records, and compliance requirements carefully.
For more information about UAE free zone Corporate Tax compliance, read our UAE Free Zone Corporate Tax Filing Guide .
Setting Up a Meydan Company Remotely From Kerala or India
Entrepreneurs based in Kerala or elsewhere in India may be able to complete significant parts of the UAE company formation process remotely, depending on the selected setup and documentation requirements.
Remote setup can be useful for entrepreneurs who want to establish their UAE business before traveling to Dubai.
However, certain steps may still require physical presence, original documents, medical testing, biometrics, or other procedures depending on whether UAE residency and visas are being applied for.
What Documents Are Usually Required?
The documents required for a Meydan Free Zone company setup can vary according to the applicant and proposed business structure. Commonly requested documents may include:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Passport-size photographs, where required
- Proposed company and business activity details
- Completed application forms
- Proof of address or other supporting information, where applicable
- Corporate documents for corporate shareholders, where applicable
- Additional documents depending on the selected business activity
Additional documents or approvals may be required for certain regulated or specialized activities.
How Raes Associates Can Help With Meydan Free Zone Setup
Choosing the right licence structure is important because the initial decision can affect your licence cost, visa requirements, compliance obligations, and future business operations.
Raes Associates can assist entrepreneurs with understanding the setup options, selecting suitable business activities, preparing the required documentation, coordinating the company formation process, and understanding the ongoing requirements.
If you are planning to establish a company in Meydan Free Zone, speak with the Raes Associates team about your business requirements.
Talk to Raes Associates on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Is Meydan an official free zone?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone is a Dubai-based free zone that provides company formation and licensing options for eligible businesses.
How much does a Dubai free zone trade licence cost?
The cost varies depending on the free zone, business activity, licence package, and additional requirements. For the Meydan cost figures covered in this guide, the corporate licence cost is AED 12,125.
Is Meydan a qualifying free zone for 0% Corporate Tax?
Free zone status alone does not automatically provide 0% Corporate Tax on all income. The applicable Corporate Tax rules and qualifying conditions must be assessed based on the company's activities and circumstances.
Which is better, IFZA or Meydan?
There is no single option that is best for every business. Compare the business activity, licence package, visa requirements, office needs, compliance requirements, and total setup cost before deciding.
How much does a Meydan Free Zone employment visa cost?
The employment visa cost considered in this guide is AED 3,500. The final amount can depend on the applicable process and requirements.
Can I set up a Meydan Free Zone company from India?
Entrepreneurs in India may be able to complete significant parts of the company formation process remotely. However, certain residency, medical, biometric, or other procedures may require the applicant to be physically present in the UAE.
Need help calculating your Meydan Free Zone setup cost?
Your final cost depends on the licence type, business activity, visa requirements, and other setup needs. Contact Raes Associates for guidance based on your proposed business structure.
