Both zones offer 100% foreign ownership, fast digital setup and no local sponsor, yet they sit at very different price points and suit different founders. SPC is built around low cost and visa flexibility, while Meydan sells a Dubai address and a smoother banking story.
The right pick depends on what you need your licence to do for the business, not on which one looks cheaper on a banner. Contact Raes Associates for a free recommendation based on your activity, team size and budget.
The Short Answer
Choose SPC if cost, visa quota or Sharjah mainland access matter most. Choose Meydan if a Dubai address, client perception or banking comfort justifies paying roughly twice as much.
For many solo founders and lean teams, SPC gives better value, while Meydan makes more sense when your clients, partners or bank expect to see Dubai on your licence.
SPC vs Meydan at a Glance
| Factor | SPC Free Zone | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Licence from (zero visa) | AED 5,750 for e-commerce or publishing; AED 6,875 for a standard licence | AED 12,500 |
| Activities per licence | Up to five combinable activities | Up to three activities |
| Activity list | 2,000+ | 2,500+ |
| Visas | Advertises unlimited visas on its flexi-desk model | Visa quota tied to the package |
| Setup speed | Instant licence on eligible packages | Fawri instant licence in under 60 minutes for eligible activities |
| Mainland route | Dual licence with Sharjah mainland access | Separate Dubai DET permit for specific activities |
| Best for | Low cost, visa flexibility, e-commerce, publishing and consulting | Dubai address, e-commerce, services and client credibility |
Pricing reflects the figures used in this guide for 2026 and may change. Confirm the current package inclusions, visa costs and other charges in a written quote before paying.
Cost: What You Actually Pay
SPC Free Zone
Published entry prices start at AED 5,750 for e-commerce or publishing and AED 6,875 for a standard licence. An e-publishing option has also been advertised from AED 4,999.
Meydan Free Zone
The published starting price is for a zero-visa licence, including a registered address and up to three activities. Adding a visa increases the first-year cost.
An SPC licence with one investor visa typically lands around AED 13,000 in the first year, depending on what's bundled. Visa costs may be itemised separately, including an allocation fee of about AED 1,600 and an investor visa with Emirates ID of about AED 2,530, plus medical testing.
Published prices for Meydan packages with one visa vary according to inclusions. Always compare the full first-year cost rather than the advertised licence price alone.
The entry-price gap is roughly double. That difference primarily buys you a Dubai address rather than necessarily adding more business capability. Consider whether your clients, banking requirements and business model justify the premium.
Explore our guides for detailed cost comparisons:
- Meydan Free Zone License Cost Guide 2026
- SPC Free Zone Company Formation in UAE
- Cheapest Free Zone in UAE 2026
- UAE Business Setup Costs: 15 Costs Nobody Warns You About
Visas and Team Size
This is where SPC can pull ahead for growing teams. SPC advertises unlimited visas on its flexi-desk model, while Meydan ties visa availability to the package you purchase.
If you plan to hire quickly, SPC's advertised flexibility may be an advantage. If you need only one or two visas, the difference may be smaller.
Activities and Licence Flexibility
SPC allows businesses to combine up to five activities on one licence from a list of more than 2,000. This can suit businesses that combine activities such as consulting, trading and e-commerce, subject to the authority's rules.
Meydan lists more than 2,500 activities, but a standard licence covers up to three activities. If you need a wider combination of activities, compare the permitted options for your exact business model before deciding.
Use our UAE Free Zone Activity List to explore activity options.
Banking and Credibility
Neither SPC nor Meydan can guarantee that a bank will open a corporate account. Both offer banking assistance. Published fees cited for application support are AED 1,500 for Meydan and AED 2,000 for SPC, although current charges and service inclusions should be confirmed directly.
Banks assess applications individually. They may review your business activity, source of funds, ownership structure, expected transactions, contracts, website, supplier documentation and operational substance, regardless of the free zone you choose.
A Dubai address may help some founders with client perception and business presentation. That is one reason some businesses consider paying Meydan's premium. SPC also states that its flexi-desk address is accepted by its banking partners, but acceptance does not guarantee account approval.
For additional guidance, read:
Reaching Mainland Customers
A free zone licence does not automatically authorise every form of business activity in the UAE mainland. The route available depends on the activity, applicable regulations and required approvals.
SPC offers a dual-licence route for Sharjah mainland access. Meydan companies may be able to obtain a separate permit from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism for specific activities, subject to the applicable requirements.
Understand your options before registering:
- Free Zone Companies Can Now Operate Onshore in UAE
- Dubai Mainland Company Setup
- Freezone vs Mainland UAE: Which Is Better and Cheaper?
- Sharjah Mainland License
Tax and Compliance
Corporate tax treatment depends on your income, business structure and eligibility, not simply on whether you choose SPC or Meydan.
A free zone company may qualify for the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if it meets the conditions for a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Non-qualifying income is subject to the applicable corporate tax rules. The general 9% rate applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000, subject to the relevant provisions and exceptions.
Both zones require you to understand and manage applicable compliance obligations, including:
- Corporate tax registration and compliance
- VAT registration and consultancy, where applicable
- Accounting and bookkeeping
Read our guide on Qualifying Free Zone Person Corporate Tax to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions.
Which Zone Suits Which Business?
Choose SPC if you prioritise
- Low startup costs: A lower published entry price for budget-conscious founders.
- Flexible activities: Up to five combinable activities, subject to approval.
- Hiring flexibility: Its advertised flexi-desk visa offering, subject to confirmation.
- Publishing and creative work: Businesses in publishing, media and related sectors.
- Sharjah mainland access: A dual-licence route, where eligible.
Choose Meydan if you prioritise
- A Dubai address: A Dubai-based business presence.
- Client perception: A location that may better suit your target market.
- Service businesses: Businesses whose clients value a Dubai address.
- Technology activities: Founders looking for suitable AI and tech activity codes.
- Package-based setup: A defined package aligned with your visa requirements.
For AI and technology founders, explore How Can a Meydan Free Zone License Help Advance AI-Based Businesses?
If you're setting up in either zone, our company formation team can help coordinate your licence, visas and banking requirements. Our free zone company setup service can also help you compare other zones if neither option fits your needs.
Need Help Choosing Between SPC and Meydan?
The cheapest zone isn't always the best fit, and the most prestigious one isn't always worth the premium. The right choice depends on your licensed activity, hiring plans, visa requirements, target customers and total setup budget.
Raes Associates can help you compare both options and understand the likely costs and compliance requirements before you commit.
Get a Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
1. Is SPC cheaper than Meydan?
Based on the published starting prices used in this guide, SPC is cheaper. Its entry prices start at AED 5,750 to AED 6,875 for certain zero-visa licences, while Meydan starts at AED 12,500. Actual costs depend on your package, visas and additional services.
2. What does SPC stand for?
SPC stands for Sharjah Publishing City. It began as a publishing-focused free zone and now licenses a wide range of business activities, including e-commerce, consulting and trading, subject to approval.
3. Which zone is better for hiring many employees?
SPC may suit businesses seeking visa flexibility because it advertises unlimited visas on its flexi-desk model. Confirm the applicable quota, eligibility conditions and fees in writing before making a decision.
4. Which zone gives me a Dubai address?
Meydan Free Zone is based in Dubai, while SPC is based in Sharjah. If a Dubai business address matters to your clients or operations, consider whether Meydan's additional cost is justified.
5. Can an SPC or Meydan company sell to mainland customers?
Mainland business activity is subject to applicable rules and approvals. SPC offers a dual-licence route for Sharjah mainland access, while Meydan companies may apply for a separate Dubai DET permit for eligible activities.
6. Do SPC and Meydan companies get 0% corporate tax?
Not automatically. A free zone company must meet the applicable conditions to qualify for the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Other taxable income is subject to the relevant UAE corporate tax rules.
7. Can I switch from SPC to Meydan later?
Changing free zones generally involves establishing the new licence and addressing the cancellation of the existing licence, visas, establishment records, bank account and other registrations as applicable. This can add cost and administrative work, so compare both options carefully before registering.
Make the Right Free Zone Decision
Compare SPC and Meydan based on your actual business requirements rather than the headline licence price alone.
Contact Raes Associates
