Meydan Free Zone (Meydan FZ) – Dubai
Located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Meydan Free Zone offers entrepreneurs world-class infrastructure, a streamlined setup process, and direct access to Dubai’s vibrant economy. With 1,500 + permitted activities, visa-flexible licence packages, and zero personal or corporate tax, Meydan Free Zone is a prime launchpad for start-ups, SMEs, and international branch offices alike.
Key Benefits of Setting Up in Meydan Free Zone
- 100 % foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
- Zero corporate, personal, import & re-export taxes
- No minimum paid-up capital and low entry cost
- Visa or non-visa licence bundles to suit any budget
- 1-day document issuance after security clearance
- 24/7 access to office facilities; wide choice of flexi-desks & private suites
- 1,500 + approved business activities; combine up to three groups on one licence
- Fast bank-account opening support
- Exclusive discounts at the 5-star Meydan Hotel & Business Centre
- Secure, well-regulated environment inside Dubai’s prestigious Meydan district
Document Checklist
| Shareholder Type | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Corporate Shareholder | • Memorandum of Association• Certificate of Incorporation• Certificate of Incumbency (≤ 3 months old)• Notarised copies of all corporate documents |
| Individual Shareholder | • Passport copy & digital photo• Emirates ID & residence-visa copy (if applicable) |
Receivables: MOA, Business Licence, Share Register, Certificate of Formation, and Lease Agreement.
General Rules
- All corporate documents must be notarised.
- Originals must be submitted within 2 months of licence issuance.
- Online-registry companies may submit electronic copies.
Five-Step Company-Setup Process
- Select activities (media, consulting, or commercial).
- Submit application + documents to Meydan FZ.
- Reserve the trade name with the authority.
- Receive licence & registration approvals.
- Sign incorporation papers in the presence of Meydan officials.
Licence Categories & Typical Uses
| Licence | Scope | Warehouse? |
|---|---|---|
| Media Licence | Advertising, publishing, communications, and content creation | ✘ |
| Consulting Licence | HR, business, management, IT, and other professional advisory | ✘ |
| Commercial Licence | Import, export, distribution & trading of goods | ✘ |
Obtaining a UAE Residence Visa via Meydan Free Zone
| Step | Action | Timeline* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for an Immigration Card after the licence is issued | 2–3 days |
| 2 | File e-Visa application (passport + Immigration Card) | 3–5 days |
| 3 | Enter UAE → Medical test & Emirates ID biometrics | Same day |
| 4 | Submit results & docs for ID + passport stamp | 1–2 days |
Typical working-day estimates.
Documents for Medical & ID
- Original passport
- Immigration Card
- E-Visa copy
- Meydan business licence
- 3 passport photos (white background)
Sample Activity Groups (1,500 + total)
- Infrastructure & Construction – civil works, demolition, machinery installation
- Training & Education – schools, coaching, educational support
- Advertising & Creative Arts – marketing, photography, design, entertainment
- Holding Companies – asset-holding and investment vehicles
- Human Resources – recruitment, temp staffing, HR outsourcing
- Legal Consultancy – advisory & advocacy services
- Real Estate – property ownership, leasing, management
- Logistics & Storage – land transport, warehousing, courier services
- Financial & Accounting – bookkeeping, tax, audit, non-bank finance
- Management & Support – IP leasing, call centres, admin & office support
Combine up to three activity groups under one Meydan licence for maximum flexibility.
- 15 years’ UAE-wide experience in free-zone & mainland Business setups
- End-to-end service: name reservation → licensing → visas → bank accounts
- In-house translation & attestation team to fast-track documentation
- Ongoing PRO support for renewals, amendments, and employee onboarding
- Smart Business Creation assists in facilitating the office spaces required for Meydan Free Zone
FAQs
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Who owns Meydan Free Zone? | Established under the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. |
| When was it formed? | February 2009 (Ruler’s Decree No. 5). |
| Is a Free-zone visa better? | Yes—tax-free, flexible, and independent from mainland sponsorship. |
| Who built the Meydan Grandstand? | Malaysian firm TAK led phase-one construction of Meydan City. |
| How many activities are allowed? | 1,500 Plus, licences can cover up to three activity groups. |
