Meydan Free Zone has become one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs and investors setting up in Dubai, and it's easy to see why. It's fast, it's flexible, and it doesn't ask you to jump through the usual hoops that come with mainland setup. If you want full ownership of your company, a straightforward licensing process, and the freedom to operate without a local partner, Meydan Free Zone is worth serious consideration.

At Probiz, we handle the entire setup process for you from choosing the right license and activity, to trade name approval, visa processing, and opening your corporate bank account. Whether you're based in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, our team manages the paperwork so you can focus on actually running your business.

What is Meydan Free Zone?

Meydan Free Zone was established under a Ruler's Decree and sits within one of Dubai's most recognisable districts, known globally for the Meydan Racecourse and its surrounding development. Over the years it has grown into a genuine business hub, attracting consultants, e-commerce sellers, trading companies, and professional service providers who want a Dubai address without the overheads of a mainland setup.

What makes it stand out is how digital the whole process is. Most of the registration name reservation, document submission, license issuance can be done online, and if you're already a UAE resident with an Emirates ID, you can get your license issued in under an hour through the Fawri service.

Why Businesses Choose Meydan Free Zone

• 100% foreign ownership
  You don't need a local sponsor or service agent. The company is entirely yours, from day one.
• No physical office required
  A flexi-desk arrangement is included with most license packages, so you're not paying rent on a space you don't need especially useful if your team works remotely or you're just starting out.
• Fast turnaround
  Standard setups typically take a few working days. Residents using the Fawri service can walk away with a license the same day.
• Wide activity list
  Meydan Free Zone covers thousands of licensed activities across consulting, trading, e-commerce, media, and professional services. You can usually combine more than one activity group under a single license, which saves you from having to apply for multiple licenses as your business grows.
• Mainland access without converting
  Recent regulatory changes now allow Meydan Free Zone companies to register a branch with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and operate on the mainland without giving up your free zone structure or adding a local partner. This is a meaningful shift for businesses that eventually want to serve mainland clients directly.
• Tax efficiency
  Qualifying Free Zone businesses continue to benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the UAE's Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria.
• No minimum capital requirement
  You're not locked into depositing a set amount of share capital just to get started.

License Types Available in Meydan Free Zone

• Commercial License — for trading, import/export, and general commercial activity
• Consulting/Professional License — for individuals or firms offering advisory, management, HR, or financial consulting services
• General Trading License — for businesses that need to trade across multiple product categories under one license
• E-Commerce License — built specifically for online retail and digital storefronts
• Freelancer Permit — for individuals offering services under their own name without forming a full company

Not sure which one fits your business model? That's usually the first thing we sort out on a call the wrong license type early on tends to cause complications later, so it's worth getting right from the start.

Documents Required

• Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
• Passport-size photographs
• Proof of residential address
• No Objection Certificate (if currently employed on a UAE residence visa)
• Business plan (for select activities only)
• Bank reference letter (for certain license categories)

Requirements vary slightly depending on your chosen activity and whether you're applying as an individual or a corporate shareholder we'll confirm exactly what's needed for your specific case before you submit anything.

Meydan Free Zone Setup Process

1. Consultation and activity selection — We discuss your business goals and help you choose the right license type and activity codes.
2. Trade name reservation — Your preferred company name is checked and reserved, usually within the same day.
3. Document submission — We prepare and submit your application along with the required documents.
4. License issuance — Once approved, your trade license, Memorandum of Association, and share certificate are issued.
5. Visa processing — We handle investor, employment, and dependent visa applications for you and your team.
6. Bank account setup — We assist with opening a corporate bank account with a UAE bank suited to your business type.

Cost of Setting Up in Meydan Free Zone

Costs depend on your license type, number of visas required, office requirements, and any add-on services you need. Rather than quote a fixed number that may be outdated by the time you read this, we'd rather give you an accurate, current quote based on your specific setup reach out to us on WhatsApp at +971 50 387 7111 and we'll walk you through the exact breakdown.

Why Work With Probiz

Setting up a company sounds simple on paper, until you're the one chasing document approvals and figuring out which government portal you're supposed to be using. We've done this enough times to know where things usually go wrong, and we handle that part so you don't have to.

We work with clients across the UAE not just Dubai and manage the entire journey: license type selection, documentation, visa processing, bank account assistance, and ongoing compliance once your company is up and running. If something changes in your license structure or you need to add an activity down the line, we're the same team you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100% foreign ownership really allowed in Meydan Free Zone?

Yes. Meydan Free Zone allows full foreign ownership with no requirement for a UAE national partner or local service agent, regardless of your nationality or business activity.

Do I need a physical office to set up in Meydan Free Zone?

No. A physical office isn't mandatory. Most license packages include a flexi-desk arrangement, which satisfies the registration requirement without the cost of leasing dedicated office space.

How long does it take to get a Meydan Free Zone license?

Standard processing typically takes a few working days. If you're already a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID, the Fawri service can issue your license in under an hour.

Can a Meydan Free Zone company operate on the mainland?

Yes, under recent regulatory changes, Meydan Free Zone companies can register a branch with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and legally operate on the mainland without converting their free zone company or adding a local partner.

What is the corporate tax position for Meydan Free Zone companies?

Free zone companies can continue to benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, as long as they meet the UAE's Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions. Income outside those conditions may be taxed at the standard rate, so it's worth getting this assessed for your specific business.

Is there a minimum capital requirement?

No. Meydan Free Zone does not require a minimum paid-up share capital to register a company.

Can I get visas for my employees through a Meydan Free Zone company?

Yes. Meydan Free Zone companies can sponsor investor, employment, and dependent visas, with the number of visas depending on your license package and office/flexi-desk arrangement.

Does Probiz only assist clients in Dubai, or across the whole UAE?

We work with clients across the entire UAE. Most of the Meydan Free Zone setup process is digital, so location isn't a barrier we can manage your entire application remotely and coordinate any in-person steps (like biometrics for Emirates ID) wherever you're based.