Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7010.01 Head Offices authorise a company to do
Activity code 7010.01 authorises a company to function as the strategic and administrative headquarters for a group of entities or subsidiaries. Permitted functions include group governance, strategic direction, intercompany coordination, treasury oversight, and policy management.
This is not a trading or client-facing licence. The entity does not need to generate direct revenue from end customers — its role is to serve the group structure itself, sitting at the top of a corporate hierarchy.
The classification aligns with the UAE's Standard Industrial Classification, which categorises head office activities under management of holding companies and centralised administrative functions.
Who is the Head Offices activity most suitable for
The Head Offices activity under code 7010.01 is designed for entities that direct operations across a wider group rather than trade directly with customers. It is particularly relevant for:
- Holding companies managing subsidiaries across the GCC or wider region
- Regional headquarters consolidating a multinational's Middle East presence
- Family offices managing investment portfolios and operating entities
- Multinationals establishing a formal UAE command centre without a full commercial operation
Any business that needs a recognised corporate command centre in Dubai without a requirement to operate locally will find this activity code appropriate.
What are the key benefits of setting up a head office in Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone offers the standard free zone package — 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation — at a cost point that suits lean holding structures. There is no paid-up capital requirement, which is particularly advantageous for entities that exist primarily to govern rather than trade.
Flexi-desk and virtual office options significantly reduce overhead while maintaining a legitimate registered address in Dubai, sufficient for most head office purposes.
Meydan's location within Dubai provides proximity to DIFC, Downtown, and the city's main banking corridors, which is a practical advantage for corporate bank account opening — widely considered the most friction-prone step in any UAE setup.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for a Meydan Free Zone head office
No minimum share capital is required to establish a Head Offices entity under activity code 7010.01 at Meydan Free Zone. This is a significant practical advantage for holding and governance structures that exist to direct a group rather than to hold or deploy capital directly.
The absence of a paid-up capital requirement means founders can incorporate without needing to deposit funds into a corporate account before the licence is issued, reducing both cost and administrative complexity at the outset.
How many visas can a head office entity obtain through Meydan Free Zone
A Meydan Free Zone head office entity is eligible for up to 6 visas on a flexi-desk package. Visa capacity is scalable if the company upgrades to a larger office package.
This makes the flexi-desk option practical for lean head office structures where only a small number of senior personnel — such as directors or treasury officers — need UAE residency visas tied to the entity.
Can a head office in Meydan Free Zone be set up remotely without travelling to Dubai
Yes. Meydan Free Zone supports fully remote incorporation, meaning the entire process — from trade name reservation to licence issuance — can be completed without the founders or shareholders travelling to Dubai.
This is particularly useful for multinational groups and foreign investors who need a UAE head office entity for governance or structural purposes but are not based in the region. The remote setup capability does not affect the legitimacy or recognition of the resulting licence.
What legal structure is used for a Meydan Free Zone head office and why
The standard entity type for a Meydan Free Zone head office is an FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company). This structure accommodates single or multiple shareholders and provides limited liability protection for its members.
The FZ-LLC is the most widely accepted entity type for banking and regulatory purposes in the UAE, making it the practical default for any head office that will need to open a corporate bank account or interact with counterparties who require recognised legal structures.
Multi-shareholder and corporate-shareholder setups are permitted but may require additional documentation without significantly extending the setup timeline.
Which UAE banks recognise Meydan Free Zone entities for corporate account opening
Meydan Free Zone entities are recognised by major UAE banks for corporate account applications, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and RAKBank.
Corporate bank account opening is widely considered the most friction-prone step in any UAE company setup. Meydan's recognition by established banks — combined with its Dubai address and proximity to key banking corridors — helps reduce the barriers head office entities typically face during the account application process.
How to Start Head Offices with Meydan Free Zone
Establishing a head office in Dubai under activity code 7010.01 gives multinational and regional businesses a recognised command centre — with full free zone benefits and no requirement to operate locally. This guide covers what the Head Offices activity entails, why Meydan Free Zone is a practical choice, and the exact steps to get licensed and operational.
| Key Stats at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Activity Name | Head Offices |
| Activity Code | 7010.01 |
| Free Zone | Meydan Free Zone |
| Licence Type | Service Licence |
| Minimum Share Capital | No minimum required |
| Visa Eligibility | Up to 6 visas on flexi-desk; scalable with larger packages |
| Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership permitted |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on qualifying free zone income |
| Setup Timeline | 3–5 business days (remote setup available) |
| Office Requirement | Flexi-desk accepted; physical office optional |
What the Head Offices Activity Covers
Activity code 7010.01 authorises a company to function as the strategic and administrative headquarters for a group of entities or subsidiaries. This is not a trading or client-facing licence — it is designed for entities that sit at the top of a corporate structure and direct operations across the group.
Permitted functions under this activity include group governance, strategic direction, intercompany coordination, treasury oversight, and policy management. The entity does not need to generate direct revenue from end customers; its role is to serve the group structure itself.
This activity is directly relevant for:
- Holding companies managing subsidiaries across the GCC or wider region
- Regional headquarters consolidating a multinational's Middle East presence
- Family offices managing investment portfolios and operating entities
- Multinationals establishing a formal UAE command centre without a full commercial operation
The classification aligns with the UAE's Standard Industrial Classification, which categorises head office activities under management of holding companies and centralised administrative functions.
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Explore Over 2,500+Why Meydan Free Zone for a Head Office
Meydan Free Zone is a Dubai-based free zone operating under the emirate's broader free zone framework. It offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation — the standard free zone package, but delivered at a cost point that suits lean holding structures.
There is no paid-up capital requirement, which matters for entities that exist primarily to govern rather than trade. Flexi-desk and virtual office options reduce overhead significantly while maintaining a legitimate registered address in Dubai — sufficient for most head office purposes.
Location is a practical advantage. Meydan sits within Dubai, with proximity to DIFC, Downtown, and the city's main banking corridors. This matters for corporate bank account opening, which remains the most friction-prone step in any UAE setup. Meydan Free Zone entities are recognised by major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and RAKBank for corporate account applications.
For founders and shareholders based outside the UAE, the remote setup capability means the entire incorporation process — from name reservation to licence issuance — can be completed without travelling to Dubai.
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Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is straightforward for a single-shareholder structure. Multi-shareholder and corporate-shareholder setups add documentation but not significant time.
Step 1 — Choose Your Activity and Legal Structure
Confirm 7010.01 Head Offices as the primary activity. The standard entity type is an FZ-LLC, which accommodates single or multiple shareholders. This structure provides limited liability protection and is the most widely accepted entity type for banking and regulatory purposes.
Step 2 — Reserve Your Trade Name
Submit three preferred names in order of preference. UAE naming conventions apply: no offensive terms, no references to governments, religions, or regulatory bodies without specific approval. Names must not duplicate existing registered entities.
Step 3 — Submit Incorporation Documents
Passport copies, proof of address, and a basic business plan are required. If any shareholder holds an existing UAE residence visa, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current sponsor may be needed. Corporate shareholders require a full set of company documents — see below.
Step 4 — Select Your Office Package
A flexi-desk is sufficient for a head office licence. If the structure requires a larger visa quota or physical meeting space, a private office package provides both. The office selection directly determines visa allocation.
Step 5 — Pay Licence Fees and Receive Documents
Meydan issues the trade licence, certificate of incorporation, and Memorandum of Association digitally. Standard processing runs 3–5 business days from submission of complete documentation.
Step 6 — Apply for Visas and Open a Corporate Bank Account
Investor visa applications can run in parallel with licence processing. Bank account opening follows licence issuance and requires full KYC documentation, a clear group structure chart, and evidence of business purpose. Allow 4–8 weeks for bank account approval depending on the institution.
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Get Your LicenseDocuments Required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address (issued within the last three months)
- Proposed trade name and business activity confirmation
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, Memorandum of Association, board resolution authorising the UAE entity, and certificate of incumbency — all attested and notarised as required by the jurisdiction of origin
Costs, Visas, and Ongoing Compliance
Meydan Free Zone licence fees are among the more competitive in Dubai. Annual renewal is straightforward, and most free zone entities below certain revenue thresholds do not face a mandatory audit requirement — though maintaining clean financial records remains best practice and is a UAE Corporate Tax obligation.
UAE Corporate Tax, effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023, applies at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may be eligible for a 0% rate on qualifying income under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Whether a head office entity qualifies depends on the nature of its income and its compliance with substance requirements. Confirm eligibility with a registered UAE tax adviser before relying on the 0% rate.
Visa allocation is tied to the office package. A flexi-desk arrangement typically supports between one and six visas, covering investor, partner, and employee categories. Larger packages unlock higher quotas.
Annual renewal involves licence fee payment and updated compliance declarations. No physical presence in Dubai is required for renewal. The Federal Tax Authority and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation set the broader compliance framework that applies to all UAE-registered entities.
Conclusion
A Head Offices licence under activity code 7010.01 at Meydan Free Zone is a clean, cost-efficient structure for businesses that need a credible Dubai headquarters without the overhead of a full commercial fit-out. The setup is fast, remote-friendly, and backed by a free zone with solid banking recognition. For groups looking to formalise their UAE presence, consolidate regional governance, or establish a holding point for subsidiaries, this is a well-tested route.
Speak to a Series Meydan adviser to confirm your activity scope, get a cost breakdown, and start your application — most setups complete within a working week.
