Company Incorporation in Dubai: Your 2025 Guide to Fast, Flexible Setup with Meydan Free Zone

Dubai is where global businesses are born—and scaled.

As of January 2025, the UAE reported over 971,000 active commercial licenses, with Dubai alone accounting for 59% —that’s more than 573,000 businesses choosing the city as their launchpad.

This isn't just a number—it’s proof of momentum.

Incorporating your company in Dubai today means joining a world-class jurisdiction designed for growth. From 100% foreign ownership and 0% personal tax to digital governance and direct mainland access, Dubai blends freedom with structure.

And at the centre of it all is Meydan Free Zone—your fully digital, zero-paperwork setup platform. Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling regionally, Meydan lets you start in minutes and grow without borders.

Dubai Company Incorporation: Free Zone vs. Mainland in 2025

Before you register your business, you’ll need to choose between two key jurisdictions: Mainland or Free Zone. In 2025, both have evolved—but only one gives you the best of both worlds.

What Changed in 2025: Free Zone Companies Can Now Access the Mainland

Thanks to Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, Free Zone companies can now register a branch on the mainland—without restructuring or losing their Free Zone benefits.

You can:

• Sell directly to UAE mainland clients
• Sign contracts with mainland vendors and government entities
• Open retail locations, service offices, or warehouses in mainland Dubai
• Retain your Free Zone ownership structure and tax benefits

This new model means you can expand without compromise—no local sponsor required, no need to convert your Free Zone company into a mainland entity, and no changes to your ownership structure. Your branch is registered directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allowing you to operate onshore while continuing to benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying Free Zone income.

This is a game-changer for Free Zone businesses seeking expansion—without compromise.

How to Incorporate a Company Through Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone offers a fully digital process that lets you go live fast—with no paperwork and no in-person visits.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activities

Pick from 2,500+ licensed activities. You can include up to three activity groups under a single license—ideal for businesses that offer multiple services (e.g., digital marketing + consulting + e-commerce).

Step 2: Define Your Legal Structure

Meydan Free Zone supports LLC (FZ-LLC) formation—giving you 100% foreign ownership, limited liability protection, no paid-up capital requirement, and no need for a local Emirati partner or agent.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Submit your preferred trade names and get approval within 20 minutes. Meydan Free Zone ensures the name meets all UAE compliance standards.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

All you need is a passport copy. Choose your setup package, confirm your activities, and submit your digital application.

Step 5: Receive Your Trade License

Licenses are issued in under 60 minutes through the Fawri setup option. You’ll also receive your Memorandum of Association (MoA), Share Certificate, and License Documentation.

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

Meydan Free Zone helps you open an account with guaranteed IBAN access. Many banking partners offer zero minimum balance options.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone isn’t just a place to register your business—it’s a launchpad built for modern founders, digital-first businesses, and global operators.

Here’s what makes it different:

• License in 60 Minutes
  Set up instantly with our FAWRI fast-track process—fully digital, no paperwork, no delays.
• 100% Foreign Ownership
  Maintain full control of your business with no local partner or sponsor required.
• 0% Personal Income Tax
  Maximise your earnings in one of the world’s most tax-friendly jurisdictions.
• No Paid-Up Capital Needed
  Start lean—no blocked capital or bank letter required to get licensed.
• Mainland Access Without Restructuring
  Expand across Dubai via branch registration—no conversions, no compromises.
• Up to 6 Visas Per License
  Sponsor yourself, your team, or dependents with scalable visa packages.
• Flexible Licensing Model
  Choose and combine up to three business activity groups under one license.
• Bank Account Opening Support
  Get guaranteed IBAN access through Meydan Free Zone’s partner banks—no minimum balance in most cases.
• Full Compliance Made Effortless
  We handle UBO, ESR, KYC, and Corporate Tax onboarding so you can stay focused on growth.
• mPlus Business Support
  From accounting and renewals to VAT and admin—our ecosystem grows with you, every step of the way.

Ready to Launch the Right Way?

Dubai is built for entrepreneurs—but Meydan Free Zone is built for momentum.

From 60-minute licensing to direct mainland expansion, we give you the structure to grow without limits.

No red tape. No paperwork. No wasted time.

Just a business setup experience that’s fast, compliant, and designed for founders like you.

Start your company today—Dubai’s future is ready when you are.

FAQs

1. Can a Free Zone company operate in the Dubai mainland?

Yes. As of 2025, Free Zone companies can register a branch with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) under Resolution 11/2025 and legally operate in the mainland—without converting their company or adding a local sponsor.

2. How long does it take to incorporate a business in Meydan Free Zone?

Your trade license can be issued in under 60 minutes. Visa processing and bank account setup typically take 5–7 working days.

3. Is a local Emirati partner required to set up a company?

No. Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or service agent.

4. Do I need a physical office to start a business in Meydan Free Zone?

No. A physical office is not mandatory. You can operate virtually using a flexi-desk setup included in your license package.

5. What is the minimum capital required to incorporate in Meydan?

There is no paid-up capital requirement to start a company in Meydan Free Zone.

6. What kind of business activities can I choose?

You can select from over 2,500 licensed activities and combine up to three activity groups under a single license.

7. Is corporate tax applicable to Free Zone companies in 2025?

Yes, but if your income is from qualifying Free Zone activities and meets the UAE’s Qualified Free Zone criteria, your corporate tax rate remains at 0%.

8. Can I open a UAE business bank account with a Meydan license?

Yes. Meydan Free Zone supports guaranteed IBAN access with partner banks—often with no minimum balance requirements.

9. Can I set up my company remotely, from outside the UAE?

Yes. The entire Meydan Free Zone setup process is 100% digital and can be completed from anywhere in the world.

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