How To Choose The Right Business License In The UAE With Meydan Free Zone
May 17, 2024
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Think about launching your own business in UAE — complete ownership, global access, and no paperwork dragging you down.
Does this sound like a dream?
It’s not. It’s all about knowing how to choose the correct business license.
The truth is; there’s no one size-fits-all. So whether you're launching an online store, starting a consultancy, or scaling globally, your
unique license is the foundation of everything — from what business activities you can legally partake in, to how quickly you can scale.
With more than 6000 millionaires located in Dubai in 2024 alone, the city is not just a location, but a launchpad.
If you want to jumpstart your business in Dubai, this guide will help you choose the right business license for your goals, walk you
through key requirements, and break down the step-by-step process to get started quickly, simply, and with utmost confidence.
How To Choose The Right Business License In The UAE
When it comes to selecting the right business license, you’ve got two main routes — mainland or free zone.
Here are the types of business licenses for your comparison:
Most Popular Business Licenses At Meydan Free Zone
Not sure where to start?
Thousands of entrepreneurs are choosing Meydan Free Zone for licenses that are simple, scalable, and built for modern businesses.
- Management consultancy license: This is ideal for advisors, coaches, and strategists helping business grow smarter.
- E-commerce license: Perfect for you if you’re selling online — whether it’s physical products, digital downloads, or if you’re dropshipping.
- General trading license: Want to import, export, or sell across multiple borders? This license is your go-to.
- Project management license: Ideal for freelancers or teams that handle client deliverables, timelines, and operations.
- Computer programming & IT related license: If you’re a developer, software builders, and anyone creating tech-based solutions.
- Digital marketing license: If you want to run ads, manage social media, or build an online content base, this license is made for you.
These business license options in UAE are built for today’s dynamic business models. And the best part?
With Meydan Free Zone, you can combine upto three activity groups, all under one license. So whether you want to start a consulting business, export makeup products, or start an IT company, you have everything you need under one roof.
License Requirements At Meydan Free Zone
Setting up with Meydan Free Zone is quite simple. Other than a few basic steps, you don’t need a mountain load of paperwork or multiple approvals.
- Your preferred business name: Send us 2-3 options, we’ll do a name check, and let you know which ones are eligible and available.
- Your business activities: Choose upto 3 activity groups. It doesn’t matter how different they are — from trading and consulting, to e-commerce and marketing, you have the option of diversifying.
- Passport copy: A clear scan of your passport is enough to begin with.
- Basic KYC info: This means things like proof of address and source of funds, which can all be submitted online.
- No office? There’s no need to worry: A physical office space is not needed to get licensed with us, you can complete your end-to-end licensing process fully online.
No guesswork, no delays. With Meydan Free Zone, you’ll lock in access to a clean, digital process built for entrepreneurs like you that want to get moving.
Why Meydan Free Zone Makes Choosing the Right License Easier
Let’s be honest, choosing a business license in the UAE isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about unlocking what’s actually possible for your business.
At Meydan Free Zone, we’ve simplified that decision. Whether you’re looking for the best business license for startups to launch an e-commerce brand, starting a consultancy, trading across borders, or building a hybrid model with multiple income streams — you don’t have to choose just one lane.
Unlike other free zones where you're limited to one or two activities, Meydan lets you combine up to three different activity groups under a single license. That means you can launch a marketing consultancy and an online store — without needing two separate setups.
Better still? You’re not waiting weeks to get started. Our 100% digital platform issues licenses in under an hour, with guaranteed support for bank account opening, visa processing, and more.
The right license isn’t just a formality — it’s your foundation. And at Meydan Free Zone, it’s built for scale.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re launching solo, starting with a small team, or setting your sights on the global markets, the license you choose dictates what exactly is possible.
At Meydan Free Zone, ambition meets digital infrastructure. The process is articulated for business owners, quick, digital, and backed by stem-to-stern support.
You bring the vision, Meydan delivers the possibility.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a free zone and mainland license?
A mainland license allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE but may require a local sponsor. A free zone license offers 100% foreign ownership, faster setup, and is processed entirely online.
2. Do I need a local sponsor to open a UAE business?
Not if you choose a free zone license. You get full foreign ownership, with no local sponsor required. It’s a popular option for entrepreneurs who want control, privacy, and a smoother process from license to launch.
3. What are the business license requirements in the UAE?
Usually, business license requirements in the UAE include a passport copy, business name options, selected activities, and basic KYC documents. In Meydan Free Zone, it’s all handled digitally—with no NOC or physical office space required to get started.
4. Can I get a license for an online business in the UAE?
Yes! You can apply for a license for online business in the UAE through Meydan Free Zone. It covers e-commerce, dropshipping, digital products, and more—plus you’ll get access to payment gateways and import/export code support.
5. How long does it take to get a business license?
In most free zones, licenses are issued within a few working days. At Meydan Free Zone, it’s even faster. Your Fawri license can be ready in under 60 minutes, fully online, no paperwork or waiting around.
6. Can I include multiple activities in one license?
Yes! In Meydan Free Zone, you can choose up to three activity groups in one license. That means you can consult, sell online, and import/export—all under one setup. It’s flexibility built for real founders.
7. Is a visa included with the license?
Free zone licenses come with optional visa packages. You can choose 0 to 6 visa allocations based on your needs. The process is digital, and it includes residency, Emirates ID, and even family sponsorship if needed.
