Launch Your Business in Dubai Without an NOC from Your Employer at Meydan Free Zone

You’ve got your business idea, your name, and your license plan ready. But if you’re currently on a UAE employment visa, you might be wondering — do I need my employer’s permission to launch?

This is where the concept of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) comes in. Traditionally, expats needed this letter from their employer to start a company.

But in a city welcoming over 6,000 millionaires just last year, ambition never waits.

And at Meydan Free Zone, that’s not a barrier — you have the freedom to launch your business while staying on your current employment visa.

We don’t require an NOC from your current employer to issue your license. You can stay on your employment visa, get licensed in under 60 minutes, and start building your future on your terms.

Why You Need a No Objection Certificate in Dubai

As an entreprenuer, paperwork should be the last thing that’s holding you back from successfully launching your business. If you’re planning to launch a business in the UAE, you may be told you need a No Objection letter from your visa sponsor. That sponsor might be your employer or a family member, depending on your current visa status.

In plain terms, an NOC letter in Dubai is a letter from your sponsor confirming that they have no objection to you launching a company and/or applying for a new visa.

Here’s how it typically plays out:

One important note: if you’re setting up in Dubai mainland, an NOC is mandatory. But in most free zones — including Meydan Free Zone — it’s not required to launch your company.

What Should a No Objection Certificate Include?

If you do need a No Objection Certificate in Dubai (for example, to apply for an investor visa), here’s what that letter usually contains:

• Printed on company or sponsor letterhead
• Your full name, passport number, and Emirates ID
• A statement saying the sponsor has no objection to you starting a business and/or switching visas
• The issue date
• Signature and official stamp from an authorised signatory

But again, if your business is launching through Meydan Free Zone, you don’t need to submit this at all. You can set up your company first, then handle your visa on your own terms.

How to Request an NOC from Your Sponsor (If Needed)

If your business setup journey eventually involves switching to an investor visa, here’s how to approach the No Objection Certificate request:

Step 1: Have an open conversation with your employer or sponsor. Share your business goals transparently and clarify that it won’t affect your current responsibilities.

Step 2: Request the NOC letter formally. Many organisations already have a template. If not, you can draft a version for their review.

Step 3: Ensure the letter is signed and stamped on official letterhead. Include all the necessary personal and company details to make it valid.

Remember, an NOC letter from your sponsor is only needed if you’re changing your visa status. If you’re staying on your current employment visa, you can skip this step entirely when setting up with Meydan Free Zone.

Why Meydan Free Zone Makes the NOC Process Effortless

At Meydan Free Zone, we’ve removed the friction from launching your business while staying fully compliant with UAE laws. Here’s how we make it simple:

• No NOC required to launch your company while you remain on an existing employment visa — ideal for side-hustlers and solopreneurs
• Fully digital license issuance in under 60 minutes, with no paperwork or in-person visits
• Access to choose from over 2,500 business activities, under a single license — so you can pivot or expand without hassle
• Stay on your current visa and delay your investor visa application until you're ready to scale
• Seamlessly upgrade later with expert support for your Establishment Card, investor visa, Emirates ID, and more
• Optional Meydan Plus (mPlus) services to assist with visa switching, partner onboarding, and NOC requests if needed
• Bank account guarantee, even when you're still on your employment visa

We understand that starting a business isn’t always an all-or-nothing decision. That’s why Meydan Free Zone is designed for flexibility — so you can launch fast, stay compliant, and grow with confidence, whether you're building full-time or in parallel to your career.

Important Compliance Notice: While Meydan Free Zone doesn’t require an NOC from your employer to issue a license, UAE labour law still applies. If you are employed full-time and plan to actively manage your company, your employment contract may include non-compete or exclusivity clauses. Always review your contract and seek professional guidance if needed.

In Conclusion

Starting a business in the UAE shouldn’t come with unnecessary obstacles - and at Meydan Free Zone, it doesn’t. We’ve eliminated the NOC requirement for most founders so you can move forward with confidence, even if you're still on an employment visa.

Whether you're testing a side hustle, transitioning into entrepreneurship, or preparing to scale, Meydan Free Zone gives you the freedom to start smart and stay compliant. With fast licensing, digital setup, and full visa support when you're ready, there's nothing standing in your way.

The future of business ownership is flexible. And with Meydan Free Zone, it starts right here.

FAQs

1. Do I need an NOC to start a business at Meydan Free Zone?

No. You do not need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer to get licensed with Meydan Free Zone, even if you're still on an employment visa.

2. When is an NOC required in the UAE?

An NOC is generally required only if you plan to switch from your current visa (employment or family-sponsored) to an investor visa.

3. Can I open a company while working full-time in the UAE?

Yes. You can legally open a business at Meydan Free Zone while keeping your job, as long as you’re not violating any terms in your employment contract.

4. What happens if my employer doesn’t approve my NOC?

If you’re not switching visas, their approval isn’t required. You can start your business while staying on your existing visa.

5. How long does it take to get a license without an NOC?

You can receive your Meydan Free Zone business license in under 60 minutes, fully online and without an NOC.

6. Can Meydan Free Zone help with NOC templates or visa changes later?

Yes. We offer full support if you choose to switch to an investor visa or need guidance requesting an NOC later.

7. Do I need a NOC if I’m currently not sponsored (e.g., cancelled visa)?

No. If your visa is cancelled and you’re starting fresh, you can apply for an investor visa through Meydan Free Zone without an NOC.