Your Guide to New Business Setup in Dubai With Meydan Free Zone
January 15, 2025
November 14, 2025
June 30, 2025
November 14, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Business Activity Selection
Choosing the appropriate business activity is the first step when setting up in Meydan Free Zone. The zone specialises in sectors such as media, consultancy, IT, and trade services, providing licences tailored to specific business needs. Ensuring your chosen activity aligns with Meydan’s permitted categories facilitates a smoother application process.
2. Company Structure Options
Meydan Free Zone offers flexibility in company structures, including Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), and branch offices of foreign companies. Each structure has distinct ownership and operational criteria, with 100% foreign ownership permitted under all options, allowing investors full control over their entities.
3. Licence Acquisition Process
Obtaining the relevant business licence is a critical phase. Applicants must submit the required documentation, including a completed application form, passport copies, business plan, and proof of office space. Meydan Free Zone streamlines the licence issuance process, typically completing approvals within a few working days.
4. Office Space Requirements
Meydan Free Zone mandates physical office space within its premises. Options range from Flexi-desks to fully serviced offices, catering to businesses of varying sizes. Securing office space is integral to the licensing process and compliance with the free zone regulations, facilitating operational readiness.
5. Visa and Immigration Procedures
Setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone enables entrepreneurs to sponsor residence visas for themselves and their employees. The number of visas granted corresponds to the office space leased and the nature of the business. The free zone authority supports streamlined visa processing, enhancing mobility and workforce establishment in Dubai.
Thinking about launching a business in Dubai?
You’re won’t just be entering a market, but stepping into one of the world’s most pro-business cities, with demand from both local and international entrepreneurs continuing to rise in 2025.
From zero personal income tax to global banking access, the city offers everything you need to start, scale, and succeed.
But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the real requirements for new business setup in Dubai — especially if you're doing it from overseas.
This guide outlines everything you need: from licensing and immigration to banking, visas, and activity approvals — all aligned with what Meydan Free Zone offers to founders in 2025.
What You Need to Start a New Business with Meydan Free Zone
If you're setting up through Meydan Free Zone, the entry requirements are refreshingly simple:
- A clear passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
- Your preferred trade name
- Your selected business activities (up to 3 activity groups)
You don’t need to be in the UAE to apply.
You don’t need an Emirates ID, a visa, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
And you don’t need a local sponsor — you’ll retain 100% foreign ownership from day one.
Expore detailed step by step process of obtaining a business license with Meydan Free Zone
Nationality Requirements For Starting a Business in Dubai
Most nationalities are eligible to register a new company in the UAE through Meydan Free Zone. However, there are enhanced due diligence (EDD) measures for applicants from certain high-risk countries, based on UAE AML (Anti-Money Laundering) frameworks.
If you're from a restricted jurisdiction, you may be required to submit:
- Additional identification documents
- Proof of address or source of funds
- Security clearance or background check
Meydan Free Zone offers pre-check support to confirm eligibility before payment — so you're not stuck midway through the process.
Choosing Your Business Activities and How Approvals Work
The UAE government allows licensed companies to engage in specific activities — and some are regulated by third-party authorities. With Meydan Free Zone, you can:
- Select up to 3 business activity groups from 2,500+ options
- Combine sectors (e.g., trading, consulting, digital services) under one license
- Add or upgrade activities later with zero hassle
However, some activities require external approvals before or after license issuance. Examples include:
Meydan Free Zone will flag these requirements before issuing your license, and guide you through documentation or clearance steps.
Visa Eligibility: Who Can Apply, and When
Once your license is live, you can apply for a UAE residency visa valid for 2 years.
Founder Visa Eligibility:
- License must be issued and immigration profile activated
- Applicant must pass medical screening and Emirates ID registration
- No nationality ban — most countries are eligible, subject to standard KYC
Meydan Free Zone supports every stage of the visa process, including Establishment Card and E-Channel registration, scheduling medical tests, handling Emirates ID applications, and coordinating final visa stamping — all through a streamlined, digital-first system.
Approval typically takes 5–10 working days once documentation is complete.
Sponsoring Family or Team Members With Business Setup
Once your personal visa is active, you're eligible to sponsor dependents and staff, including:
- Spouse
- Children under 25
- Domestic workers (maids, nannies, drivers)
- Business employees under your visa quota
Visa quotas are based on your license package and activity type. Meydan Free Zone assists with expanding your visa allocation if needed.
Understanding Business Banking As a License Holder
At Meydan Free Zone, all license holders get guaranteed IBAN support through trusted banking partners.
Traditional Banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBANK, and FAB offer robust business banking services for UAE-based companies. To open an account, you’ll typically need your trade license, Memorandum of Association (MoA), share certificate, Emirates ID (or proof of visa application), and a valid tenancy contract — which can include your Meydan Free Zone flexi-desk address.
Digital Banks such as Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz provide a faster, more flexible alternative — especially for solopreneurs, consultants, and e-commerce founders. These platforms offer app-based onboarding, multi-currency accounts, and lower balance thresholds, making them ideal for lean, early-stage businesses.
Digital banks offer faster onboarding and lower balance thresholds — ideal for startups or remote founders.
Registering for UAE Corporate Tax
All UAE companies must register for corporate tax, even if they’re eligible for 0% tax.
At Meydan Free Zone, we register you automatically and help ensure you qualify as a “Qualified Free Zone Person”, which means:
- You earn income only from permitted Free Zone activities
- You maintain audited accounts
This keeps your corporate tax rate at 0% on qualifying income.
Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
In Conclusion, Launch Smarter with Meydan Free Zone
Dubai continues to lead as one of the most attractive global destinations for entrepreneurs — and with Meydan Free Zone, setting up your new business is faster, clearer, and more accessible than ever.
From choosing your license to opening a bank account, securing visas, and meeting tax obligations, every step is simplified — whether you're in the UAE or setting up remotely. No paperwork. No delays. Just a streamlined ecosystem that’s built for business and backed by trust.
If you're ready to start your journey, Meydan Free Zone is ready to get you live — in as little as 60 minutes.
FAQs
1. What is the process for new business setup in Dubai?
To start a new business in Dubai, you must choose your business activity, select a trade name, obtain a trade license, register with the relevant authorities, and apply for visas if needed. Meydan Free Zone offers fully digital setup options.
2. How can I start a company in Dubai as a foreigner?
Foreigners can start a company in Dubai with 100% ownership by registering through a UAE free zone. No local sponsor is required. At Meydan Free Zone, only a passport copy is needed to begin the process online.
3. How long does it take to set up a new company in the UAE?
With free zones like Meydan, a company license can be issued in under 60 minutes. Other jurisdictions may take a few days to several weeks depending on approvals and documentation.
4. How much does it cost to get a UAE business license?
Costs vary by license type, visa allocations, and additional services. In Meydan Free Zone, entry-level packages can start from around AED 12,500. Use our cost calculator to estimate accurately.
6. Do I need to be in Dubai to start a business there?
No. Meydan Free Zone allowa you to start your business remotely through a fully online process. Physical presence is not required for license issuance.
7. Can I get a visa with my new business setup in Dubai?
Yes. Business owners are eligible for 2-year residency visas and can also sponsor dependents or staff. Visa applications can usually be done after license issuance.
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