The Process of Obtaining a Business License in Meydan Free Zone, Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
June 25, 2025
October 8, 2025
June 29, 2025
October 8, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Determine the Business Activity and License Type
Begin by identifying the exact nature of your business activity to select the appropriate license category. Meydan Free Zone offers various licence types, including commercial, service, and industrial. This step ensures compliance with free zone regulations and aligns your licence with your business objectives.
2. Reserve Your Trade Name
Select and reserve a unique trade name through the Meydan Free Zone Authority. The name must adhere to the naming conventions set by Dubai authorities and should not conflict with existing entities. Reservation confirms your chosen name is exclusive to your business and essential for subsequent documentation.
3. Prepare and Submit the Required Documentation
Compile necessary documents, such as a completed application form, passport copies of shareholders and managers, a business plan, and proof of capital if applicable. Submit these along with your trade name reservation to Meydan’s licensing department for evaluation and approval.
4. Sign the Legal Documents and Pay Fees
Upon approval, you will be required to sign the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other relevant legal agreements. Concurrently, pay the licensing fees, which typically cover the trade licence, office space (if applicable), and other administrative costs.
5. Obtain Your Business Licence and Establish Your Office
Once all documentation is verified and fees settled, the Meydan Free Zone Authority will issue your business licence. Following issuance, if your licence requires physical office space, proceed to lease and set up your premises according to free zone standards, enabling you to commence business operations legally within Dubai.
Searching for the fastest way to get your business started in Dubai? You'll need to start with the basics, and that means understanding the business license process in Dubai.
If the steps feel unclear or loaded with red tape, you're not wrong. But that's exactly why this guide exists, to break it all down simply, clearly, and in a way that fits how modern founders actually work.
This is your walkthrough of how to get a business license in Dubai, through a streamlined, 100% online process offered by Meydan Free Zone, where approvals take minutes, not months, and setup can be completed 100% online from anywhere in the world.
Business License Process in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
At Meydan Free Zone, your trade license in Dubai isn't just a document, it's a gateway to full control, global potential, and zero unnecessary restrictions. Whether you're a solo founder, a growing team, or launching your second act, the how to get business license Dubai process starts with matching the right activity and license type to your vision.
You can choose from over 2,500 business activities across consultancy, trading, media, tech, services and more and combine up to three under one license. Our platform helps you make that selection with clarity, so your setup today supports where you're heading tomorrow and stays fully aligned with evolving license requirements in Dubai.
The Step-by-Step Licensing Journey with Meydan Free Zone
Getting started is easier than you'd expect, and every step is designed to remove friction and speed up success:
Step 1: Choose your business activity
Choose your business activity from over 2500 activities. Tell us what you want to do, how many visa allocations you'll need, and any banking or residency plans. You'll receive a clear proposal with transparent costs and no guesswork.
Step 2: Choose Your License Type
Pick between:
- Fawri License – Ideal for solopreneurs, remote workers, or freelancers needing a fast, visa-free setup.
- Regular License – Best for startups and growing teams planning long-term operations and investor entry.
Step 3: Check and Reserve Your Business Name
Send us up to three name options through our free name-check tool. We'll confirm compliance and availability within 20 minutes and help with suggestions if needed.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Everything is done online. Typically, we'll need your passport, proof of address, application setups).
Step 5: License Issuance
Once verified, your business license is issued in under 60 minutes. You'll receive your digital documents, license, MOA, share certificate, right in your dashboard.
Beyond the License: What Happens Next?
You'll get your MOA, license, and share certificate immediately in your Meydan Free Zone dashboard. These documents unlock your next steps on the same day your license is approved:
- Apply for your guaranteed UAE business bank account through our partner banks
- Start your visa application, for yourself, your team, and even family members
Every part of this happens on one secure platform. No queues, no back-and-forth, and no unnecessary delays.
Getting your license is just the beginning. With Meydan Plus, you'll have post-launch support that covers the full business lifecycle:
- Tax registration and filing
- Bookkeeping and renewals
- HR and PRO services
- KYC, UBO and compliance built into onboarding
You focus on growth, we keep your operations tight, bank-ready, and regulator-proof.
Why Meydan Free Zone Is Built for Entrepreneurs Like You
This isn't just about speed, it's about structure. Here's what founders love:
- License in under 60 minutes
- 0% tax for qualifying income
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- LLC protection for personal liability shielding
- Bank account guarantee, no rejection runaround
- ISO-certified digital dashboard with real-time control
- Fully remote setup, no office lease, no Emirates ID needed
- No NOC required, even if you're employed in the UAE
Whether you're in Dubai, overseas, or in between jobs, we've built this to work for you.
From Dubai to the World, Start Right with Meydan Free Zone
The business license process in Dubai can be simple, fast, and fully tailored, when you choose the right partner. With Meydan Free Zone, everything you need to build with confidence is in one place: licensing, banking, visas, compliance, and next-stage support.
We've taken care of the complexity so you can focus on clarity. And we've designed a system where ambition meets structure, not friction.
FAQs
1. Can I get a business license in Dubai without living there?
Yes, with Meydan Free Zone, you can launch your business remotely without needing to visit or obtain a UAE residence visa. It’s ideal for founders based overseas.
2. How fast can I receive my trade license in Dubai?
With Meydan Free Zone, your trade license is typically issued within 60 minutes of document submission and approval, and it's the fastest in the UAE.
3. What documents are required to start a business in Dubai?
At minimum, a passport copy, proof of address, and application form. Additional documents like MOA or shareholder information may be needed based on your setup.
4. Does Meydan Free Zone help with bank accounts and visas?
Yes. We provide guaranteed UAE bank account support and streamline visa processing for founders, employees, and family members.
5. I’m employed in the UAE, can I start a business in Dubai?
Absolutely. You don’t need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to start your business with Meydan Free Zone. You can remain employed while your business begins its journey.
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