Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get a business license from Meydan Free Zone?
Your license can be issued in under 60 minutes using our 100% digital platform.
2. Can I own 100% of my business?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership, with no need for a local sponsor.
3. What taxes do I pay as a Meydan Free Zone business?
If you qualify under the UAE’s Qualified Free Zone regime, you may pay 0% corporate tax on eligible income. You must still register and file annually. You must also charge 5% VAT on taxable goods and services and file quarterly VAT returns.
4. Is there any personal income tax in the UAE?
No. The UAE does not impose personal income tax or capital gains tax on individuals.
5. What is Meydan Plus?
Meydan Plus (mPlus) is our support ecosystem that includes banking assistance, visa setup, compliance, and post-licensing services. It also includes services like accounting, HR, and renewals for long-term support.
6. Can I sponsor employees or family members under my license?
Yes. You can apply for UAE residency visas for yourself, your team, and your dependents.
7. What type of license is right for me?
Solopreneurs can choose the Fawri License for fast setup. SMEs and growing businesses may prefer the Regular License for flexibility and visa packages.
8. How do I stay compliant with UAE corporate tax?
We handle your corporate tax registration. You must maintain proper records and file returns, even if your payable tax is 0%.
9. Is Meydan Free Zone recognised by UAE authorities?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone is a government-licensed entity operating under Dubai’s official Free Zone framework.
Topic Summary
1. Streamlined Digital Licensing Process
Meydan Free Zone offers an efficient, fully digital licensing procedure that significantly reduces setup time. Entrepreneurs and startups can obtain and renew licences swiftly, enabling rapid market entry and operational agility.
2. 100% Foreign Ownership and Repatriation of Profits
Businesses established in Meydan Free Zone enjoy full foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor. Additionally, there are no restrictions on profit repatriation, providing complete financial freedom and control.
3. Zero Personal and Corporate Taxes
Meydan Free Zone provides a favourable tax regime, including zero personal income tax and zero corporate tax. This fiscal environment enhances profitability and supports sustainable growth for SMEs and startups.
4. Strategic Location with World-Class Infrastructure
Situated close to key transport hubs, Meydan Free Zone offers access to Dubai International Airport, major seaports, and logistics networks. The state-of-the-art infrastructure is tailored for scalable business operations and facilitates seamless global connectivity.
5. Comprehensive Business Support Services
Entrepreneurs benefit from dedicated support services including flexible office solutions, business consultancy, and networking opportunities. These resources enable startups and SMEs to focus on innovation while navigating regulatory and operational challenges effectively.
Benefits of Meydan Free Zone for SMEs & Startups in Dubai, UAE
Dubai remains one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and startups worldwide.
Launching your business in Dubai is more than just setting up a company. It’s about tapping into a global mindset, supported by smart regulation and infrastructure built for scale.
For entrepreneurs and startups in Dubai, UAE, a Meydan Free Zone business setup offers unmatched advantages from instant digital licensing to tax efficiency and global market access.
Dubai’s startup ecosystem is ranked #44 globally and grew 33.4% in 2025, with total startup funding exceeding USD 1.18 billion¹. The UAE as a whole ranks #21 globally with 2,028 active startups and over USD 1.29 billion in total funding.²
Whether you're launching solo or growing fast, Meydan Free Zone puts you in control from day one.
Every one of those companies needs a licensed structure, a bank account, and a compliant setup from day one, making the choice of free zone one of the most consequential decisions a founder makes.
Source: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum via UAE Cabinet (uaecabinet.ae), January 2025
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Instant Licensing, Zero Friction
Start your business in less than 60 minutes. With Meydan Free Zone’s fully digital platform, everything from name registration to document issuance happens online with no paperwork, no appointments, no delays.
- License issued in under 1 hour
- No local sponsor or No Objection Certificate required
- Choose from over 2,500+ business activities
- Register from anywhere in the world
This is startup freedom backed by government structure.
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100% Foreign Ownership and Complete Control
You own 100% of your business. You do not need a local partner or agent, and there are no shareholder nationality restrictions.
Meydan Free Zone allows:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Full repatriation of profits and capital
- Total control over your business decisions and structure, and the option to expand through franchising
Whether you’re building for freedom, growth, or funding, the setup gives you long-term security.
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Smart Tax Benefits and Corporate Clarity
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on business profits above AED 375,000. However, businesses in Qualified Free Zones like Meydan still enjoy a 0% rate — if they meet specific conditions.
To qualify for 0% corporate tax:
- Your income must come from approved activities or other free zones
- You must register with the Federal Tax Authority
- All businesses must file annually, even if their tax rate is 0%
Meydan Free Zone is a Qualified Free Zone, meaning your business is eligible for 0% tax on qualifying income.
There is no personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE for individuals.
Licensing Built for Growth and Flexibility
Meydan Free Zone offers two license types:
Strategic Location with Global Reach
Located minutes from Downtown Dubai, Meydan Free Zone offers premium business positioning and fast access to global markets.
- 15 mins from DXB International Airport
- Connected to Jebel Ali Port
- Near major commercial hubs like Business Bay
- Access to 3+ billion consumers within a 4-hour flight
You are set up to scale - locally and internationally.
Built-In Banking, Compliance, and Visa Support
With Meydan Plus (mPlus), your journey does not stop at the business license.
The ecosystem includes:
- A guaranteed UAE business bank account with full support from our team
- Built-in compliance checks including UBO, KYC, sanctions screening, and tax registration support
- Residency visa setup for you and your family
- Dedicated onboarding team and walk-in support
- Ongoing business services like accounting and PRO support
You focus on building your business in Dubai, UAE, and we handle the rest.
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Citations
¹ StartupBlink. Dubai Startup Ecosystem: Rankings, Startups, and Insights. StartupBlink, 2025.
² StartupBlink. The United Arab Emirates Startup Ecosystem: Rankings, Startups, and Insights. StartupBlink, 2025.
Infographic source: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum / UAE Cabinet. Mohammed bin Rashid Reviews UAE Cabinet Accomplishments. UAE Cabinet, January 2025.
