Start Your Dubai Company Online
from AED 12,500

Business setup in Dubai free zone is the process of registering a company inside one of Dubai's designated free economic zones, which allow 100% foreign ownership, simplified incorporation, and a separate regulatory framework from the UAE mainland. Free zone companies receive a trade license, can apply for residence visas, and operate under their free zone's own authority, like Meydan Free Zone, rather than the Department of Economy and Tourism.

You can start from AED 12,500 when you get a manufacturing license from Meydan Free Zone.

Company formation in Dubai starts from AED 12,500 with Meydan Free Zone, a fully digital trade license that includes 100% ownership, up to 3 activity groups, and a flexi-desk. For founders who need to be operational the same day, the Fawri instant license starts from AED 15,000 and is issued in under 60 minutes. Multi-year licenses are available with up to 15% off.

"A mainland company is licensed by the UAE government and can trade directly anywhere in the UAE, including with the local market and on government contracts. A free zone company is licensed by a specific free zone authority, offers 100% foreign ownership, and is built for international trade and services, with the option to access the mainland through the right setup.

For most foreign founders, a Meydan Free Zone license is the faster, cheaper, and more flexible route, with the option to trade on the mainland when you're ready."

Yes, foreigners can start a business in a Dubai free zone with 100% ownership, no local sponsor required, and without needing UAE residency to begin the process. Meydan Free Zone allows non-residents to register a company, open a corporate bank account, and apply for a residence visa entirely online from anywhere in the world.

With Meydan Free Zone, company formation takes under 60 minutes with the Fawri instant license, or within a day with a standard digital trade license. The entire process is online, with no need to visit Dubai, and Fawri comes with a money-back guarantee if delayed. Most other Dubai free zones take between 3 and 14 working days, depending on the activity and documentation, making Meydan Free Zone the fastest route to a Dubai trade license.

No, you do not need to lease a physical office to set up a business in most Dubai free zones. Mainland company setup in Dubai usually requires an Ejari registered tenancy contract for a physical office, but most free zones accept a flexi-desk arrangement, which provides a registered business address and shared workspace access for licensing and visa purposes. With Meydan Free Zone, your trade license and flexi-desk are included together from AED 12,500, with the option to lease dedicated office space when your business scales.

Yes, a Dubai free zone trade license is fully accepted by UAE banks for opening a corporate bank account. With Meydan Free Zone, a corporate bank account is guaranteed as part of your setup, with access to 26 or more local and international banking partners and fintech providers. Non-resident founders can also open an account without visiting the UAE.

Setting up a company in Dubai entitles you to apply for a UAE residence visa, typically valid for 2 years and renewable. As the company owner, you can sponsor visas for yourself, your employees, and your dependents, including spouse, children, and eligible parents. With Meydan Free Zone, an investor visa starts from AED 4,000 and an employee visa from AED 3,500, plus a one-time immigration establishment card from AED 2,000. Medical and Emirates ID assistance is available from AED 2,250. Visa services are priced separately from the trade license, and the full process, including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping, is handled by Meydan Free Zone.

Setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 for a standard digital trade license, which includes 100% ownership, up to 3 business activities, a flexi-desk, and visa allocation eligibility. The Fawri instant license starts from AED 15,000 and is issued in under 60 minutes, with one free amendment included and a money-back guarantee if delayed. Visas, bank account assistance, and other services are priced separately. A first investor visa typically adds around AED 7,850 (visa fee, allocation, and one-time immigration establishment card), and multi-year licenses save up to 15%.