Set Up Your Company in Meydan Free Zone

Introduction to Meydan Free Zone

Located in the heart of Dubai, Meydan Free Zone is a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses. Established in 2009 to foster a business-friendly environment, it offers a streamlined licensing process and a wide range of comprehensive support services. In this blog, we discuss the advantages and costs of setting up a business in Meydan Free Zone and provide a step-by-step guide to set up your business.

Why Choose Meydan Free Zone for Your Business

Meydan Free Zone offers numerous benefits that make it the ideal location to start your business. Some of the main ones are discussed below.

Strategic Location

Meydan Free Zone provides quick access to Dubai’s mainland, airport, and ports, while offering free zone advantages. Its proximity to Dubai gives businesses access to global markets in GCC countries, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

All-Digital Platform

Companies can set up and run their businesses paperlessly using a one-stop digital platform. This eliminates tedious paperwork and allows the business to operate from anywhere in the world.

Easy Foreign Ownership

Meydan Free Zone’s business friendly policies make it attractive to entrepreneurs. It offers:

• 100% foreign ownership
• No currency restrictions
• Tax-free policies for both corporate and personal income

Business Support Services

Meydan Free Zone has developed Meydan Plus to help businesses streamline various operations, including financial compliance and customer support.

Steps to Set Up Your Company in Meydan Free Zone

You can set up your company in 3 simple steps:

• Choose a business structure

All businesses in Meydan Free Zone are set up as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). 

• Choose a business name

Businesses must choose an appropriate name for their company that does not come with any copyright issues. You can quickly verify the availability and suitability of your chosen name by heading here.

• Apply for a business license

All businesses must obtain a business license. Meydan Free Zone offers a comprehensive package that includes a business license, employment visas (for up to 6 individuals), workspace options, and assistance in opening a bank account.

Required Documents for Setting Up a Business in the Meydan Free Zone

To set up a new company or branch in Meydan Free Zone, you need:

Parent Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles and Memorandum of Association
• Board Resolution

Individual Documents

• Passport copies of shareholders and managers

Board Resolution

This must include:

• The decision to establish a branch or new company in Meydan Free Zone, and
• The names and roles of appointed managers, directors, and shareholders for the new LLC or branch.

One License for All Business Activities

Other Free Zones

In many free zones, businesses are required to obtain different licenses—commercial, trade, service, consultancy, media, etc.—depending on the nature of their activities. This can limit a company’s ability to expand into new areas.

Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone offers a single business license that covers a wide range of 2,500+ activities. This provides greater flexibility for business owners. With just one license, a business can choose to operate multiple categories of activities at no additional cost.

Business Activities Permitted in Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone, a mixed-use zone, allows for over 2,500 business activities across these main categories:

1. Agriculture
2. Manufacturing
3. Maintenance
4. Trading
5. Transportation
6. Food and Beverages
7. Information and Communication Technology
8. Financial Services
9. Professional Services
10. Education
11. Healthcare

For a complete list of allowed business activities, please check the official Meydan Free Zone website. All business activities must ensure compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and the Economic Substance Regulation.

Costs Associated with Setting Up a Business in Meydan Free Zone

The following costs are associated with setting up a business in this free zone.

• License Feessome text
  • All business licenses: 3,403.21 USD
  • Bank account opening assistance (optional): 408.39 USD
• Visa Feessome text
  • Employment visa per person: 503.68 USD
  • Maximum visas per company: 6

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Meydan Free Zone

There are various benefits of setting up a business in the Meydan Free Zone. Some of them are listed below.

• Extended License Validity

Licenses offered by Meydan Free Zone are valid for up to 10 years, compared to the standard 1 year offered by most other free zones.

• Marketplace Access

Sellers can access over 20 marketplaces and e-commerce channels through the mCommerce platform under Meydan Plus.

• Dubai Mainland Office Option

Businesses can set up offices in Dubai’s mainland with a No Objection Certificate (NOC), enjoying the benefits of both the mainland and the free zone.

• Comprehensive Business Support Services

Meydan Plus offers a range of services to support businesses:

• mCore: Provides foundational services, including business cards, bank account assistance, and mail management.
• mAccounting: Assists in bookkeeping, VAT registration, and financial audits.
• mAssist: Supports companies with phone answering services, PO box setup, and legal document translation.

Conclusion

It is important to weigh all the costs and benefits before making a decision. Compared to other free zones, the license fee in Meydan Free Zone is relatively high. However, it offers flexibility in the choice of business activities, access to Dubai’s mainland, and a range of support services to get your business up and running quickly. If you need assistance with deciding on the matter though, we are happy to help. Book a free consultation with us today!

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