IFZA vs Meydan 2026: Cost & Visa Comparison for Dubai Free Zones
IFZA charges ~AED 12,900 annually for a free-zone licence with zero visas included; Meydan costs ~AED 12,500–13,000 and typically includes one investor visa. Both offer 100% foreign ownership, mainland prestige, and 3–7 day setup via the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The best choice depends on your visa needs and activity type—IFZA suits trading and services; Meydan suits larger teams requiring workforce visas.
IFZA vs Meydan: Quick Head-to-Head Comparison
Choosing between Dubai free zone company formation providers depends on costs, visa quotas, and your long-term growth plans. Two of Dubai's largest free zones—IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and Meydan Free Zone—dominate the market, but they differ significantly in pricing, visa allowances, and suitability for different business models. We've run this comparison hundreds of times for founders, traders, and agencies; here's what you need to know to decide.
Ready for a fully itemised cost breakdown in your currency? WhatsApp DBS on +971 54 332 2846 for a free, bespoke quote.
| Feature | IFZA | Meydan |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Licence Cost | AED 12,900 (single investor) | AED 12,500–13,500 |
| Included Investor Visas | 0 (must be purchased separately, AED 3,500–5,500/year each) | 1 investor visa included; additional AED 4,000–6,000 |
| Company Registration (DET) | AED 1,000–2,500 | AED 1,000–2,500 |
| Corporate Address | Full prestige address (JBR, Marina, Downtown) | Prestige address (Meydan area, recognised globally) |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes (most activities) | Yes (most activities) |
| Setup Timeline | 3–7 working days | 3–7 working days |
| Annual Renewal | AED 12,900 (licence); visas separate | AED 12,500–13,500 + visa renewals |
| Best For | Solo founders, trading, consultancy, digital services | Teams, multi-founder setups, trading, tech scale-ups |
All-In First-Year Cost Breakdown (Indicative at Current Rates)
A realistic first year for either zone, assuming one investor visa (or no visa for IFZA solo founders), includes licence, registration, visa/medical/Emirates ID, and contingency. Below are ballpark figures; book a free consultation with DBS for an itemised quote in your own currency.
| Cost Item | IFZA (Solo) | IFZA (1 Visa) | Meydan (1 Visa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Zone Licence (annual) | AED 12,900 | AED 12,900 | AED 12,500–13,500 |
| Company Registration (DET) | AED 1,500 | AED 1,500 | AED 1,500 |
| Investor Visa (first year: medical, Emirates ID, processing) | — | AED 3,500–5,500 | AED 3,500–5,500 (included in licence; extra visas AED 4,000–6,000) |
| Virtual Office or Flexi-Desk (optional, 12 mo.) | AED 0–3,000 | AED 0–3,000 | AED 0–3,000 |
| Insurance (E&O, liability—optional but recommended) | AED 500–2,000 | AED 500–2,000 | AED 500–2,000 |
| TOTAL (Year 1) | AED 14,900–16,400 | AED 18,400–24,400 | AED 17,500–26,000 |
Indicative at current rates—convert at today's rate. Actual costs vary by your home country's currency, any local adviser fees, and your specific activity code. DBS provides fully itemised breakdowns in USD, GBP, EUR, and other currencies on request.
Not sure which is right for your activity? DBS offers free, bespoke cost breakdowns—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 now.
Day-by-Day Setup Timeline: IFZA and Meydan (3–7 Working Days)
Both zones are managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and follow identical DET approval pathways. Here's what to expect:
| Day | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Submit application (name approval, ownership structure, activity code) via DET portal or DBS liaison |
| Day 2–3 | DET name-clearance approval (48 hours typical); office address allocated by zone |
| Day 4 | Memorandum & Articles signed; registration certificate issued by DET |
| Day 5 | Trade licence issued; CRN (Commercial Registration Number) activated |
| Day 6–7 | Visa application (if required) submitted to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE); medical & Emirates ID processing begins |
This timeline assumes all documents are ready and correct on submission. DBS manages the full DET liaison and visa coordination—expect your company to be operational within 5–7 working days.
Required Documents Checklist for DET and MOHRE Approval
Before you submit, gather these originals or certified copies:
- Passport (colour copy + original for verification)
- UAE entry permit or visa sticker (current residency proof, or consular letter of introduction for new arrivals)
- Proof of residence (utilities bill, tenancy contract, or letter from your hotel/serviced apartment)
- Business plan or letter of intent (1 page; explains activity and why Dubai)
- Bank reference letter (if available; optional, but speeds banking approval later)
- Passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, colour)
- For visa holders: Employer letter (if currently employed; not always required, but DET may request)
- For companies with multiple founders: Share certificate or cap table in English
DBS prepares and submits all documents to DET on your behalf. No surprises—we'll give you a full pre-submission checklist.
Worried about which documents you need? DBS provides a personalised checklist—contact us via WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
IFZA vs Meydan: Which Should You Choose?
Choose IFZA if: You're a solo founder or a small team requiring zero or minimal visas. IFZA's lack of included visas makes it slightly cheaper upfront, and the prestige address rivals Meydan's. Ideal for trading, consultancy, digital services, and SaaS founders working remotely.
Choose Meydan if: You're scaling a team and need workforce visas built in (or discounted add-ons). Meydan's one included investor visa and recognised brand are valuable if your business model requires staff sponsorship within 18–24 months.
Cheapest Free-Zone Alternative: If cost is your primary concern, Ajman Free Zone (AJMAN) or SHAMS offer licences from AED 4,888–5,750 annually—50% less than IFZA or Meydan. Trade-off: Ajman lacks Dubai prestige and banking is slower. For most international traders and startups, the IFZA/Meydan premium is worth it.
Mainland Alternative: A Dubai mainland company (non-free-zone, via DET) costs AED 18,200–26,355 all-in for year one, but offers no visa quotas and 51% UAE partner ownership—rarely competitive versus free zones for foreign founders.
Banking, Tax, and Post-Setup Next Steps
DBS introduces your company to UAE banks (FAB, ADIB, ADQ, RAK Bank) within 5 working days of licence issuance. You will need:
- Original trade licence (colour scan)
- Passport + visa/residency (colour copy + original)
- Proof of address (as above)
- Business plan or letter of intent (one page)
Bank account approval typically takes 7–14 days from application. DBS provides the introduction letter—the bank handles underwriting. Corporate tax in the UAE is 0% for free-zone trading and 9% on mainland profits above AED 375,000 (Federal Tax Authority, 2023). You must consult a licensed tax adviser in your home country regarding personal income tax and any tax treaty obligations. DBS does not provide tax or legal advice; we set up your UAE company and facilitate banking only.
Want a straight answer on banking timelines and tax reporting? Ask DBS in your free consultation—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Frequently asked questions
Is IFZA or Meydan cheaper?
IFZA at AED 12,900 and Meydan at AED 12,500–13,500 are almost identical in licence cost. IFZA is marginally cheaper upfront (no included visa), but Meydan's single included investor visa (worth AED 3,500–5,500) makes Meydan slightly cheaper if you need one visa. For solo founders, IFZA is the better value.
Which has more visas, IFZA or Meydan?
Meydan includes one investor visa in its annual licence fee; additional visas cost AED 4,000–6,000 each. IFZA includes zero visas and charges AED 3,500–5,500 per investor visa. For multi-founder or team setups, Meydan's included visa is a clearer advantage.
Which is better for trading?
Both are identical for trading activities. IFZA dominates the trading segment because solo traders often need zero visas (working remotely). Meydan is equally suitable but better suited to teams with local staff. Activity code matters more than zone choice—confirm yours with DET before committing.
Which has the better address?
Both offer prestige addresses. IFZA typically provides addresses in JBR, Marina, or Downtown Dubai. Meydan's Meydan area address is globally recognised and tied to Dubai's equestrian/sports heritage. Neither is materially better for banking or business credibility—choose based on your growth plan, not address alone.
Which should a first-time founder choose?
If you're working solo and don't anticipate hiring UAE staff soon, choose IFZA and save on visa costs. If you plan to hire within 12–18 months or want simplicity (visa included in renewal), choose Meydan. Both support 100% foreign ownership and offer identical DET setup timelines (3–7 days). DBS can personalise this recommendation—ask in a free consultation.
Can I transfer a company from IFZA to Meydan later?
Yes, but it incurs deregistration and re-registration costs (typically AED 1,500–3,000 combined, plus 5–7 working days downtime). Choose your zone carefully upfront to avoid migration. If unsure, DBS recommends IFZA (cheaper, easier to scale visas later) unless your business plan explicitly requires Meydan's infrastructure or network.
Do I need a lawyer or accountant to set up an IFZA or Meydan company?
No. DET and MOHRE handle registration and visa processing directly. DBS manages all DET and MOHRE liaison on your behalf (included in setup fees). However, you should consult a UAE tax adviser (post-setup) and a home-country tax adviser to understand personal income tax and treaty obligations. DBS facilitates banking and setup only—not tax or legal counsel.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your own currency — and a straight answer on banking and tax.