Meydan Free Zone Licence Types: Full List, Activities & Cost (2025)
Meydan Free Zone has become one of Dubai most attractive options for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses looking for a flexible and affordable setup. With prime location, fast company formation process, and a wide range of permitted business activities, it has grown rapidly especially among online businesses and remote service providers. This guide provides a complete breakdown of Meydan Free Zone Licence types, approved activities, and updated costs for 2025. If you are planning to start a company in Dubai, this overview will help you choose the right Licence structure for your business.
What Makes Meydan Free Zone Popular in 2025?
Meydan Free Zone is known for offering one of the most streamlined business setup solutions in Dubai. It is located near Downtown Dubai, close to Business Bay and Burj Khalifa, making it ideal for businesses that want a central address without high mainland costs.
Key advantages:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Quick same-day business licence
- Affordable packages for freelancers and startups
- Office options from flexi-desk to private offices
- Wide range of business activities
- Easy banking and payment gateway options
- No physical presence required for setup
Its flexibility makes it suitable for e-commerce sellers, consultants, marketing agencies, IT services, and trading companies.
Meydan Free Zone Licence Types (2025)
Meydan issues three main types of business licences, depending on the nature of your activity:
1. Commercial Licence (Trading Activities)
A Commercial Licence is required for any business involved in buying and selling goods, whether trading inside the UAE or international markets.
Common Activities Under Commercial Licence:
- General trading
- E-commerce
- Electronics trading
- Fashion and apparel trading
- Auto spare parts trading
- Food and beverage trading (non-food handling)
- Wholesale and retail trading
- Online marketplace operations
This licence is ideal for startups that want to run an online store, import/export goods, list products on Amazon or Noon, or use international suppliers like Alibaba.
2. Professional Licence (Service & Consultancy Activities)
A Professional Licence covers all service-based activities. This is the most widely issued licence in Meydan Free Zone because it allows remote work and online business operations.
Common Activities Under Professional Licence:
- Business consultancy
- Digital marketing services
- IT solutions and software development
- Web design and graphic design
- Social media management
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Management consultancy
- Education and training services
- HR consultancy
- Media and content creation
- Real estate marketing services
This licence is perfect for freelancers, independent consultants, small agencies, and online service providers.
3. Media Licence
The Media Licence is specifically designed for creative professionals and digital content businesses.
Activities Under Media Licence:
- Video production
- Photography
- Social media influencer activities
- PR and advertising services
- Content creation
- Podcast production
- Media buying
- Creative agency services
This licence is suitable for influencers, YouTubers, media companies, and creative freelancers.
Approved Activities in Meydan Free Zone (2025 Full List Snapshot)
Meydan allows over 1,800+ business activities, covering:
- E-commerce
- Trading and import/export
- Consultancy services
- Technology and software
- Marketing and advertising
- Media and entertainment
- Real estate services
- Events management
- Fitness and sports consultancy
- Education and training
- Manufacturing coordination (non-industrial)
You can combine multiple activities under one licence as long as they fall within the same category.
Meydan Free Zone Licence Cost (2025 Updated Pricing)
Costs vary based on the number of business activities, visa allocation, and office requirements. Below is the simplified and updated cost structure for 2025.
1. Meydan Free Zone Licence Without Visa (0 Visa Quota)
Starting from AED 12,500 – AED 14,000
Includes:
- Trade licence
- Business activity category
- Flexi-desk option
- Company documents (MoA, Certificate of Incorporation)
This is best for online businesses or owners who do not need a UAE residency visa.
2. Licence With 1 Visa Quota
Starting from AED 16,500 – AED 18,500
Ideal for entrepreneurs relocating to Dubai or managing the business onsite.
Includes:
- Trade licence
- Establishment card
- Visa quota
- Basic office address
3. Licence With 2–3 Visa Quotas
AED 20,000 – AED 26,000+
Suitable for small teams, partners, or growing businesses that need multiple visas.
Additional Costs (If Applicable)
- E-channel fee: AED 1,000 (one-time)
- Medical and Emirates ID: AED 1,300 – AED 1,800
- Office upgrade (optional): Based on package
Prices may vary slightly depending on the activity type and any promotional offers.
Which Licence Is Best for Your Business?
Choose Commercial Licence if:
- You are selling products online
- You import/export goods
- You trade using suppliers like Alibaba, Amazon FBA, etc.
Choose Professional Licence if:
- You provide services
- You run an online consultancy
- You operate remotely
- You are a freelancer
Choose Media Licence if:
- You work in creative services
- You are an influencer or content creator
- You run an advertising agency
How to Choose Activities for Your Licence
When selecting activities, always consider:
- What exactly you will offer (products or services)
- If you plan to expand in the future
- Whether your bank may require a clear description
- If your activity needs special approval (rare, but some do)
A well-selected activity list helps avoid compliance issues later.
Why Many Entrepreneurs Prefer Meydan Free Zone
Here are the main reasons Meydan is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE:
- Quick online setup
- Competitive pricing
- Simple licence structure
- Large activity list
- Prime business address in central Dubai
- Low renewal costs
- No hidden fees
- No mandatory office lease for basic packages
It offers everything a new business needs to start operating smoothly.
Conclusion
Meydan Free Zone is an excellent choice if you want a flexible and cost-effective business setup in Dubai. Whether you run an online store, consultancy, creative agency, or trading company, you can easily find a licence type that matches your needs. Understanding the Meydan licence types, activities, and costs for 2025 will help you make the right decision and build a strong foundation for your business.
If you need help choosing the best category or activity list, you can ask anytime. I can help you structure it based on your business idea.
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