Meydan vs IFZA

Starting a company in Dubai is an easy decision on paper: zero personal tax, full foreign ownership, access to international markets, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. But when you start browsing free zones, you quickly hit a wall of jargon, hidden fees, and dozens of competing jurisdictions. If your goal is straightforward—launch a legitimate Dubai-registered business without draining your seed capital—two names consistently lead the pack: Meydan Free Zone and IFZA (International Free Zone Authority). Both let you incorporate remotely, provide flexible desk setups, and keep initial entry costs under AED 13,000. Here is how they actually compare, what those baseline prices get you, and how to pick the right one for your business model. The Appeal of Dubai Free Zones Before getting into the numbers, it helps to know why foreign entrepreneurs gravitate toward free zone setups rather than mainland companies: For service-based startups, solo consultants, digital agencies, and e-commerce founders who do not need a 10-person warehouse right away, an affordable free zone drastically lowers launch risk. 1. Meydan Free Zone: Sleek, Central, and Digitized Meydan has built a strong reputation among digital founders and independent professionals because the entire process is handled seamlessly online. Key Highlights 2. IFZA Dubai: Scalable, Versatile, and Founder-Friendly Located within Dubai Digital Park at Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA is one of the most popular hubs for both startups and established SMEs looking for room to scale. Key Highlights Quick Comparison: Meydan vs. IFZA Feature Meydan Free Zone IFZA Dubai Baseline Setup Cost From AED 12,500 From AED 12,900 Visa Allocation Included? 0 Visas (Add-ons available) 0 Visas (Add-ons available) Foreign Ownership 100% 100% Remote Setup Fully digital Fully digital Max Visas on Flexi/Virtual Desk Up to 5 visas* Up to 4 visas* Location Meydan, Nad Al Sheba Dubai Silicon Oasis Best For Solo consultants, tech, digital services Multi-activity firms, trading, growing teams *Final visa allocations depend on selected package tiers, activity classifications, and standard immigration approvals. How to Actually Choose Between the Two The cheapest licence on paper isn’t always the cheapest in practice. When deciding between Meydan and IFZA, focus on these three factors: Making the Setup Painless Sorting out licence classifications, immigration cards, medical tests, and corporate bank compliance can eat up weeks of your time if you run into simple clerical errors. At Corpin Consultants, we cut through the noise. We evaluate your business model, choose the exact activity codes you need, and guide you through the setup—from your first digital filing to your residency visa stamp and corporate bank account. Reach out to Corpin Consultants today to run through your setup options and get your Dubai trade licence issued without the usual headaches.