Compare Meydan Free Zone vs Fujairah Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone
More Affordable
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Meydan Free Zone

The Verdict

Starts from AED 12,500 (Budget) — best for Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement..

Starting From
AED 12,500
Setup Time
1 days
Fujairah Free Zone
VerifiedFujairahFree Zone

Fujairah Free Zone

The Verdict

Starts from AED 15,000 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access..

Starting From
AED 15,000
Setup Time
2 days

Feature Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.

Starting From
AED 12,500
Starting From
AED 15,000
Price Positioning
Budget
Price Positioning
Mid-Range
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 7,760
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 6,530
Health Insurance/yr
AED 700
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Setup Time
1 days
Setup Time
2 days
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
UAE Pass
No
Max Visas (No Office)
6
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Golden Visa
Yes
Golden Visa
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
Total Activities
70
Total Activities
54
Mixed Activities
Yes
Mixed Activities
No

Cost Scenarios

Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups

Meydan Free Zone

Year 1 Total

AED 15,000

Save AED 13,025

Annual Renewal

AED 12,500

Fujairah Free Zone

Year 1 Total

AED 28,025

Annual Renewal

AED 20,000

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 12,500
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 2,500

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 25,820
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 2,205
third party servicesAED 0

License Packages

Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone

Meydan Free Zone

5 Packages

License with 0 Visa Allocation

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 12,500

0 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Company Name Reservation & Registration Initial Approvals Memorandum of Association (MOA)

NoteIdeal for businesses that do not require UAE residency visas. The renewal fee is the same as the first-year fee.

Most Popular

License with 1 Visa Allocation

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 14,370

1 Visa Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Company Name Reservation & Registration Initial Approvals Memorandum of Association (MOA) Establishment Card

NoteThis is a popular package for solo entrepreneurs requiring a UAE residency visa.

License with 2 Visa Allocations

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 16,220

2 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Company Name Reservation & Registration Initial Approvals Memorandum of Association (MOA) Establishment Card

License with 3 Visa Allocations

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 18,070

3 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Company Name Reservation & Registration Initial Approvals Memorandum of Association (MOA) Establishment Card

NoteSuitable for a small team of partners or employees.

License with 6 Visa Allocations

Premium Tier

Annual Cost

AED 23,600

6 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Company Name Reservation & Registration Initial Approvals Memorandum of Association (MOA) Establishment Card

NoteA comprehensive package for a growing team.

Fujairah Free Zone

2 Packages

Virtual Office Package (0 Visa)

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 15,000

0 Visas Included
1 Activities
Virtual Address
Establishment Card

NoteBase package for establishing a legal presence without requiring physical space or visas.

Most Popular

Flexi Desk Package (1-2 Visas)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 18,000

2 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Establishment Card Access to shared office facilities

NoteThis is a facility-only cost; license and registration fees are additional. Total setup cost is higher.

Who Wins Where?

A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.

Meydan Free Zone

Budget Priorities

Meydan Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12,500

Meydan Free Zone

Setup Speed

Meydan Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~1 days

Meydan Free Zone

Visa Capacity

Meydan Free Zone allows up to 6 visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)

Tie

Brand Prestige

Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning

Meydan Free Zone

Lean Startups

Meydan Free Zone wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison

Agricultural License
No
Agricultural License
Yes
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
General Trading License
Yes
General Trading License
Yes
Holding Company License
Yes
Holding Company License
No
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
No
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
No
Tourism Hospitality License
Yes

About Each Zone

Executive summaries and competitive positioning

Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone primarily targets entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs, particularly in the digital, consulting, and service-based industries. [27, 29] Its primary investor profile consists of international businesspersons and freelancers seeking cost-effective solutions, 100% foreign ownership, and a prestigious Dubai address near Downtown. [29, 36] Key industries include trading, e-commerce, media, professional services, and technology. [4, 8]

Key Advantages

The UAE's Only 100% Digital Free Zone: Complete your entire company setup and manage it 24/7 through a seamless online portal from anywhere in the world. [30]
Lightning-Fast License Issuance: Secure your business license in as little as 60 minutes with the exclusive 'FAWRI' instant license service. [14, 22]
Prestigious Meydan Hotel Address: Elevate your brand's image with a credible business address at a world-renowned Dubai landmark, just minutes from Downtown. [21, 36]
Guaranteed Business Bank Account: Overcome the biggest setup hurdle with a guaranteed IBAN through partner banks, frequently with no minimum balance required. [19]
Ideal Target

Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement.

Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah Free Zone targets a diverse range of industries, with a primary focus on trading, logistics, manufacturing, and oil and gas support services. [5, 2] Its strategic port location makes it an ideal hub for import/export, distribution, and global container shipping. [9, 5] The primary investor profile includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and multinational corporations seeking a cost-effective base with robust infrastructure for global trade and manufacturing operations. [16, 2]

Key Advantages

Gain a unique logistical edge with direct maritime access to the Indian Ocean, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Operate from a global energy hub, adjacent to the Port of Fujairah, the world's second-largest bunkering port.
Launch your business rapidly with licenses issued in as little as one working day through a fast-track setup process.
Benefit from a cost-effective structure with competitive setup packages and lower overheads than other major emirates.
Ideal Target

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.

Things to Watch Out For

Hidden costs and common objections — with honest rebuttals

Meydan Free Zone

Hidden Costs
Visa processing fees are separate from the license package cost
Annual renewal of Establishment Card has a higher fee than the first year

Fujairah Free Zone

Hidden Costs
Minimum share capital requirement of AED 150,000.
Security deposits for facilities.
Utilities are billed separately from rent.

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Meydan Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Meydan Free Zone is officially positioned as "Budget".

Meydan Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Meydan Free Zone, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.

Meydan Free Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Fujairah Free Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.

Meydan Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Fujairah Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.

Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement.

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.