IFZA vs Meydan: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both target small service businesses wanting a Dubai license without paying DMCC prices. IFZA has a longer track record and more package options. Meydan is newer but has been gaining ground with competitive visa-bundled packages.
- Startups
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Startups
- Consultants
- Small businesses
- Very affordable
- Extremely fast setup
- Wide activity range
- Affordable
- Fast processing
- Good location
- Newer reputation
- Banking can be slower
- Location outside main Dubai hubs
- Smaller community
- Less established reputation
Still not sure which fits your business?
Take our 2-minute quiz and get personalized matches ranked by your budget, timeline, and activity.
Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| IFZA | Meydan | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 5,750/yr | AED 7,500/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 5,750 | AED 7,500 |
| Setup time | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2018 | 2009 |
| License types | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, e-commerce |
| Office options | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office |
Cost breakdown
IFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 16,000
Meydan
- License (starting from)
- AED 7,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 7,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick IFZA if
You want more package flexibility and an established setup partner network.
See full IFZA profilePick Meydan if
You want a newer free zone with modern processes and competitive bundled deals.
See full Meydan profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, IFZA or Meydan?
IFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 7,500/year for Meydan — a difference of AED 1,750 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at IFZA vs Meydan?
IFZA advertises 1-2 business days and Meydan advertises 1-3 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What license types does each offer?
IFZA issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Meydan issues trading, service, e-commerce licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.