IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone – Cost, Visa & Benefits Compared

When it comes to initiating a business in the United Arab Emirates, the debate between IFZA vs Meydan is one of the most typical debates among businesspeople. Both Free Zones are situated in Dubai, deliver full foreign ownership, and offer a tax-friendly environment. However, they cater to various business requirements, budgets, and expansion plans. Whether you’re a freelancer seeking the most cost-effective entry point or a consultant looking for a prestigious address.

IFZA and Meydan Free Zone are top, cost-effective, and flexible, 0% tax, 100% foreign-owned options in Dubai. IFZA is best for lower-cost, flexible, high-volume, multi-activity licenses for SMES/freelancers. Meydan is ideal for premium, central locations (near Downtown), fast digital-first processes, and better banking for consulting/e-commerce. 

What is IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)?

The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is one of the most cost-effective and fastest-growing free zones in Dubai, specializing in business setup solutions for startups and SMEs. Originally established in Fujairah in 2018, it is now headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). 

Situated within Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA has quickly become a favorite for startups and SMEs. It is renowned for its unique speed and affordable packages. In 2026, it remains the best option for those who want a Dubai-based license without the high overheads of older, more established zones.

What is Meydan Free Zone?

Located in the heart of Dubai near the iconic Meydan Racecourse, Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is a premier hub for entrepreneurs, offering a 100% digital and paperless environment for business setup.

Meydan Free Zone delivers a remarkable mix of prestige and technical innovation. It is highly regarded for its Fawri licensing and its central location, which adds instant credibility to any brand.

Cost Comparison – Setting Up Your Business

For a number of founders, the determination usually begins with the bottom line. While costs can differ depending on seasonal promotions, here is a typical look at the Meydan Free Zone setup expenses versus IFZA.

A. Initial License Costs (Zero Visa Package) –

• Meydan Free Zone – Begins at approximately AED 12,500. It is popular for permitting business owners to merge trading and consulting activities under one license without additional costs.
• IFZA – Begins at approximately AED 12,900. While slightly higher for a common license, IFZA usually delivers reasonable multi-year discounts.

B. Annual Renewal Fees –

• Meydan Free Zone – Roughly AED 16,550 (includes business address, business license, and immigration card).
• IFZA – Roughly AED 17,100 (generally includes 1 visa eligibility and immigration card renewal).

Do not only look at the first-year cost. Consider the renewal runway. IFZA is usually affordable if you dedicate three years upfront, while Meydan is more budget-friendly for a single-year entry.

Visa Costs and Allocation

The cost of a residency visa in Dubai is one of the most important expenses if you plan on living there. A 2-year residency visa will be offered in both zones in 2026.

Fee Component	IFZA (Approx. AED)	Meydan (Approx. AED)
Investor Visa	4,750	4,020
Employment Visa	3,750	3,520
Establishment Card	2,000	2,000
Medical & Emirates ID	1,500 – 2,000	1,500 – 2,000

Key Advantages – Why Choose One Over the Other?

IFZA –

• Flexibility – You can merge up to 7 business activities under one business license.
• Remote Setup – You don’t need to be physically present in the country to begin the corporation.
• No Paid-up Capital – You do not need to present a bank balance of thousands of Dirhams to get started.
• No Audit Requirement – For most small companies, IFZA doesn’t mandate an annual audit report, saving you on accounting expenses.

Meydan Free Zone –

• Prestige – A Meydan address holds so much weight when meeting clients in Dubai.
• Speed – Their technical Fawri license can usually be granted within 60 minutes of approval.
• Banking Support – Because of its high reputation, companies in Meydan usually get it a little easier to open a company bank account with local banks of the United Arab Emirates.
• Community Access – Being situated at the Meydan hotel, you get access to exclusive networking events and top-class facilities.

Which One is Right for You?

Choose IFZA if –

• You are a solo-preneur or freelancer seeking the lowest entry expense.
• You wish to merge various kinds of companies into one paper.
• You are seeking a multi-year deal to save money in the long run.

Choose Meydan if –

• You are a luxury brand or high-end consultant who requires a prestigious address.
• You require your business license granted instantly to sign an agreement.
• You wish to be close to downtown Dubai and the business heart of the city.

How Arabian Wingz Can Help

Selecting between IFZA vs Meydan can be daunting when you factor in business activity lists, legal frameworks, and bank account needs. Arabian Wingz has expertise in making this procedure effortless.

As a reputable consultancy in the United Arab Emirates, Arabian Wingz delivers –

1. Transparent Cost-Benefit Analysis

The free zone system produces situations where the least expensive option, according to documents, ends up being more expensive than other choices. Entrepreneurs tend to overlook costs related to their Establishment Card and E-channel registration, as well as mandatory health insurance for visa requirements.

• The Arabian Wingz Edge – We deliver a full budget projection that covers three upcoming years. We present all secret expenses that come from each zone, including different costs and extra charges, to keep you informed about future expenses. We assist you in selecting the zone that matches your financial needs throughout your entire budget period, instead of only your initial setup costs for the first year.

2. End-to-End Documentation & Concierge Support

The Meydan Free Zone setup needs more than form completion to operate because it requires specific legal document creation. Our services start with preparing your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and continue until we contact both the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Labor.

• The Arabian Wingz Edge – We function as your Public Relations Officer (PRO). You won’t need to follow government offices because we handle everything for you. Our system guarantees that your passport copies, business plans, and application forms will meet requirements on the first attempt, which helps you avoid costly delays.

3. Expert Banking Assistance

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is usually cited as the greatest difficulty for new business owners due to stringent “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. The Gap Between Different Business Activities And Banking Requirements, February 18 2018, shows that some banks operate better with Meydan licenses while others prefer IFZA license structures.

• The Arabian Wingz Edge – We provide more than a bank directory because we assist you through every compliance requirement process. We help you prepare your personal and business profiles to meet bank standards, which increases your chances of successful account opening on your first attempt.

4. Comprehensive VAT & Corporate Tax Advisory

With the recent introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE, businesses must now maintain compliance because it has become essential for their continued existence. Understanding whether your free zone entity qualifies for the 0% tax rate or the standard 9% rate can be confusing.

• The Arabian Wingz Edge – Our expert advisory services will help your new company achieve tax-efficient business operations through proper company structure design. Our services start with VAT registration and bookkeeping advice to provide you with complete compliance support with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) from your first operational day, which will safeguard you against severe non-compliance penalties.

5. Post-License Maintenance and Growth

Once you have your trade license, we will continue to support your company with an annual renewal of your trade license, as well as any visa additions or cancellations that may occur. We are also happy to assist you in upgrading your office space as you expand your business from one employee to over 500 employees, with custom corporate structures that accommodate your growth.

Conclusion

In 2026, Meydan and IFZA both present fantastic growth prospects. Meydan leads in digital speed and prestige, while IFZA reigns supreme in value and adaptability. Your decision is based on your particular business objectives.