If you’re thinking about launching a crypto, blockchain, fintech or digital business from Dubai and want a fast, flexible, fully-digital setup with mainland access and modern vibes — Meydan Free Zone deserves a hard look. Below I’ve put together a practical, reference-backed guide: what Meydan offers, step-by-step setup, costs, visas, the crypto / VARA angle, pros & cons, and a checklist you can use right away. I’ve included official-source references so you can verify everything at a glance. Let’s get into it.
Quick snapshot — why Meydan?
- Meydan positions itself as Dubai’s only 100% digital, 24/7 free zone with an online 360° platform for company setup and corporate services.
- Huge activity coverage: Meydan publishes thousands of possible business activities and offers the “Fawri” instant license option (instant / 60-minute licensing for many activities). That flexibility is great for startups and digital businesses.
- Competitive pricing and modular packages: basic license packages at market-leading entry prices (various firm guides point to the AED ~12.5k starting range depending on package and visa inclusion). Use the Meydan cost calculator or licensed consultants for exact quotes.
Who should consider Meydan?
- Digital startups, e-commerce, consulting and service businesses.
- Fintech, blockchain and Web3 projects that want a Dubai base but must coordinate with VARA for virtual-asset activity (see my VARA note below).
- Teams who want fast, remote setup (shareholders need not be physically present) and easy access to corporate banking partners Meydan advertises.
Types of company structures and licences
Meydan offers common free-zone setups such as:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC) equivalents for single- or multiple-shareholder companies.
- License types: Service/Professional, Trading, and specialized activity groupings (Fawri activities for instant licensing). You pick activities from their long list and combine them under a single license.
Step-by-step: How to set up (practical)
- Decide your business activities — match to Meydan’s list (this determines license class, approvals, KYC needs).
- Choose the package — options range from license-only (no visas) to 1-visa, 3-visa or flexi-desk / office packages; pricing changes with visa counts and office solutions. Use Meydan’s cost calculator for an estimate.
- Reserve company name & apply online — Meydan’s digital portal handles name reservation and initial application.
- Submit documents — commonly: passport copies, CVs, proof of address, bank reference or 6-month statements for directors/shareholders, signed application forms, business plan (for some activities). Requirements vary by activity and corporate structure.
- Sign agreements & pay — license fee, registration, and any office/visa fees. Expect to receive the license and registration electronically (timelines depend on the package; some Fawri activities are near-instant).
- Open corporate bank account — Meydan says it partners with local and international banks and offers bank introductions; banks will run their own KYC which can take additional time.
- Apply for visas & Emirates IDs — apply through Meydan’s portal or partner service providers; visa turnaround varies by package.
- Start operations — once bank account + visa(s) are in place, you can hire staff, sign commercial contracts and operate.
Timeline & costs (realistic expectations)
- Timeline: Meydan advertises instant to 1–2 business days for many license packages (Fawri/instant options). Realistically, allow extra days for bank account opening and VARA approvals if applicable.
- Fees: market entry license packages often start around AED 12,000–13,000 for license-only packages; visa-inclusive packages cost more (examples and package prices vary by provider). Always confirm with Meydan’s cost calculator or an authorized consultant for your exact activity and visa count.
The crypto / VARA checklist (very important)
If your business touches virtual assets (crypto exchange, custody, trading, token issuance, brokerage, advisory on virtual assets), you must consider VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority):
- VARA is the primary regulator for virtual assets across Dubai (except DIFC) — entities conducting VA activities must obtain VARA authorisation/license before operating those activities. VARA sets licensing, governance, AML/KYC and tech security standards.
- Meydan’s activity lists show virtual-asset related activities are present but may require a VARA No-Objection/License — meaning a Meydan FZ license alone is not sufficient for regulated VA activities. Coordinate VARA and Meydan early in your plan.
- Practical steps for crypto founders: decide whether you need (a) a standard Meydan license for non-VA activities + separate VARA license for VA services, or (b) to apply for VARA license first and then align your Meydan license activities. Talk to VARA and a specialist legal/VARA consultant early.
Visas & residency — what Meydan offers
- Meydan offers investor/founder & employee visa packages; entrepreneur visas are available under certain packages (Meydan publishes an entrepreneur visa guide and visa step processes). Visa count depends on package purchased and whether you lease office space or choose a flexi-desk.
Banking & payments
- Meydan promotes bank-account facilitation and relationships with multiple banks; however bank KYC and acceptance especially for crypto-linked businesses is stricter — banks will require enhanced due diligence for virtual asset exposures. Plan for additional documentation and time.
Meydan Free Zone is a modern, digital-first option that’s particularly attractive if you want a smooth online process, flexible activity coverage and cost-efficient entry into Dubai. But — if you’re building anything with virtual assets, don’t treat a Meydan license like the last stop: you’ll need to engage VARA and your bank early. As Crypto Girl UAE I always say — license is one thing, compliance and banking are where deals live or stall. Plan both in parallel.