Company setup comparison
IFZA vs Meydan: which costs less in 2026?
Meydan has the lower listed bare licence cost by AED 400. IFZA has the lower listed licence with one visa cost by AED 2,970. Listed trade-off: IFZA — Dubai Silicon Oasis; Meydan — Cheapest bare licence in central Dubai. A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.
Figures are government costs published by a company-setup consultancy and are indicative. Because that source is itself a vendor, confirm with each authority before you commit.
Costs side by side
| Cost or detail | IFZA | Meydan |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa licence | AED 12,900 | AED 12,500 |
| With one visa | AED 17,700 | AED 20,670 |
| Type | free zone | free zone |
| Notes | Dubai Silicon Oasis; first visa adds 4,800; 5-10 working days; multiple activities on one licence | Cheapest bare licence in central Dubai; first visa adds 8,170 |
| Source | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 |
Official sources: IFZA — official fees not published (on request) (IFZA official website); Meydan — official fees published (Meydan Free Zone official website).
Choose IFZA if
These listed characteristics match your requirements:
- IFZA is listed as free zone.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- first visa adds 4,800
- 5-10 working days
- multiple activities on one licence
- A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.
Choose Meydan if
These listed characteristics match your requirements:
- Meydan is listed as free zone.
- Cheapest bare licence in central Dubai
- first visa adds 8,170
- A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.
Frequently asked questions
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