Company setup comparison
Meydan vs Dubai mainland: which costs less in 2026?
Meydan has the lower listed bare licence cost by AED 1,400 to 3,700. The listed licence with one visa ranges overlap. The difference between their starting figures is AED 1,920; neither is consistently cheaper across the ranges. Allows trading onshore. 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 | Meydan | Dubai mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa licence | AED 12,500 | AED 13,900 to 16,200 |
| With one visa | AED 20,670 | AED 18,750 to 21,050 |
| Type | free zone | mainland |
| Notes | Cheapest bare licence in central Dubai; first visa adds 8,170 | Allows trading onshore. Zero-visa breakdown: trade-name approval 620, initial approval 120, Tasheel 464, MoA typing and notarisation 1,200 to 1,500, trade licence 11,500 to 13,500. The one-visa range assumes an investor or partner visa |
| Source | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 |
Official sources: Meydan — official fees published (Meydan Free Zone official website); Dubai mainland — official fees not published (on request) (Dubai Economy and Tourism fee estimator guide).
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.
Choose Dubai mainland if
These listed characteristics match your requirements:
- Dubai mainland is listed as mainland.
- Allows trading onshore.
- Zero-visa breakdown: trade-name approval 620, initial approval 120, Tasheel 464, MoA typing and notarisation 1,200 to 1,500, trade licence 11,500 to 13,500.
- The one-visa range assumes an investor or partner visa
Frequently asked questions
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