Two of the most popular UAE free zones for Asian founders compared side-by-side. We break down costs, visa quotas, activity lists, and which works best depending on your business model.
Overview
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and Meydan Free Zone are two of the most popular choices for Asian founders setting up in Dubai. Both offer fast incorporation, no paid-up share capital requirement, and competitive visa packages — but they serve different profiles.
IFZA: Best for cost-conscious founders and multi-activity licences
IFZA's core strength is flexibility. A single licence can cover multiple business activities across categories — trading, consulting, technology, media — without needing separate licences. Starting costs land around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package. Each visa adds approximately AED 4,000–5,000 (government fees inclusive). IFZA is particularly strong for founders who need to combine e-commerce, consulting, and technology activities on a single entity. The free zone also has a strong banking relationship pipeline with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADIB.
Meydan: Best for speed and prestige address
Meydan Free Zone is known for two things: fast turnaround (licences can be issued in 24–48 hours in straightforward cases) and its Meydan Racecourse address in Dubai. For founders who need to show a Dubai-registered company quickly — for investor decks, client contracts, or banking — Meydan's speed advantage is real. Pricing is comparable to IFZA at the entry level, but Meydan's activity list is more standardised. If you need highly specific activity combinations, IFZA typically offers more flexibility.
Which should you choose?
Choose IFZA if you need multiple activity categories on one licence, plan to apply for business banking, or want the most cost-competitive long-term package with good renewal pricing. Choose Meydan if speed is the priority, you want a recognisable Dubai address, or your activity is standard (consulting, trading, technology). Both are solid choices — and both are zones StrataLink works with regularly. The right answer depends on your specific activity mix and how quickly you need the entity live.
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