Free zone comparison · 2026
IFZA vs Meydan free zone
Read this first
Comparison cells use indicative 2026 research bands, not live authority quotes. Package names and inclusions change — we verify both tariffs before you choose.
Zone cards: IFZA · Meydan · Meydan cost breakdown.
Side-by-side comparison
Read the verdict row last — cost alone rarely settles IFZA vs Meydan.
| Factor | IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis) | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| License cost (0-visa band) | ≈ AED 12,900 licence-only (sources span ~12,750–21,900 when visas are bundled into the 'starting' quote) | ≈ AED 12,500 licence-only (most-cited 2026 base; confirm package tier) |
| Visa quota | Flexible packages; 0→1 visa bundles commonly quoted as all-in totals — ask for allocation vs processing split | Up to 6 visas per licence in most packages; ~AED 3,500 allocation per visa plus processing |
| Office requirement | No physical office required for many profiles — among the most remote-flexible Dubai options | Virtual office included in base package; physical space can be triggered by visa count / activity |
| Activity fit | Tech, consultancy, trading, media — broad professional / commercial / industrial categories; strong partner-program posture | E-commerce, digital, freelancers, trading, consultancy — one of few Dubai zones with a direct freelance permit |
| Setup time | About 3 days (multiple sources) | About 2–4 days (among the fastest Dubai options) |
| Verdict | Choose IFZA when you want a high-volume Dubai zone with a formal partner/referrer model and broad professional–commercial activity coverage — and you will verify the visa-inclusive total carefully (source spread is wide). | Choose Meydan when you want one of Dubai's lowest licence headlines, a standalone freelance route, and virtual-first packaging for consultants or e-commerce — then model visas and the establishment card before calling it 'cheapest'. |
Next step
Get an exact quote on WhatsApp
Send your activity list and visa count — we reply with an itemized year-one figure grounded in the zone's published tariff, never below it.
WhatsApp an exact quote →Which suits which founder
Lean consultant or freelancer
Meydan usually wins on headline licence cost and the direct freelance permit. Confirm visa processing and establishment card so the all-in number is honest.
Tech / multi-activity professional firm
IFZA's broader professional–commercial–industrial menu and partner-program posture often fit agencies and product studios better — budget the visa bundle explicitly.
E-commerce founder selling online
Both work. Meydan markets e-commerce packaging clearly; IFZA can work when you need broader trading categories. Activity list beats brand preference.
IFZA vs Meydan FAQ
Is IFZA cheaper than Meydan in 2026?
Licence-only headlines are close — IFZA often around AED 12,900 and Meydan around AED 12,500. Visa-inclusive quotes for IFZA swing widely across sources, so 'cheaper' only means something after an itemized year-one and renewal quote for your visa count.
Which is better for e-commerce — IFZA or Meydan?
Meydan lists e-commerce as a core licence type and is frequently positioned for digital/online businesses. IFZA remains viable when your activity mix is wider than pure e-commerce. Match the activity list, not the marketing page.
Do IFZA and Meydan require a physical office?
Both can run remote-friendly packages without a private office for many profiles. Higher visa counts or certain activities can still force a desk or office upgrade — ask what your exact profile triggers.
How fast is company setup in IFZA vs Meydan?
Both are among the faster Dubai options: roughly three days for IFZA and two to four days for Meydan in most 2026 sources. Banking and visa stamping sit on separate clocks.
Should I choose IFZA or Meydan for a consultancy?
Solo or lean consultancies often start with Meydan on cost and freelance options. Teams that need broader professional licensing or care about IFZA's partner ecosystem often lean IFZA. We shortlist from activity and visa count first.
Next step
Get an exact quote on WhatsApp
Send your activity list and visa count — we reply with an itemized year-one figure grounded in the zone's published tariff, never below it.
WhatsApp an exact quote →Business Setup services are provided by CoreSpaces L.L.C-FZ, licensed through Meydan Free Zone and acting as an authorised, non-exclusive channel partner of the free zone authorities it represents. Which zone suits you is confirmed during consultation. CoreSpaces L.L.C-FZ is a separate operating entity from CoreSpaces Realty LLC. Полная структура юридических лиц.