WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey registers companies in both IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone, so this comparison reflects real files rather than brochure claims. Choosing between IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone comes down to cost, location, activity fit and how many visas you need, and this page compares all four side by side. If you are torn between IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone, use the table and verdicts below, then message GoldenKey for a recommendation specific to your activity.
IFZA Offshore vs Meydan Free Zone at a glance
| Feature | IFZA Offshore | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction type | Offshore | Free Zone |
| Licence from | AED 12,000 | AED 11,250 |
| Renewal fee | AED 10,000 | on request |
| Extra visa cost | on request | on request |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Trade with UAE mainland | No | Via distributor / dual licence |
| Residence visas | No | Yes, per package |
| Typical processing | 5 working days | 5 working days |
| Office options | No office | Virtual Office, Flexi-desk or Office Suite |
| Best known for | dubai jurisdiction and reputation, strong bank acceptance for ifza structures and no office or visa obligations | dubai address, multi-activity licence (up to 5 activities) and 100% foreign ownership |
Our verdict
Choose IFZA Offshore if
you only need to hold assets, shares or property and invoice overseas clients, with no office or visas; IFZA Offshore does that at a fraction of the cost of Meydan Free Zone.
Choose Meydan Free Zone if
you need a real operating licence with residence visas and the ability to trade from the UAE, which Meydan Free Zone provides and an offshore company cannot.
About IFZA Offshore
IFZA Offshore is an offshore jurisdiction located at Registered agent address. Its strengths are dubai jurisdiction and reputation, strong bank acceptance for ifza structures, no office or visa obligations and can own property in dubai freehold areas, and the activities it is best known for include holding dubai property, international consulting and trading, group holding structures and ip and royalty holding. A standard file is processed in around 5 working days.
About Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is a free zone jurisdiction located at Meydan, Dubai — 10 minutes from DIFC and Downtown Dubai. It is chosen for dubai address, multi-activity licence (up to 5 activities), 100% foreign ownership and no paid-up capital, with popular activities including consultancy, trading, technology and marketing. Processing typically takes 5 working days.
Why compare with GoldenKey
You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. GoldenKey's consultants have handled choosing between IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. From day one, after your IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone licence is released, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
If you would like a written quotation for choosing between IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, IFZA Offshore or Meydan Free Zone?
Compare the live licence prices in the table above; the lower headline price is not always the lower total once office, visas and renewals are included. GoldenKey prepares a like-for-like total for your visa count.
Can I move from IFZA Offshore to Meydan Free Zone later?
Yes. You can open a second company or branch in Meydan Free Zone and transfer the business, then close the IFZA Offshore entity. We plan the sequence so visas and bank accounts are not interrupted.
Which is better for a bank account, IFZA Offshore or Meydan Free Zone?
Banks look at the business profile more than the jurisdiction, although Dubai-registered and mainland entities are reviewed slightly faster by some banks. GoldenKey prepares the file either way.
Do both IFZA Offshore and Meydan Free Zone allow 100% foreign ownership?
IFZA Offshore does. Meydan Free Zone does, with no local partner required.
