WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey registers companies in both Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone, so this comparison reflects real files rather than brochure claims. Both Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone offer 100% foreign ownership and UAE residence visas; the differences lie in price, reputation, office options and activity lists. To be clear, if you are torn between Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone, use the table and verdicts below, then message GoldenKey for a recommendation specific to your activity.
Meydan Free Zone vs IFZA Free Zone at a glance
| Feature | Meydan Free Zone | IFZA Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction type | Free Zone | Free Zone |
| Licence from | AED 11,250 | on request |
| Renewal fee | on request | on request |
| Extra visa cost | on request | on request |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Trade with UAE mainland | Via distributor / dual licence | Via distributor / dual licence |
| Residence visas | Yes, per package | Yes, per package |
| Typical processing | 5 working days | 5 working days |
| Office options | Virtual Office, Flexi-desk or Office Suite | Virtual Office, Flexi-desk or Office Suite |
| Best known for | dubai address, multi-activity licence (up to 5 activities) and 100% foreign ownership | dubai address, up to 3 activities on one licence and 100% foreign ownership |
Our verdict
Choose Meydan Free Zone if
you value dubai address and multi-activity licence (up to 5 activities) and your activity sits in consultancy and trading, where Meydan Free Zone has the stronger track record.
Choose IFZA Free Zone if
you value dubai address and up to 3 activities on one licence and your activity sits in trading and services, where IFZA Free Zone has the stronger track record.
About Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is a free zone jurisdiction located at Meydan, Dubai — 10 minutes from DIFC and Downtown Dubai. Its strengths are dubai address, multi-activity licence (up to 5 activities), 100% foreign ownership and no paid-up capital, and the activities it is best known for include consultancy, trading, technology and marketing. A standard file is processed in around 5 working days.
About IFZA Free Zone
IFZA Free Zone is a free zone jurisdiction located at Dubai Silicon Oasis district, Dubai — adjacent to Meydan and Academic City. It is chosen for dubai address, up to 3 activities on one licence, 100% foreign ownership and top-tier bank access, with popular activities including trading, services, technology and consultancy. Processing typically takes 5 working days.
Why compare with GoldenKey
Importantly, our quotations for choosing between Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Day to day, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for choosing between Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone happen the same day they are ready. After your Meydan Free Zone and IFZA 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.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for choosing between Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Meydan Free Zone or IFZA 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 Meydan Free Zone to IFZA Free Zone later?
Yes. You can open a second company or branch in IFZA Free Zone and transfer the business, then close the Meydan Free Zone entity. We plan the sequence so visas and bank accounts are not interrupted.
Which is better for a bank account, Meydan Free Zone or IFZA 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 Meydan Free Zone and IFZA Free Zone allow 100% foreign ownership?
Meydan Free Zone does. IFZA Free Zone does, with no local partner required.
