WhatsApp quoteFounders choose Meydan Free Zone when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. Setting up a company in Meydan Free Zone gives you 100% ownership, a UAE trade licence and the option to sponsor residence visas for yourself and your family. To be clear, consulting is the most common professional licence in the UAE. One licence can typically list several consulting sub-activities, and you can invoice clients worldwide from day one. For Portuguese business owners, the UAE is around 8 hours from Lisbon, the UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of Portugal, and English is the business language in the UAE.
Why Meydan Free Zone
In our experience, one of the reasons we recommend Meydan Free Zone is its Dubai address, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. As we tell every client, the authority permits Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and Free Zone Company (FZCO), which covers solo entrepreneurs, partnerships and overseas groups opening a UAE branch.
How Meydan Free Zone works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
We confirm that your activity is available in Meydan Free Zone, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
Crucially, we submit your preferred trade names to Meydan Free Zone and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder in real time.
Step 3Document submission and payment
As a rule, with the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the registrar on your behalf.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Importantly, your Meydan Free Zone licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder in real time.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your Portugal bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Degree or experience evidence may be requested for some sub-activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
In short, use the table below to compare packages for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder no longer requires a local partner. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
To be clear, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a consulting practice in the UAE as a Portuguese founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a UAE bank account with a Meydan Free Zone company?
Yes, Meydan Free Zone companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in Meydan Free Zone?
Most Meydan Free Zone licences can be granted remotely with scanned documents and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is completed.
Is an audit required for a Meydan Free Zone company?
Requirements vary by zone and by company size. GoldenKey will confirm the current Meydan Free Zone rule when we prepare your quotation, and we provide bookkeeping if you need accounts in any case for corporate tax.
Is business consulting allowed in Meydan Free Zone?
Yes. Portuguese nationals can own 100% of a consulting practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Meydan Free Zone for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Portugal and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Portugal have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
