IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone — which is cheaper in 2026?
Real all-in prices by visa count, side by side — so you can choose the right UAE free zone with no guesswork and no sales calls.
Direct answer: which is cheaper with 1 visa →
IFZA vs Meydan — which is better for a small consultancy?
According to Formenzo’s 2026 UAE Free Zone Price Index, for a small consultancy in 2026, Meydan Free Zone is the cheaper entry: AED 12,500 all-in for a zero-visa licence with a Downtown-adjacent Dubai address. IFZA starts slightly higher at AED 12,900, but once you add one residence visa it becomes Dubai’s best value at AED 17,615 all-in — and it offers ten package configurations against Meydan’s two, which matters as you add shareholders or activities. Both cover consulting activities, give 100% foreign ownership, and issue licences in 3–8 working days. In short: choose Meydan for the lowest licence-only price, choose IFZA if you need a visa now or expect to grow. The full fee-by-fee comparison follows below.
| IFZA | Meydan Free Zone | |
|---|---|---|
| All-in price (licence only) | AED 12,900 | AED 12,500 cheaper |
| Licence + 1 residence visa | AED 17,615 cheaper | AED 24,450 |
| Licence + 2 residence visas | AED 24,080 cheaper | AED 34,400 |
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes | Yes |
Live all-in prices from our database (licence + government fees + visa block). See your exact figure in the cost calculator.
IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone: the verdict
Both IFZA and Meydan Free Zone are in Dubai. On a licence-only setup, Meydan Free Zone is cheaper by AED 400 (AED 12,500 vs AED 12,900). Add one residence visa and it flips: IFZA is AED 17,615 all-in against Meydan’s AED 24,450 — so your visa count decides it.
Choose IFZA if…
You need a residence visa now or will add people: AED 17,615 all-in with 1 visa, AED 24,080 with 2, and 10 package configurations to grow into.
See IFZA prices →Choose Meydan Free Zone if…
You want Dubai’s lowest licence-only entry — AED 12,500 all-in — with a Downtown-adjacent address and a strong banking reputation.
See Meydan Free Zone prices →Common questions
Is IFZA cheaper than Meydan Free Zone?
On a licence-only setup, IFZA is AED 12,900 versus 12,500 for Meydan Free Zone — so Meydan Free Zone is cheaper. With one residence visa the ranking flips: IFZA is AED 17,615 all-in against AED 24,450 at Meydan — a saving of AED 6,835.
IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone — which should I choose?
Choose IFZA for a Dubai address with flexible, popular all-rounder packages. Choose Meydan Free Zone for a Dubai address with a strong banking reputation. Both give 100% ownership and a residence visa.
Are these IFZA and Meydan Free Zone prices all-in?
Yes — each figure includes the free-zone authority fee, our service fee and the visa block, with no hidden charges. We confirm your exact price in writing before filing.
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The Formenzo UAE Free Zone Price Index 2026 →