MEYDAN's advertised setup time is "5 business days from application to license." That is achievable for a straightforward single-shareholder, single-activity setup. Adding visa applications extends the total to 15-25 business days.
Day 1: Application Submission
Submit online via MEYDAN portal or through a MEYDAN-approved corporate service provider. Required documents:
- Passport copy (each shareholder and director) — colored, valid 6+ months.
- Recent passport-size photo, white background.
- CV or LinkedIn URL (helps demonstrate activity relevance).
- Proposed trade name (3 options in order of preference).
- Selected activity from MEYDAN's approved list.
Day 1-2: Name Approval & Initial Approval
MEYDAN checks the name against Dubai and UAE-wide trademark databases and their internal reserved-names list. Common rejections: names containing "Dubai" without government-purpose justification, offensive terms, existing entity conflicts. Backup names avoid resubmission delay.
Day 3-5: License Issue
Once approvals clear and payment is received ($3,810 minimum), MEYDAN issues the digital license certificate. This is when your entity legally exists and can sign contracts. You will receive: License PDF, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Day 5-10: Establishment Card + E-Channel
File Establishment Card application via MEYDAN portal ($545). Once issued, apply for E-Channel registration ($625). This is required before any visa application.
Day 10-20: Investor Visa (Optional)
Investor visa flow: Entry Permit (5-7 days) → medical fitness test (same day at approved clinic) → Emirates ID biometrics (walk-in) → visa stamping (2-3 days). If you are outside the UAE, you can enter on the Entry Permit and complete steps 2-4 in Dubai.
Day 15-25: Bank Account
Bank account opening happens in parallel with visa if you use a digital bank (Wio, Mashreq NEO). Emirates NBD and traditional banks require the Emirates ID as prerequisite. Typical timelines: Wio 2-3 days after documents, Emirates NBD 2-4 weeks.