MEYDAN's advertised license price is $3,810 (AED 14,000), but the sticker price hides seven additional line items that push realistic year-1 cost to about $6,647 for a one-shareholder, one-visa setup. Here is every fee, cross-referenced with the MEYDAN authority price list accessed 2026-09-20.
License Fee — What is Actually Included
The base $3,810 covers: license issuance for one activity, one year of validity, and Flexi Desk (virtual office) rights. It does not cover the immigration card, e-channel registration, visa slots, or the establishment card — all of which are separately billed.
Immigration Card & E-Channel — $1,170 One-Time
Every UAE entity that will issue any visa needs an Establishment Card ($545) and E-Channel registration ($625). These are one-time setups but must be maintained annually (~$450/year combined for renewal).
Visa Slot Cost — $1,780 Per Person
Each visa slot (whether or not you use it) costs $1,780. This covers the 2-year investor or employee visa, medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, and biometrics. Additional employees: $1,605 each with mandatory health insurance ($400-800 extra).
Chamber of Commerce Fee — $82
Mandatory registration with Dubai Chamber; annual renewal $60.
Optional but Often-Overlooked Fees
- Corporate tax registration — free at FTA; service providers charge $250-450.
- Auditor engagement — mandatory annual audit; $600-1,200.
- Additional activities within same category — $270 per activity.
- Additional visa slot upgrade (5th+) — requires Flexi Desk upgrade ~$1,635/year.
Realistic Year-1 Total by Setup Type
| Setup type | Year-1 all-in USD |
|---|---|
| 1 shareholder, 0 visas (holding only) | $4,300 |
| 1 shareholder, 1 visa | $6,647 |
| 1 shareholder, 3 visas | $10,850 |
| 2 shareholders, 2 visas | $9,890 |
| 1 shareholder, 5 visas (with Flexi Desk upgrade) | $16,200 |
Year-2+ Renewal — Consistently ~85% of Year 1
MEYDAN renewal is priced at approximately 85% of your initial license (AED 10,625 = $2,895 for 1-activity setup) plus visa renewals coming due plus mandatory audit fee. Budget $4,800-5,200 for a single-shareholder, single-visa entity in year 2.