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UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) · via MEYDAN Free Zone·🇮🇳Founder profile

Meydan Free Zone Incorporation for Indian SaaS Founders

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityConditional
Setup timeline21–45days
Year-1 total$12,500

Indian SaaS founders can establish a Free Zone LLC in Meydan to access the UAE business ecosystem. This structure allows for 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital.

Compliance with both UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 and Indian RBI Overseas Direct Investment regulations is mandatory for legal operation.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$25,000
≈ $1,042/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupMEYDAN Free Zone setup
    $12,500
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $12,500
Total$25,000
§ 02Tax residency · Indian SaaS Founders

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 mandates a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000, with 0% VAT applicable to qualifying exports of services.

Home-country rule

ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) RBI approval required for equity

Editorial verdict

Ensure your Indian entity or personal holding structure complies with RBI Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) guidelines before transferring capital to Meydan.

Key compliance risks
  • 01RBI ODI approval required for Indian residents
  • 02Compliance with UAE Economic Substance Regulations
  • 03Potential double taxation if tax residency is not managed
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
21–45days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d11
d23
d34
d45
01FilingMEYDAN Free Zone submits formation docs
d0–d16
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d14–d34
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d27–d45
§ 04Head-to-head

UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) vs US LLC (Wyoming)

Full comparison →
UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,306
$102.00
Annual
$1,306
$60.00
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; 0% VAT for out-of-UAE trade
0% state tax; federal only on US-source income
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Yes. Indian residents must comply with the Reserve Bank of India's Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) framework. Failure to obtain necessary approvals or report investments can lead to penalties under FEMA regulations.
More profiles for UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Indian SaaS Founders — other jurisdictions
Next step

Start filing with MEYDAN Free Zone

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