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Jurisdiction comparison

UAE Incorporation Comparison: IFZA vs MEYDAN Free Zones

Both IFZA and MEYDAN operate under the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, subjecting entities to a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. These jurisdictions provide remote-friendly incorporation paths for non-resident founders without requiring local directors or physical presence.

While both entities function as Free Zone LLCs, the choice between them hinges on specific operational costs and the scope of permissible business activities defined in their respective licensing frameworks.

Editorial verdict
In short — Choose IFZA if you require a broader range of business activities and a more established ecosystem for physical office scaling. Choose MEYDAN if you prioritize lower initial setup costs and a streamlined digital-first experience for a lean, remote-only operation.
§ 01Side-by-side metrics

Prices, rules, and residency requirements

UAE Free Zone (IFZA)
Free Zone LLC
UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
Free Zone LLC
Setup cost
$1,496
$1,306
Annual
$1,469
$1,306
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
9% CT above AED 375k; visa-eligible
9% CT above AED 375k; 0% VAT for out-of-UAE trade