DUBAI: Choosing between a Free Zone and a Mainland license is the most critical financial decision a solo creator makes. In 2026, the market has shifted, with Free Zones like IFZA and Meydan competing fiercely for “digital nomad” talent, while the DED (Mainland) offers the most “local” flexibility.
Here is the 2026 budget breakdown for solo creators.
1. The Contenders
- IFZA (International Free Zone Authority): Known for being the “fastest” and most remote-friendly. It is located in Silicon Oasis but operates almost entirely digitally.
- Meydan Free Zone: Strategically located near Downtown. It has become a favorite for creators due to its “Meydan Pay” banking solutions and prestigious address.
- DED (Dubai Economy & Tourism – Mainland): This is a “Mainland” license. It allows you to work with government entities directly and set up a physical office anywhere in the city.
2. 2026 Price Comparison Table (Solo Creator – No Visa)
Prices are estimated for 2026 and include the basic trade license and one activity (e.g., Social Media Services).
| Feature | IFZA | Meydan Free Zone | DED (e-Trader) |
| Initial Setup Fee | AED 12,500 – 14,000 | AED 13,500 – 15,000 | AED 1,070 – 1,500 |
| Visa Availability | 1 to 2 Visas | Up to 100 Visas | Zero (Local only) |
| UAEMC Permit Needed? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Office? | No (Flexi-desk) | No (Flexi-desk) | No |
| Bank Account Ease | Moderate | High (Meydan Pay) | Moderate |
| Best For | International Expats | High-Growth Startups | UAE/GCC Nationals |
3. The “Mainland” Caveat: The e-Trader License
The DED e-Trader license is the cheapest in the UAE (approx. AED 1,070), but it comes with a major catch:
- Eligibility: It is strictly for UAE and GCC Nationals living in Dubai.
- Expats: Foreigners can apply for an e-Trader license for “professional” services (like social media management), but they cannot sell physical products (like merch) through this specific license.
- No Visa: This license does not grant you a residency visa. It is designed for those already on a spouse, parent, or employment visa.
4. Why “IFZA” vs “Meydan” Matters for Your Budget
If you are an expat who needs a residency visa, the Free Zone route is your only option.
- IFZA often has “Flash Sales” where you can get a license for 3 years at a discounted rate, saving you roughly 20% on renewal fees.
- Meydan allows you to add multiple “Activities” (like photography + social media + consulting) for a very low additional fee, whereas others charge per activity.
5. The “Hidden” Costs to Factor In
When budgeting, do not just look at the license price. For 2026, you must also include:
- UAEMC Media Permit: AED 1,000 (Renewed annually).
- E-Channel Deposit: Approx. AED 2,000 (One-time, for visa-holding licenses).
- Medical & Emirates ID: Approx. AED 2,500 (If you need a visa).
- Corporate Tax Registration: Mandatory registration (Free), but you may need an accountant (AED 2,000+/year).
💡 The “Budget King” Verdict
- If you are a UAE National: Go for the DED e-Trader. It is unbeatable at ~$300 USD.
- If you are an Expat starting solo: IFZA usually offers the lowest entry price for a license + 1 visa package (around AED 18,000 total).
- If you plan to scale fast: Meydan is better because their banking system is more robust for creators receiving international brand payments.
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