DIFC vs Meydan
Dubai International Financial Centre compared to Meydan Free Zone
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | DIFC | Meydan |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Dubai International Financial Centre | Meydan Free Zone |
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Specialty | Financial services, fintech | General business, startups |
| Cheapest Year 1 | AED 23,000 | AED 12,500 |
| Cheapest Package | DIFC Innovation License | Meydan Starter (0 visa) |
| License Fee (from) | AED 12,000 | AED 12,500 |
| Visa Cost Range | AED 6,000-AED 8,000 | AED 4,500-AED 6,500 |
| Notable | Independent legal system (common law) | Affordable Dubai option (from AED 12,500) |
| Website | www.difc.ae | www.meydanfz.ae |
All Packages Compared
DIFC Packages
| Package | Year 1 | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Innovation License | AED 23,000 | 1 |
| DIFC Commercial License | AED 77,000 | 3 |
| DIFC Financial License | AED 127,000 | 5 |
Meydan Packages
| Package | Year 1 | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Meydan Starter (0 visa) | AED 12,500 | 0 |
| Meydan 1 Visa | AED 17,000 | 1 |
| Meydan 2 Visa | AED 24,000 | 2 |
| Meydan 3 Visa | AED 36,000 | 3 |
Verdict
Meydan is the more affordable option, starting from AED 12,500 compared to AED 23,000 for DIFC. However, DIFC may offer advantages in terms of financial services, fintech.