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UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN) · via MEYDAN Free Zone·🇹🇷Founder profile

MEYDAN UAE Free Zone for Turkish Crypto Traders

VerifiedOct 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline14–30days
Year-1 total$12,500

MEYDAN Free Zone (Dubai Government-owned) attracts Turkish crypto traders for its combination of 0% qualifying income treatment, UAE residence visa access, and UAE banking (Emirates NBD, ADCB) that Turkish onshore banks cannot match under kripto vergi taslak 2025 uncertainty.

Under Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022, UAE CT applies 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Free Zone Persons meeting substance requirements can retain 0% on qualifying income (specific activity types) if they have adequate operating substance in the UAE.

Regulated crypto trading requires VARA licensing separately; unlicensed activity does not benefit from FZ qualifying income shelter.

§ 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 · Turkish Crypto Traders

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

UAE MEYDAN FZ companies fall under Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022: 9% CT above AED 375,000 taxable income; qualifying Free Zone Person status may preserve 0% on qualifying income with adequate substance.

Home-country rule

Türkiye kripto vergi taslak 2025; USD hedging use-case

Editorial verdict

MEYDAN suits Turkish crypto traders needing UAE bank + residence visa; UAE VARA governs virtual assets, adds ADGM/DFSA licensing considerations.

Key compliance risks
  • 01Turkish KVK Article 3 PE risk if effective management remains in Türkiye
  • 02UAE CT 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income per Federal Decree-Law 47
  • 03VARA license required for regulated crypto activities; unlicensed trading falls outside FZP protection
  • 04Substance test — office presence and staff needed to preserve qualifying income treatment
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
14–30days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d8
d15
d23
d30
01FilingMEYDAN Free Zone submits formation docs
d0–d11
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d9–d23
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d18–d30
§ 04Head-to-head

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

UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
US LLC (Wyoming)
LLC
Entity
Free Zone LLC
LLC
Setup cost
$1,307
$102.00
Annual
$1,307
$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. MEYDAN license includes an investor visa allocation (typically 1-3 visas depending on package). Total visa cost AED 3,500-6,000 including Emirates ID, medical, and biometrics. Visa allows UAE residence for the trader — critical for opening UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB).

Next step

Start filing with MEYDAN Free Zone

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.