Abu Dhabi Free Zones Business Setup

Set up your company in one of the biggest Emirates in UAE, Abu Dhabi Free Zone with Solutions FZCO, and position your business for success.

Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of UAE is a business hub in the region. It covers more than 80% of the UAE’s total land area. The Emirate offers various free zones for local and foreign investors with multiple incentives for business setup.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Abu Dhabi offers unparalleled access to major global markets. It is a rapidly growing global business hub known for its favorable business environment.

Abu Dhabi Free Zones are ideal for investors seeking to set up their presence in the UAE. The government of Abu Dhabi has implemented a range of policies and initiatives to create a business-friendly environment in these free zones.

Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi Free Zones provides a strategic advantage for companies looking to benefit from the UAE’s dynamic economy. These zones offer a range of incentives, including tax exemptions, simplified business processes, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The strategic location, along with excellent connectivity and a business-friendly environment, makes Abu Dhabi Free Zones an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

  • 100% foreign ownership of the company
  • 100% repatriation of capital and profits
  • No personal/ corporate income tax
  • No currency restrictions 
  • No customs duties on imports and exports
  • Best infrastructure in UAE
  • Simple laws and regulations
  • Several business activities and industries
  • Strategic location
  • Proximity to key markets
  • Easy company formation
  • Business-friendly environment

List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi for Business Setup

Abu Dhabi is a hub for international business and investment. The city offers several free zones, each designed to cater to different industries and business needs.

These free zones provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, offering various incentives and benefits.

  • Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ): Strategic location near Abu Dhabi International Airport. Suitable for aviation, logistics, and ICT businesses.
  • Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD): Located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with close proximity to the Khalifa Port. Suitable for manufacturing, trade, and logistics companies.
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Located on Al Maryah Island, ADGM is great for fintech companies, and the financial sector.
  • Masdar City Free Zone: Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar offers eco-friendly infrastructure for urban development.
  • Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ): Trade and logistics hub of Abu Dhabi with leading infrastructure of over 20 shipping lanes.
abu dhabi free zone

Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most strategically positioned free zones. These zones support various business activities. Some popular business licenses available in Abu Dhabi Free Zones are:

  • Trade License
  • Professional License
  • Industrial License
  • Commercial License
  • Freelancer License
  • Media License
  • Tech/ IT License
  • Healthcare License
  • Tourism License
  • Food and Beverage License
  • Real Estate License
  • Consultancy License
  • Event Management License
  • Education License
  • Banking and Financial Services License

Legal Entities Available in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Abu Dhabi Free Zones houses some of the most popular global brands FedEx, TNT, ARAMEX, DHL, etc. There are plenty of facilities for SMEs and corporations.

Here are four major types of legal entities found in the Free Zones of Abu Dhabi:

  • Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC): Suitable for SMEs, allows multiple shareholders.
  • Branch of a Foreign Company: Enables international businesses to operate without a local partner.
  • Branch of a UAE Company: Ideal for UAE-based companies looking to expand operations.
  • Freelance License: Allows individuals to offer services in their personal capacity.

How to Setup a Business in Abu Dhabi Free Zones [Steps]

Choose a Business Activity/ Structure

The first step is to decide the type of business activity you want to undertake in the free zone and the legal structure. This will determine your company’s legal requirements.

Select a Free Zone in Abu Dhabi

Choose a free zone that supports your business activity. For example, if you are operating in the maritime industry, it’s best to choose the free zone that is close to the port such as KPFTZ.

Register Your Trade Name

The next step is to register your company name. You have to submit at least three name choices to the Free Zone Authority, and they will approve one for you.

Submit License Application

Choose the right type of license for your company and submit the application to the Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority, along with the required documents.

Lease Office Space

For company registration, you need a dedicated office space in the Free Zone of your choice. You can either buy or lease it. Abu Dhabi Free Zones offers multiple options for business owners.

Obtain Your Abu Dhabi Free Zone License

Get your business license in Abu Dhabi FZ. It is issued by the relevant free zone authority and allows you to conduct business within the free zone.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account in the free zone to conduct financial transactions and receive business payments.

Finalize Business Setup

Finalize your business setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zone by obtaining the necessary approvals, and permits. Apply for visas for your employees if required and you are good to go!

Documents Required for Abu Dhabi Business Setup

The documents required for company formation in Abu Dhabi Free Zones may vary depending on the free zone authority, and the type of business. However, some standard documents required for business setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zones are:

  • Application form
  • Passport copies of all the shareholders
  • Passport-size photographs
  • A business plan
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Board of resolution for company formation
  • NOC (if applicable)
  • Proof of address of shareholders
  • Power of Attorney (if applicable)
  • Share capital certificate
  • Financial audit reports (if applicable)
  • Trade name reservation certificate
  • Bank or professional reference letter

Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi Free Zones might be confusing for first-time owners because of the lengthy requirements and application procedures. Solutions FZCO offers personalized solutions and guidance to investors regarding company formation procedures in the UAE.

Through our local contacts with the authorities, we help speed up your business registration process in ADFZ and free zones across the seven emirates.

Reach out to Solutions FZCO and let us help you navigate the economic, and immigration regulations in the UAE, so you can set up your dream company today!

abu dhabi free zones

Frequently Asked Questions

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the financial free zone in Abu Dhabi dedicated as the financial hub of the UAE with its own commercial and civil laws.

A free zone visa in Abu Dhabi allows you to operate within specific free zones in a tax-free environment with no customs duties.

Abu Dhabi has five free zones that offer support for multiple sectors and industries.