Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, occupying more than 80% of the country’s total land, is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates. You would be wondering know that Abu Dhabi has several free zones which serve as a gateway for foreign investors and also provides a favourable environment for the same.

The free zones in Abu Dhabi play a pivotal role in the Emirates’ strategy to encourage foreign investment, thereby stimulating the local economy. Business establishments in these free zones predominantly cater to logistics companies, media enterprises, as well as medium and heavy industries. Establishing a company within Abu Dhabi’s free zones offers shareholders access to numerous incentives and facilities. This underscores the rationale behind the establishment of businesses in Abu Dhabi.

Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi free zone.

Establishing a company in Abu Dhabi free zones is remarkably straightforward, significantly hassle-free, remarkably less time-consuming, extraordinarily simple, and absolutely devoid of bureaucratic barriers. This is unequivocally designed to actively encourage and promote the formation of companies within free zones.

Within free zones, entrepreneurs have the freedom to enjoy 100% ownership, eliminating the need to partner with a UAE National. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority, as an autonomous government entity, manages registration, grants operating licenses, and offers extensive assistance in establishing your business.

The setting up of a business in Abu Dhabi free zone follows the following steps.

• Type of business activity

You will have to first decide on the type of business activity as each business activity has its own rules and regulations.

• Registering the trade name

After completing the first step, the next step is to register the trade name of your company. You can give the list of selected names to the Abu Dhabi free zone authority, and in case the name is not already registered by any existing company in the UAE, it will be approved by the authorities and duly registered.

• Obtaining approvals from the free zone authority

After securing the initial approvals and diligently meeting the specified prerequisites, the next crucial step involves pursuing approval for the issuance of the business license.

• License issuance

Once the necessary approvals are secured from the relevant authorities, investors can seamlessly advance to meet the legal prerequisites for obtaining their business license directly from the free zone authority.

Documents Required

• Company Application Form
• Passport size photographs with white background
• Passport copies of the shareholders
• Specifications of the business activity
• 2-3 suggested names for the new company.
• Number of visas required.
• 2 x Proofs of Address (dated within three months)
• Bank or Professional Reference Letter
•  Curriculum Vitae (summary of professional history), for freelance license
• Certain free zones also require a copy of the proper business plan.

The Advantages of setting a business in Abu Dhabi free zone

Free zones offer much flexibility, along with the facility to set up a business. Also, starting a company in the free zone is always cheaper. The price too varies between free zones. The following are some of the advantages to start a company in the free zone.

1. 100% ownership of the company
2. Pre-built advanced infrastructure
3.  Full repatriation of profits and capital
4.  Exemption from import and export customs duty for goods and services
5.  Exemption from taxes on personal or corporate income
6. A business-friendly environment with the simplified company incorporation process
7.  A business cluster environment is a workplace setting where companies in related industries coexist on a shared campus. This fosters a conducive atmosphere for amicable interaction and productive collaboration.
8. Business-friendly legal framework and company laws
9.  A one-window operation for a wide range of government services like visa formalities, traffic, residential permits, licensing and postal services
10.  Fast immigration process and quick access to skilled professionals

The Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority extends its support to the companies within its free zone. A company formation in Abu Dhabi free zone requires tremendous planning and decision making. The awareness of the necessary formalities, legal procedures, funding requirements, ownership types is needed while setting up a company. One should also be aware of the minimum capital amount to be deposited in the bank as per the free zone.

We at have an expert team of professionals with vast knowledge in this matter. Our team can help you with company formation in Abu Dhabi and also ensure tax savings. We also take care of visa, licensing, banking, registration, recruitment, and residential prerequisites involved in company formation.

We understand your dreams to establish a company in the emirates and help fulfil it. You can contact us for details regarding company formation in the Abu Dhabi free zone.