Setup your business in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Registration
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. 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.
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.
At a glance
Abu Dhabi at a glance
80%+
Of the UAE’s total land
100%
Company ownership
0%
Personal & corporate income tax
One window
For government services
Key advantages
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.
100% ownership of the company
Pre-built advanced infrastructure
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Exemption from import and export customs duty for goods and services
Exemption from taxes on personal or corporate income
A business-friendly environment with the simplified company incorporation process
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.
Business-friendly legal framework and company laws
A one-window operation for a wide range of government services like visa formalities, traffic, residential permits, licensing and postal services
Fast immigration process and quick access to skilled professionals
The directory
Free zones in Abu Dhabi
KIZAD
The Khalifa Industrial Zone Free Zone (KIZAD) is a project by the Abu Dhabi government that envisions revolutionising the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi. The project took form in November 2010 and began its operations by September 2012 on a greenfield site in Taweelah.
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Airport Freezone offers a variety of facilities through its business centre, logistics park, and business parks at Abu Dhabi Intl. Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, and Al Ain Intl. Airport so as to satisfy instant business requirements.
Abu Dhabi Global Market
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone, an ideal location for investors, is set in Abu Dhabi’s centre. This location is suitable for investors from fields like private banking, asset management, and wealth management.
Abu Dhabi Industrial City
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) is a well-planned region that operates with the highest technological standards. It covers an area of 40 square kilometres and is located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. It is ideal for manufacturing and industrial companies.
Abu Dhabi Ports Company
The Khalifa Port, or Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the largest of the ports in the UAE, was established in 2012 with the aim of increasing inbound investment and trade in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Port controls all trade and master developments.
Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar is a planned city constructed 6 kilometres away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, established in 2006. Masdar means “Source City”. Its core is being meticulously constructed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development.
ZonesCorp
Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones : ZonesCorp of Abu Dhabi is home to more than 600 global companies from many different sectors, established in 2004.
twofour54
Abu Dhabi’s free zone for media and creative industry businesses looking to register in the emirate.
The process
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.
The setting up of a business in Abu Dhabi free zone follows the following steps.
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
Paperwork
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
Company formation in Abu Dhabi free zone
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 and 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 Black Swan 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.
Wider picture
Benefits of setting up business in the UAE
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax benefits
- Duty free
- Low operational cost
- Low freight charge
- Abundant & inexpensive energy
- Exemption from all import and export duties
- Freedom to recruit expatriates
- Freehold offices available on sale or lease
- Readymade offices, factories & warehouses
- Free transfer of funds
- No foreign exchange control
