Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Abu Dhabi is an excellent location for businesses to establish operations in the UAE. Being the largest emirate, it offers several prominent free zone options for businesses. The zone offers economic stability, tax incentives, and streamlined regulations. The jurisdiction is overseen and managed by their respective authorities, which enforce and maintain regulations and issue licenses. Abu Dhabi's healthcare policies and reputation for luxury make it an attractive location for both entrepreneurs and tourists from around the world. Some of the benefits provided by this free zone are:

100% Foreign Ownership
No Personal, Low Corporate, or No Income Taxes
Easy Incorporation
Business-Friendly Legal Framework
100% Repatriation of Profits
Access to a Pool of Skilled Professionals

MSZ Consultancy has years of experience helping investors through the business setup process. We’ll handle everything from licensing to visas and deliver a streamlined experience from beginning to end.

Choose Your Business License Type

Abu Dhabi's free zones offer a range of business licenses. Here are some common types of business licenses available to you:

Trading License : Allows businesses to import, export, distribute, and trade goods within the free zone and internationally.
Industrial License : Permits businesses to undertake manufacturing, processing, assembly, and related industrial activities within the free zone.
Service License : Enables businesses to provide specific services such as consulting, IT services, marketing, advertising, legal, and financial services.
Logistics License : Designed for companies engaged in logistics, warehousing, transportation, and related activities.
Media License : Allows companies involved in media production, broadcasting, publishing, advertising, and related activities to operate within the free zone.
Aviation License : Tailored for companies in the aviation industry, including aircraft maintenance, repair, leasing, and related services.
Renewable Energy License : Available in free zones with a focus on clean technology and renewable energy, allowing businesses to engage in research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of renewable energy products and services.
Technology License : For businesses involved in software development, IT consulting, telecommunications, and other technology-related services.

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Required Documents and the Steps to Obtain Your Business License

Obtaining your Free Zone license in Abu Dhabi has been designed to be a pain-free process. Here are the steps you’ll want to take and the documents you’ll need to have available to get your license:

Required Documents

Company application form
Passport copies of the shareholder
Few suggested names of the company
Specification of the business activity
Proof of Address
Bank reference letter or bank statements of the shareholders

Steps to Get Your Business License

Choose the Right Business Activity for You
Register Your Trade Name
Obtain Necessary Approvals
Submit Application
Pay Fees and Obtain License

Business Entities Permitted in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Businesses forming in Abu Dhabi’s many Free Zones will fall under one of several legal structures:

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Free Zone LLC is a separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders. It allows full foreign ownership and provides flexibility in management and operations.
Foreign Branch
A Foreign Branch allows an existing foreign company to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi's free zones. The branch operates under the parent company's name and is subject to its regulations.
UAE Branch
Like a Foreign Branch, a UAE Branch allows mainland companies to extend their operations into Abu Dhabi's free zones.
Freelancer
Freelancer licenses are tailored for individuals offering professional services on a freelance basis. It allows individuals to operate as independent contractors within Abu Dhabi's free zones, offering consulting, design, writing, or other specialized skills.

Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to several Free Zone jurisdictions, each designed to cater to a specific field of business. Some Free Zones include:

Twofour54 Free Zone
Twofour54 is Abu Dhabi's media and entertainment Free Zone, dedicated to nurturing creative talent and fostering innovation in the industry.
Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City is a sustainable urban development and clean technology hub in Abu Dhabi. Its free zone focuses on renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable living.
Kizad Free Zone
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is one of the Middle East's largest industrial and logistics hubs. Its free zone offers a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and various incentives to attract manufacturing, logistics, trade, and industrial businesses.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a global financial center located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, with strategic positioning. It is a Free Zone jurisdiction that provides numerous advantages for business investors, such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate or personal tax, and no forex restrictions.

12+Years of
Experience

MSZ Consultancy is Here to Help Your Business

From handling licensing to managing visa approvals, MSZ Consultancy has the experience to take your business to the next level. We can help with license applications, critical renewals, staying atop of changing regulations, and much more.

Let us handle the day-to-day aspects of your business so you don’t have to. Call our help centre today at +971 52 544 1248 for a FREE quote, and let us help take your business to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

The cost to set up a company in Dubai mainland varies depending on the type of business and the service you require. However, in most cases, setting up a business in Dubai mainland costs between AED 12,500 to AED 30,000.