Business Setup in the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

If you're hoping to jump-start your business prospects, The Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) might just be the right business setup location for you. This region offers modern infrastructure, a convenient geographic location, and minimal tax responsibilities, making it an ideal platform for business success.

MSZ Consultancy can help you with your ADAFZ business setup, from organizing the visa applications to securing licensing and everything in between. If you'd like to learn more about how to take advantage of a burgeoning business environment, keep reading below.

ADAFZ Legal Entities

Part of setting up your business in ADAFZ is choosing the legal structure of your company. Businesses here can choose between:

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): An FZ-LLC is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and limits shareholders' liabilities to the extent of their initial investments.

2. Branch of a Foreign Company: A foreign branch is typically used by international businesses hoping to expand into the UAE market while maintaining their original structure outside the UAE.

3. Branch of a UAE Company: Much like the foreign company branch, this structure allows local companies to establish a presence in the Free Zone without creating a separate legal entity.

Business Activities in ADAFZ

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your business career in the ADAFZ will be to choose your business activity. This activity will not only dictate what section you enter but will also affect your licensing procedure and the Free Zone where you operate. Below, we’ll break down some of the most popular activities in this Free Zone:

Logistics and Cargo Handling: This business activity is designed for businesses that manage freight, shipping, and supply chains.
Trading and Import/Export: For those dealing in the distribution and exchange of goods locally and internationally, trading and import activities are your ideal destination.
Information Technology and Communication: This activity is a great fit for IT startups, software developers, and communication service providers.
Consulting and Professional Services: These activities are tailored for consultants, financial advisors, and other professional service providers.
Aviation and Aerospace Services: Those interested in entering the aircraft maintenance, logistics, and technology development market will choose this business activity.

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Available Licenses in ADAFZ

To operate your business in the ADAFZ, you'll need to be fully licensed. There are several license types offered, but which is right for you? Let's explore how the ADAFZ breaks down these licenses:

Trade License

Service Licenses

Industrial License

Logistics License

Trade License

A Trade license is a versatile choice for businesses involved in trading goods inside– and outside the UAE.

Service Licenses

This license type is generally for professional services such as consultancy work, IT, and media production.

Industrial License

If you’re involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial-based services, an industrial license will be your preferred choice for business setup in ADAFZ.

Logistics License

A logistics license covers industries that handle cargo and freight as part of their business.

Required Documentation for Your License Application

When submitting your ADAFZ business licensing application, you’ll need to provide the following:

Required Documents

Completed application form
Passport copies of shareholders and managers
Business plan (if required)
Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
Proof of registered address
Lease agreement for your business premises
Bank reference letter (for certain entity types)

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 a License

The Process for Obtaining a License and Visa

Securing your business license is designed to be a simple and straightforward affair. To help you get started, we’ll show you the steps you’ll need to take for the best results:

1. Choose Your Ideal Business Activity
The first step will be to choose what you plan to do in the ADAFZ. Define your business structure and choose a legal setup that works for you.

2. Submit Application
You’ll want to complete the licensing application and guarantee that you’ve included all the required documents.

3. Obtain Initial Approvals
The ADAFZ authorities will review your application and issue an initial approval document.

4. Secure Office Spaces
To operate in the ADAFZ, you’ll need to obtain office space in the Free Zone.

5. Receive License
Once the final reviews have been completed and all fees have been paid, you’ll receive your license.

6. Open Bank Account
To conduct business in the ADAFZ, you’ll need a bank account. The region offers a wide selection of trusted institutions to help you manage your funds, handle currency exchanges, and keep your business running smoothly.

7. Apply for Visas
You’ll need a visa! Submit visa applications for yourself, employees, and family members.

While intended to be easy for the typical entrepreneur, obtaining your license can still be a challenging process if you’re unfamiliar with the territory. But with MSZ Consultancy by your side, we can make these steps and your visa application process a breeze.

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MSZ Consultancy Can Help You Start Your Business in the ADAFZ

Whether you’re entering into the IT field or starting a manufacturing business in the UAE, MSZ Consultancy has the expertise to maximize your potential. Our experts can help you tackle business formation in ADAFZ, apply for visas, handle regulations and renewals, and much more. Why take a back seat to your next business adventure when you can lead the charge?

Call our experts at +971 52 544 1248 for more information about our services. We’ll help you understand your unique business needs and tackle the goals that lie between you and success. Take your business in the UAE to a new level with MSZ by your side.