Starting a business is one of the biggest steps you can take, and where you choose to build it matters more than ever. An Abu Dhabi Free Zone gives you a strong foundation with complete foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and a business environment designed to help you grow.

Each free zone in Abu Dhabi has its own strength.Abu Dhabi Global Market is for financial and FinTech companies.KEZAD is for major industries, and Masdar City is for green innovators.

Creative minds have their space at twofour54, while Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone is for aviation and logistics businesses. It is a place where ambition becomes action and ideas get direction.

Abu-Dhabi-Free-Zone-RIZMONA

That is where RIZ & MONA Consultancy comes in, helping you navigate the setup process with clarity, confidence, and complete peace of mind.

Abu Dhabi Free Zone Business Setup Process

one-rizmona

Select the Appropriate Free Zone

Choose a free zone that aligns with your business activities. For instance, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) caters to financial services, while Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) focuses on industrial and logistics sectors.

2 - rizmona

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on the legal entity for your business, such as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Free Zone Establishment (FZE), or a branch of a foreign or UAE company. Each structure has specific requirements and benefits.

3 - rizmona

Register the Trade Name

Select and register a unique trade name that complies with the UAE’s naming conventions and is approved by the Abu Dhabi free zone authority.

4 - rizmona

Apply for Initial Approval

Submit an application for initial approval, including details about shareholders, business activities, and proposed legal structure. This step ensures your business activities are permissible within the chosen free zone.

null

Prepare and Submit Required Documents

Gather necessary documents, such as passport copies of shareholders and directors, a business plan, and the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Specific requirements may vary by free zone.

6 - rizmona

Lease Office Space or Facilities

Secure a physical address within the free zone by leasing office space, warehouses, or land, depending on your business needs. Some free zones offer flexible workspace solutions.

7

Obtain the Business License

After document approval and office leasing, apply for the relevant business license, such as commercial, industrial, or service licenses, based on your business activities.

8

Register for Establishment Card

Obtain an establishment card from the free zone authority, which is necessary for visa processing and other administrative tasks.

9

Open a Corporate Bank Account

With your business license and establishment card, open a corporate bank account in a UAE-based bank to manage your company’s finances.

10

Process Visas for Owners and Employees

Apply for residence visas for shareholders, employees, and their dependents through the free zone authority. The number of visas available may depend on your office space and business activity

Start Your Business Journey with Our Professional Support!

Get a Free Consultation

Advantages of Starting a Business in Abu Dhabi Freezone

100% Foreign Ownership

Industry-Specific Zones

Tax Exemptions

Strategic Global Access

Regulatory Environment

Sustainable Infrastructure

Business License Types in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Commercial License:

Ideal for companies involved in trading activities like import, export, and distribution, available in KIZAD and Masdar City, serving businesses that want to scale trading operations across the MENA region.

Commercial License:

Ideal for companies involved in trading activities like import, export, and distribution, available in KIZAD and Masdar City, serving businesses that want to scale trading operations across the MENA region.

Industrial License:

Designed for manufacturing, processing, and assembly activities, offered in KIZAD and ICAD, where businesses benefit from warehousing and port access.

Service License:

Suitable for professional consultancies and service providers, including IT, legal, and marketing firms. This license is available in Masdar City, ADGM, and twofour54, supporting a wide range of specialized services.

E-commerce License:

Masdar City provides this license for online retail and digital marketplaces, allowing businesses to tap into regional and global e-commerce opportunities.

Freelance Permit:

Best for independent contractors and creative professionals, twofour54 offers this permit, which is cost-effective and does not require a physical office space.

Logistics License:

Tailored for companies in warehousing, transportation, and supply chain services, available in KIZAD and ADAFZ, giving strategic access to both air and sea ports.

Renewable Energy License:

Available in Masdar City, this license supports companies in clean technology and renewable energy, offering ample opportunities for research, development, and sustainable innovation.

Documents Required for Abu Dhabi Business Setup

For a smooth and speedy business registration in Abu Dhabi free zones, ensure you have these essential documents ready.

  • Passport Copies: For all shareholders and directors.
  • Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photos meeting UAE standards.
  • Business Plan: Outline of business objectives, market analysis, and financial projections.
  • Proof of Address: Recent utility bill or tenancy contract.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required if shareholders or directors are employed in the UAE.
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA): Defines the company’s structure and purpose.
  • Lease Agreement: Proof of a registered business address within the free zone.
Rizmona Consultancy 15 Years Experience

Business Setup Consultants in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

How Riz & Mona Consultancy Can Help?

Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.

We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zone, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!

10000 Happy Clients Rizmona

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does it cost to set up a free zone company in Abu Dhabi?

The cost varies by free zone and business type. For example, KIZAD offers licenses starting from AED 9,450.
The SPC Free Zone is among the most cost-effective, with packages starting at AED 5,750.
License fees at Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone vary; specific costs depend on the business activity and office space requirements.
Yes, Abu Dhabi free zones allow 100% foreign ownership of companies.
Yes, you can modify your business activity by applying for an amendment through the respective free zone authority.
Transferring an existing company to an Abu Dhabi free zone involves deregistering from the current jurisdiction and registering anew in the chosen free zone, complying with all regulatory requirements.
Minimum requirements include selecting a legal structure, obtaining a business license, securing office space, and fulfilling capital requirements, which vary by free zone and business type.