Aviation & Aerospace
Aircraft MRO, ground support, and aerospace services near the runways.
Aviation
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)
Establish your aviation, logistics, or commercial business in ADAFZ, a key free zone spanning Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International, and Al Bateen Executive Airports. ADAFZ offers 100% foreign ownership, 0% tax benefits, and direct access to air cargo hubs for rapid global reach.
Excellent
Three strategic airport locations
100% foreign company ownership
Direct airside and cargo access
0% corporate tax on income
Wide range of business licenses
Excellent
About ADAFZ
ADAFZ Free Zone Hub
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) operates across three international airports: Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International, and Al Bateen Executive. This multi-site structure allows businesses to choose a location that best fits their operational needs for cargo, executive aviation, or general business.
The free zone offers world-class infrastructure including Business Parks, Logistics Parks, and Business Centers. Companies benefit from proximity to runways and cargo terminals, facilitating efficient import and export processes for aviation and logistics sectors.
ADAFZ provides a one-stop-shop for registration, licensing, and visa processing. It attracts diverse industries from aerospace and defence to trading, services, and light manufacturing, all operating under a streamlined regulatory framework.
Key Benefits
Key Benefits of ADAFZ
Setting up in ADAFZ offers strategic advantages for logistics, aviation, and trading companies needing rapid airport access and a tax-efficient environment.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright with no local sponsor requirement.
0% Corporate Tax
0% corporate tax on qualifying income within the free zone.
Full Capital Repatriation
Repatriate 100% of your capital and profits with no restrictions.
No Customs Duties
No customs duties on goods within the free zone.
Direct Airport Access
Direct access to airside, cargo terminals, and airport facilities.
In-House IT & Telecom
On-site IT and telecom services plus fast cargo clearance and logistics.
Sectors
ADAFZ Supports These Sectors
ADAFZ serves aviation, logistics, trade, and professional service businesses.
Logistics & Cargo
Freight forwarding, cargo handling, and warehousing with airside access.
Logistics
General Trading & Retail
Import, export, distribution, and retail trading operations.
Trade
Marketing & Consultancy
Management consultancy, marketing, and professional services.
Services
Light Industrial Manufacturing
Light manufacturing, assembly, and processing activities.
Industry
IT & Telecommunications
IT services, telecommunications, and technology providers.
Tech
License Types
ADAFZ License Types
ADAFZ offers licenses spanning trade, services, e-commerce, aviation, and logistics.
Service License
Allows professionals to provide services such as management consultancy, marketing, IT support, and other non-trading activities within the free zone.
- Management consultancy
- Marketing & IT support
- Non-trading services
General Trading
A broad license for import, export, and trading of multiple goods categories, offering flexibility for diverse trading businesses.
- Multiple goods categories
- Import & export
- Trading flexibility
Aviation License
Specific to aviation-related activities such as aircraft maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), ground support, and aerospace services.
- Aircraft MRO
- Ground support
- Aerospace services
Logistics License
Designed for freight forwarders, cargo handlers, and warehousing companies that require direct access to air cargo terminals and customs.
- Freight forwarding
- Cargo handling
- Air cargo terminal access
Legal Forms
Legal Forms in ADAFZ
ADAFZ offers flexible legal structures for new businesses and existing companies looking to expand their operations in Abu Dhabi's aviation hub.
FZ-LLC Structure
- A separate legal entity with its own capital
- Owned by individual or corporate shareholders
- Limited liability protection
- Best for new free zone ventures
Branch of a Company
- Register a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company
- No separate share capital required
- Operates under the parent company's name
- No new incorporation required
Requirements
Required Documents for ADAFZ Setup
Setup typically takes 2-4 weeks. Leasing and visa processing follow initial approval and licensing. Documents are grouped by stage.
Pre-Approval & Registration
- Application form and business plan
- Shareholder passport copies
- Activity and location requirements
- Trade name reservation certificate
- MoA and Board Resolution (for FZ-LLC)
- Parent company documents (for Branch)
Licensing
- Signed lease agreement
- Payment of license fees
- Final license issuance
Full setup
2-4
Weeks
Timelines are indicative; visa processing follows license issuance.
Good to know You choose the airport precinct (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Bateen) based on your cargo and operational needs.
Timeline
ADAFZ Business Setup Timeline
Setup typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Follow this general timeline to understand how the ADAFZ process progresses.
- Week 1: Submit application and business plan
- Week 1-2: Initial approval and trade name reservation
- Week 2-4: Sign lease and receive license
- Week 4+: Visa processing and operations start
Setup Process
ADAFZ Abu Dhabi Setup
Follow these steps to establish your business in Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone. The process is streamlined for aviation, logistics, and commercial investors from activity to license with our team handling the paperwork.
Step 1
Choose Activity
Select your business activities from the permitted list, such as aviation, logistics, trading, or services. This determines your license type.
Step 2
Select Location
Choose the best airport precinct (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Bateen) based on your operational needs and cargo requirements.
Step 3
Pick Legal Form
Decide whether to form a new FZ-LLC or register a branch of an existing local or foreign company.
Step 4
Reserve Trade Name
Submit a unique trade name for approval. It must comply with ADAFZ and Abu Dhabi naming regulations.
Step 5
Submit Documents
Provide all required documents, including passports, business plan, and corporate resolutions, to the ADAFZ authority.
Step 6
Obtain Approvals
Wait for ADAFZ to review your application and issue initial approval, confirming your eligibility to proceed.
Step 7
Lease Facility
Sign a lease for your office, warehouse, or land plot within the chosen airport free zone precinct.
Step 8
Finalize License
Pay the required fees and receive your business license. You can now apply for visas and start operations.
Visas
Visa Allocation and Costs in ADAFZ
Visa quota is typically 1 visa per 9 sq. m of office space; flexi-desk packages may include 0-1 visa depending on the package tier.
- Establishment card costs around AED 2,000
- Each residence visa costs AED 3,500-5,000, plus medical and Emirates ID fees
- Processing is 3-5 working days after medical; full visa cycle about 7-10 days
- Dependent visas can be applied for immediate family once the sponsor's visa is issued
Pricing
Cost of ADAFZ Setup
Costs vary by license type and facility. Flexi-desk packages start from around AED 11,500 (zero visa), while executive offices and industrial plots cost more.
Flexi-Desk Package
From AED 11,500 (zero visa)
An entry package to hold the license and an ADAFZ base, suited to lean service and trading activities.
Executive Office
Higher, visa-inclusive
A license with a dedicated office and visas, suited to trading, services, and aviation support teams.
Industrial Plot / Warehouse
Plot & size based
Land plots and warehousing with airside access and larger visa quotas for logistics and MRO operations.
Our setup service covers
ADAFZ company registration
End-to-end registration with the free zone authority.
Trade name approval
Assistance reserving and approving your trade name.
Registration documents
Preparation of all registration and legal documents.
Bank account opening
Support opening your corporate bank account.
Business support
Comprehensive support and a dedicated consultant for the process.
Note
All figures are indicative. Contact Riz & Mona to receive an estimate of your business setup cost in ADAFZ.
Get Started
Set Up Your Airport-Based Business in ADAFZ
From activity and location selection to legal structure, leasing, visas, and banking, we handle your Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a detailed cost estimate.
Activity & location selection•FZ-LLC or Branch setup•Office / warehouse leasing•Visas & bank account
