Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), part of the KEZAD Group, is one of the UAE’s leading free zones supporting trade, manufacturing, and logistics. Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai near Khalifa Port, it offers 100 percent foreign ownership, world class infrastructure, and seamless access to international markets.

With competitive setup costs and flexible options, KIZAD attracts businesses of all sizes in sectors such as light manufacturing, food processing, and trade. Many investors who explore Dubai Internet City Free Zone or Dubai South Zone (DWC) also consider KIZAD for its industrial advantages and connectivity.

If you plan to establish a business in KIZAD, RIZ & MONA Consultancy manages the entire company formation
process, ensuring quick approvals and compliant operations.

Why Start Your Company in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi?

Strategic Location

100% Foreign Ownership

Industrial Facilities

Mainland Access

Fast Setup

Capital Return

Duty-Free

Zero Tax

Legal Structures Allowed in KIZAD

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

A separate legal entity within KIZAD requiring AED 150,000 minimum share capital. Offers 100% foreign ownership, limited liability, and can have individual or corporate shareholders. Requires proper governance and accounting compliance.

Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company

An extension of an existing business with no share capital requirement. Operates under the parent company’s name and activities. Ideal for expanding into KIZAD without a new entity, but the parent remains fully liable.

Business Setup Process in KIZAD

Setting up a company in KIZAD is a clear, step-by-step process. Below is exactly what you need to do:
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Start with Your Plan

Decide what business activity you want to carry out. Choose the type of facility you need—land, warehouse, office, or flexi-desk. Reach out to KIZAD or a setup consultant to get a proposal and quotation.

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Pick a Legal Structure and Name

Choose whether you want to set up a Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) or a branch of an existing company. Then, submit three trade name options that follow UAE naming rules—no abbreviations, no offensive words, and must reflect your activity. Wait 1–2 weeks for approval.

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Submit Your Application

Prepare your documents:

  • Business plan

  • Passport copies for shareholders and GM

  • Articles of Association (AOA)

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • NOC (if you’re already a UAE resident)

  • Signatures and ID photos

  • Any special approvals (e.g. environment, if required)

Submit everything to KIZAD’s one-stop shop and pay the AED 500 application fee. Wait 2–4 weeks for security and document approvals.

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Get Approvals and Make Payment

Once approved, sign the lease for your selected space. Pay your license and registration fees (often waived). Deposit your minimum share capital (AED 150,000 for FZ-LLC) into a UAE bank, if asked. Sign final documents.

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Receive Your License

Get your Certificate of Incorporation, Business License, MOA, and share certificates. Your company is now legally formed and ready to operate. This takes about 2–3 weeks.

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Set Up Immigration and Visas

Apply for your Establishment Card (comes in a few days). Then begin employee and investor visa applications. Each visa requires:

  • Entry permit

  • Status change (if already in UAE)

  • Medical test

  • Emirates ID

  • Visa stamping

Expect 1–2 weeks per visa if all documents are in order.

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Open Your Bank Account and Start Operating

Apply for your corporate bank account—it can take 1–4 weeks depending on the bank. Meanwhile, start moving into your facility, apply for utilities, and begin operations. KIZAD will help with any final permits or connections you need.

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Cost Structure for Setting Up in KIZAD

Item Cost (AED) Notes
Company Registration AED 0 Waived for LLC and branch setup
License Fee (First 2 Years) AED 0 Free for industrial, trading, and service licenses
License Renewal (Standard) AED 5,000 (2 years) Effective AED 2,500/year
Initial Application Fee AED 500 Covers name reservation and approval
Share Capital Requirement AED 150,000 For FZ-LLC only; branches exempt
Flexi-Desk Included in packages Packages start at ~AED 14,100
Office Lease AED 25,000–40,000/year Based on ~20 m² furnished office
Visa (Foreign Applicant) ~AED 3,700 Entry permit, stamping, medical, ID
Visa (Status Change) ~AED 5,000 Includes internal status adjustment
E-Channel Registration AED 2,100 + AED 1,000–5,000 Refundable deposit varies
Annual Audit AED 5,000+ Required for all companies
KIZAD Setup Package (1 Visa) AED 14,100 Includes license, registration, flexi-desk, immigration setup

UAE Free Zone Comparison: KIZAD vs Others

Free Zone Location & Focus Approx. License Cost Key Advantages
KIZAD (Abu Dhabi) Industrial hub by Khalifa Port; multi-sector ~AED 2,500/year (after 2-yr free); packages AED 14k–20k incl. visas Low-cost, dual licensing with Abu Dhabi mainland, strategic location
JAFZA (Dubai) Flagship port at Jebel Ali; logistics, trade ~AED 35k (1st year); ~AED 15k (renewal) Busiest port, no share capital, next to Dubai airport
DMCC (Dubai) Urban zone (JLT); trading, commodities ~AED 34k (setup); ~AED 20k (renewal); AED 1M capital for Gen. Trading Prime Dubai location, 25k+ companies, fintech, crypto focus
SAIF (Sharjah) Airport-centric; light manufacturing, trading AED 10,800/year (3 visas + desk); multi-activity ~AED 21k Fast setup, SME-friendly, air-cargo hub, near Dubai
RAKEZ (RAK) Multi-zone; trade, industry, education Trading ~AED 18k; Industrial ~AED 27k; discounts to ~AED 5k Cheapest, flexible setup, multiple ports, startup-friendly

Regulatory Environment and Business Activities in KIZAD Free Zone

Rules and Compliance in KIZAD

  • 100% foreign ownership under UAE law.
  • Must follow AML, audits, and reporting rules.
  • Activities must match licensed business scope.
  • Duty-free import/export via Khalifa Port; 5% duty for mainland sales.
  • Dual licensing allows Abu Dhabi mainland operations.

Permitted Activities and Sector Focus

  • Industrial license covers metals, polymers, food, and auto parts.

  • Trading license supports import/export of goods and products.

  • Service license includes consulting, logistics, F&B, and healthcare.

  • Focus on industrial processing, logistics, and trade growth.

  • Benefits include profit repatriation and no currency limits.

Rizmona Consultancy 15 Years Experience

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Consultants

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 KIZAD Abu Dhabi Free Zone (KIZAD) Business Setup, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I upgrade from a flexi-desk to a warehouse or industrial land later?

Yes. KIZAD allows businesses to scale up as they grow. You can start with a flexi-desk or small office and later lease a warehouse or industrial plot based on availability and activity requirements.
KIZAD permits e-commerce-related trading and service activities under specific license categories. However, you’ll need to clearly define whether your e-commerce is B2B, B2C, or logistics-focused to ensure proper licensing.
KIZAD’s dual licensing applies specifically to Abu Dhabi mainland. To operate in other Emirates like Dubai or Sharjah, you'd typically need to set up a separate mainland entity or partner with a local distributor.
For manufacturing or heavy industrial activities, KIZAD may require environmental clearance or HSE approval from relevant Abu Dhabi authorities. This depends on the nature and scale of operations (e.g., chemicals, food processing, energy usage).
KIZAD allocates visa quotas based on the size and type of facility you lease. A flexi-desk might allow 1–2 visas, while larger offices or warehouses permit more. You can increase your quota by upgrading your facility or applying for quota enhancements.
Generally, only mainland-licensed companies can directly participate in government tenders. However, a KIZAD company with a dual license in Abu Dhabi mainland may qualify, depending on the tendering authority's rules.
No. KIZAD allows investors and directors of any nationality. However, all shareholders and directors must pass security clearance as part of the setup and visa issuance process.