Twofour54 Free Zone is Abu Dhabi’s dedicated hub for media and entertainment, located at the Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island. Established in 2008 and named after the city’s geographic coordinates (24° N, 54° E), it was created to support creative industries in film, TV, gaming, and digital content.

Today, the zone is home to over 600 media companies and 1,000+ freelancers, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero tax, fast licensing, and seamless business setup.

While Twofour54 is ideal for content-driven enterprises, investors focused on logistics often turn to the JAFZA free zone, whereas those in manufacturing and industry benefit from Zonescorp abu dhabi.With RIZ & MONA Consultancy, you gain expert guidance to select the right zone and launch with confidence.

Why Choose Twofour54 Free Zone in Abu Dhabi for Your Media Business Setup?

Strategic Location

100% Foreign Ownership

Abu Dhabi Vision

Media Zone Support

Creative Hub Facilities

Freelance Visa Support

No License Fees

Zero Tax

Types of Business Licenses at Twofour54

Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)

Standalone company with limited liability; ideal for studios, agencies, and production firms.

Branch of Existing Company

Extension of a UAE or foreign parent; no new capital required; quick setup for expansion.

Freelancer License

Operate as a sole proprietor under your own name; over 60 approved creative categories.

Startup License

Support for early-stage businesses; fee reductions, co-working space, and incubation programs.

Steps to Business Setup in Twofour54 Free Zone Abu Dhabi

Twofour54’s company formation process is structured but efficient, with end-to-end support from the Creative Media Authority. Here is how it works:
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Choose Your Entity and Activity

Decide between an FZ-LLC, branch, or freelance license. Confirm your activity fits within Twofour54’s approved media categories. Reserve a trade name and align with the right license type in consultation with the zone’s team.

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Apply for Initial Approval

Submit a company formation form and basic plan. Founders may need to show industry experience or a portfolio, especially for freelance licenses. Once approved, your trade name is locked and you will receive a document checklist.

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Submit Legal Documents

Prepare and submit ID copies, proof of address, NOCs (if employed in the UAE), and company documents. Corporate shareholders must provide attested paperwork. Twofour54 will prepare and review your incorporation documents.

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Secure Office and Deposit Capital

Lease a workspace within Yas Creative Hub, at minimum a flexi-desk. FZ-LLCs must open a UAE bank account and deposit share capital (usually AED 50,000). Pay formation-related fees such as registration, office rent, and establishment card.

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Receive License and Company Documents

After final review, Twofour54 issues your trade license and incorporation documents. The full process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Once licensed, your company is legally established and ready to operate.

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Set Up Immigration and Visas

Apply for your company’s establishment card, then begin visa processing for yourself or your team. Visa steps include entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, and passport stamping, usually completed within 1 to 2 weeks.

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Stay Compliant

Renew your license annually and your establishment card every 3 years. Maintain accurate records, file substance reports if applicable, and update company information through official channels. Changes and closures require formal approval.

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Business Rules and Allowed Activities at Twofour54 Free Zone

Rules and Operating Conditions at Twofour54

  • 100% foreign ownership with 0% corporate and income tax

  • Open only to media, entertainment, and creative businesses

  • Mainland UAE trade requires a local agent or mainland branch

  • Physical office or desk at Yas Creative Hub required

  • AED 50,000 minimum share capital for FZ-LLCs (freelancers exempt)

  • No audit submission; bookkeeping & compliance still required

  • License fees waived for first two years (startups & freelancers)

  • Visa sponsorship available, tied to office size

  • Freelance permits allowed but growth needs full license

Business Activities Permitted in Twofour54

  • Film, TV, and radio production (editing, VFX, studio access)

  • Broadcasting and publishing across print, video, and digital

  • Marketing & communications: PR, branding, advertising, media buying

  • Digital media & gaming: apps, esports, VR/AR, YouTube channels

  • Events & entertainment services: exhibitions, festivals, concerts, shows

  • Support services: translation, subtitling, archiving, rights management

  • Media training and consultancy for professionals & startups

  • Content distribution and platform development initiatives

  • Creative talent services including casting & voice-over support

Cost of Business Setup in Twofour54 Free Zone Abu Dhabi

Cost Item Estimated Amount (AED) Details
License & Registration 0 (first 2 years) License and registration fees are fully waived for new companies during years 1–2. From year 3, expect approx. AED 43,000/year for basic setup.
Office Lease (Flexi-Desk) 15,000–22,585/year Includes postal address, shared workspace, and 1–2 visa eligibility. Private offices available at higher cost.
Share Capital (FZ-LLC only) 50,000 (bank deposit) Required for new FZ-LLCs; not an expense but must be deposited in a UAE bank. Branches/freelancers are exempt.
Visa & Immigration 3,000–5,500/person Includes medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Insurance (~1,500+) is separate. Valid for 1–3 years.
Freelance Permit 3,538.5/year For individuals. Add ~3,000–4,600 for visa, plus insurance. Total first-year cost under AED 10,000.
Government/Admin Fees 2,000–5,000 (one-time est.) Covers registration, notarization, legal translation, establishment card, etc. No visa deposit required.
Annual Renewals (Post-Year 2) 43,000+ Includes license renewal, office lease, and establishment card renewal (every 3 years).
Optional: External Approvals Varies Some media activities may require additional permits (e.g. from National Media Authority).
Optional: Setup Agent Fee Varies (if used) Not required if setting up directly with Twofour54.

Comparison of UAE Media Free Zones: Twofour54 vs. DMC vs. SHAMS

Criteria Twofour54 (Abu Dhabi) Dubai Media City (DMC) Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Established 2008 2000 2017
Primary Focus Content creation, gaming, production Global media HQs, advertising, traditional broadcasting Budget-friendly media startups, digital freelancers
License Fee (First 2 Years) AED 0 (fully waived) AED 25,000+ per year From AED 5,750 (zero visa) / ~AED 8,000 (with visa)
Office Requirement Mandatory (at least flexi-desk) Usually required; some exceptions for low-risk activities Optional if no visa is needed
Typical Setup Time 4–6 weeks Up to 3 months for complex approvals Under 1 week for standard license
Share Capital Requirement AED 50,000 for FZ-LLC AED 50,000 (AED 2.5M for broadcasting) Nominal; not enforced
Freelancer Visa Rules Must hold Twofour54 visa Optional; can hold GoFreelance visa Optional; visa not required to hold license
Facilities & Infrastructure New studios, soundstages, post-production labs (Yas Hub) Mature offices, access to Studio City nearby Limited—basic co-working and virtual office setup
Community & Networking Emerging creative cluster; curated events and screenings Established network of global media brands Growing; occasional workshops, less dense community
Government Incentives 30% production rebate, startup support, training grants No financial incentives, but strong advertising network Low-cost licensing and fast processing
Flexibility of Business Activities Focused on creative/media only Mostly media/digital; more regulated Very broad (includes e-commerce, consulting, etc.)
Best For Mid- to large-scale media firms, serious creatives Media corporations, global advertising agencies Budget-conscious startups, freelancers testing market
Rizmona Consultancy 15 Years Experience

Twofour54 Free Zone Abu Dhabi Company Formation 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 Twofour54 Free Zone Abu Dhabi 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 convert my freelance license to a company license later on?

Yes. Twofour54 allows freelancers to upgrade to a Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) if their business grows. The process involves submitting a new application, adjusting the license type, and meeting FZ-LLC requirements such as share capital and office space.
Not initially. Most of the incorporation process—application, document signing, and approvals—can be completed remotely. However, physical presence is required later for visa stamping, Emirates ID registration, and bank account opening.
Yes. Once your license and incorporation documents are issued, you can open a UAE corporate bank account. Most banks in the UAE accept Twofour54 licenses, though requirements vary by bank and company structure.
While Twofour54 doesn’t act as a broker, it does host networking events, creative labs, and industry mixers. Freelancers and companies often find opportunities through the zone’s internal community and production ecosystem.
No. Twofour54 permits individuals and corporate entities of any nationality to own 100% of the business. UAE residency is not required before applying, though a residence visa will be needed to operate full-time.
All submitted documents must be in Arabic or English. Documents in other languages must be legally translated into English or Arabic and attested if required.
You can list multiple approved media-related activities under a single license, as long as they fall within the zone’s permitted scope. For activities outside that scope (e.g. general trading), a separate license in another free zone would be required.