Abu Dhabi Free Zones | Start Your Business in UAE Freezone
Abu Dhabi Free Zones | Start Your Business in UAE Freezone, the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates, spans over 80% of the nation’s total land area. As part of its vision to diversify the economy and attract global investment, Abu Dhabi has established several specialized free zones. These zones provide international investors and entrepreneurs with an ideal environment to launch and expand their businesses.
Why Abu Dhabi Free Zones?
Abu Dhabi’s free zones are designed to accommodate a wide range of industries, including:
- Media & light businesses
- Logistics & trade companies
- Medium & heavy industries
Each free zone offers unique benefits, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and tailored facilities to support specific business activities.
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What are the Key Advantages of Setting Up in Abu Dhabi Free Zones?
- 100% foreign ownership
- Full repatriation of profits and capital
- Tax exemptions (corporate and personal income)
- Strategic location with global connectivity
- Modern infrastructure and business facilities
Major Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Global Market
- Focus: Financial services, fintech, asset management, banking, and insurance
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi
- Focus: Heavy industry, logistics, manufacturing, trading
Masdar City Free Zone
- Focus: Renewable energy, clean tech, sustainability-focused businesses
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
- Focus: Aviation, aerospace, cargo, and logistics businesses
How to Set Up a Company in Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Step-①: Choose the Free Zone & Business Activity
- Select the free zone that matches your business type (finance, media, logistics, etc.).
- Identify your activity (trading, services, manufacturing, R&D, etc.) — this determines the type of license required.
Step-②: Select a Legal Structure
-
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) – separate legal entity, multiple shareholders
- Branch Office – branch of an existing local or international company
- Common structures in Abu Dhabi Free Zones:
- Freelance License (in select zones like twofour54, Masdar City)
Step-③: Reserve a Company Name
- Submit 3–5 trade name options to the free zone authority.
- Must comply with UAE naming rules (no offensive words, no references to religion/politics, etc.).
Step-④: Submit Application & Documents
Typical documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Visa copies (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photos
- Business plan (in some free zones)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (drafted by the free zone)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy contract)
Step-⑤: Lease Office Space / Facility
- Choose between flexi-desk, serviced office, warehouse, or industrial land depending on your business activity.
- Signing the lease agreement is mandatory for license issuance.
Step-⑥: License Issuance
- Once documents are approved, the free zone authority issues the business license.
- Types of licenses:
- Trade License
- Service License
- Industrial License
- Freelancer Permit
Step-⑦: Apply for Visas & Bank Account
- Investors and employees can apply for UAE residence visas through the free zone.
- Open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in the UAE.
Timeline for Company Formation
- Trade name & initial approval: 1–3 business days
- Document review & license issuance: 5–10 business days
- Visa processing & bank account setup: 2–3 weeks
Comparison of Abu Dhabi Free Zones
| Free Zone | Main Industries | Key Advantages |
| Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) | Finance, FinTech, banking, insurance, asset management | – International financial hub
– Independent common law system – Strong regulatory framework |
| Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) | Manufacturing, heavy industries, logistics, trading | – Proximity to Khalifa Port
– Large industrial land plots – Cost-effective warehousing |
| Masdar City Free Zone | Renewable energy, sustainability, clean tech, R&D | – Eco-friendly infrastructure
– Startup-friendly environment – Focus on innovation & green tech |
| twofour54 | Media, entertainment, gaming, content creation | – World-class studios & production support
– Tax incentives – Thriving creative community |
| Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) | Aviation, aerospace, air logistics, cargo | – Direct access to Abu Dhabi Airport
– Ideal for freight forwarding – Specialized aviation facilities |