Q.
What products does ADAFZ provide?
A.
a) Flexi desks
b) Furnished / unfurnished offices
c) Warehouses
d) Retail spaces
e) Airside hangers
f) Land plots.
Click here for details on New Enquiries.
Q.
Can a company have more than one facility?
A.
Yes.
Q.
What are the features of the available warehouse at ADAFZ?
A.
Each cluster is 48m x 60m giving 2880m2 and is divided into 8 individual LIU of 15m x 24m (i.e. 360m2 area). The warehouse has a clear height of 7.0m with 4mx4m shutter door, and the Ground floor is 1.2m above road level ensuring easy truck loading.
Q.
Can we buy a land in ADAFZ?
A.
No, all facilities are leasable on short- and long-term basis from 1 to 99 years.
Q.
What are the prevailing prices for warehouses?
A.
Please reach out to ADAFZ's Sales Department for details on warehouse pricing.
Contact information: Tel: +971 2 505 5561 / 5906 / 3425 | Toll-free: +971 800 1111 | [email protected]
Q.
Can labour accommodation be built on ADAFZ premises?
A.
It is not allowed to build labour accommodation at any of the airport premises. Most labour accommodations are offered and available in Mussafah, a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Q.
Are foreign investments permitted in ADAFZ?
A.
Yes, we are always open to explore business opportunities. At ADAFZ, we support companies to set up their businesses at the free zone while offering 100% foreign ownership.
Q.
How can I monitor the status of a company approval?
A.
All processes can be found and monitored on the ADAFZ OSS portal.
Q.
Will ADAFZ allow any kind of manufacturing?
A.
Light manufacturing is allowed.
Q.
What is a Free Zone Company in UAE?
A.
Free Zone is an authority where a business owner of any nationality can have 100% ownership of their company. The companies in the free zone are exempted from import and export duties. They are also given a designated area to function. Additionally, there is 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
Q.
What is VAT?
A.
VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It is an indirect tax applicable to taxable goods and services in the UAE.
Detailed information on VAT are available on the website of the UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) at www.tax.gov.ae
Q.
What are the benefits of UAE visa?
A.
There are many great benefits of holding a UAE residency visa. As well as being able to live and work in the Emirates, as a resident you are also able to open a personal bank account with zero income tax and access other financial facilities, apply for a UAE driving licence, access government health services and facilities, enrol your children in government and private schools and travel visa free.
Q.
Where is the ADAFZ HQ located?
A.
ADAFZ HQ is located at Business Park-01, next to Premier Inn Hotel at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Click here to get GPS location on map.
Q.
How do I open a bank account for my new business?
A.
After your company formation, registration and business setup processes are done, you can contact a bank directly, or get in touch with an agent who can help you in the opening of a bank account with international & local banks as per your business needs.
Q.
Do banks in the UAE allow companies or individuals to open bank accounts in the US Dollar?
A.
Yes, as well as other major international currencies.
Q.
Can I transfer my money outside the country more freely?
A.
Yes. The authorities impose no restrictions on the movement of capital or profits.
Q.
Are there any restrictions on which bank my company uses in the UAE?
A.
No, you can choose any bank branch operating within the Emirates of Abu Dhabi.
Q.
What industries does ADAFZ target?
A.
ADAFZ welcomes startups, SMEs and MNCs from different sectors such as Aviation, Logistics, E-commerce, Trading, ICT, Consultancy, light manufacturing, Retail and many more (ADAFZ follows the list of activities by Abu Dhabi Economic Department Company).
Q.
What are the benefits that I will get from registration at ADAFZ?
A.
a) 100% foreign company ownership.
b) 100% corporate tax exemption.
c) 100% income tax exemption.
d) 100% import & export tariff exemption.
e) 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
f) Dual Licence.
g) Zero customs duties.
h) Close proximity to the Airport Cargo Terminal.
i) Quick, simple registration and licensing through ADAFZ OSS Portal.
j) 24/7 operations and security.
Q.
How can I start a business at ADAFZ and what are the required documents?
A.
To set up a business at any of our three airports - Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport or Al Bateen Executive Airport, you need to refer to how to start a business on the web page (insert link).
Kindly reach out to our Sales Team at our One-Stop-Shop (OSS), or send an enquiry on the ADAFZ portal. Click here to submit your Expression of Interest to ADAFZ to start your business. Click here to fill the UBO declaration form.
Q.
How long does the registration and licensing process take?
A.
The registration & licensing process usually takes 14-21 business days from enquiry to issuance of licence. This is subject to completing all the legal documents.
Q.
What are the legal types of companies that I can register within ADAFZ?
A.
a) Limited Liability Company LLC (Corporate).
b) Limited Liability Company LLC (Natural).
c) Branch of a Local, Free Zone or Foreign company LLC.
Q.
Can a company at ADAFZ have a General Trading licence?
A.
Yes, General Trading is allowed subject to special approval; however, we can issue trading licences for up to 5 trading activities.
Q.
Can a company obtain a licence at ADAFZ without having a leased facility?
A.
No, a company must lease a facility to obtain a licence.
Q.
Can the Free Zone Company have a representative office in Abu Dhabi?
A.
Companies incorporated in ADAFZ as LLC can open a representative office in Abu Dhabi subject to obtaining a licence from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Q.
Does ADAFZ offer dual licence?
A.
Yes, companies incorporated in ADAFZ as LLC are eligible to obtain a Dual Licence from ADDED without a local sponsor.
Q.
Can one operate 2 companies under 1 address?
A.
No, each facility must issue a separate licence under a different address.
Q.
What is the minimum capital required?
A.
Share capital starting at AED 25,000.
Q.
What is the Licence fees at ADAFZ?
A.
The licence fee is AED 4,000 per annum for most activities.
Q.
Can we transfer a licence we have from another free zone in UAE to ADAFZ?
A.
No, you must establish a new licence at ADAFZ.
Q.
How can I modify my company details in your system?
A.
Please visit the ADAFZ digital platform (OSS portal) to modify your details. Click here to start the service.
Q.
How can one issue, renew or cancel a residency visa?
A.
Through the ADAFZ OSS online portal. Click here to apply.
Q.
Are there any restrictions if we decided to enter into joint ventures or partner with other international companies?
A.
You are free to do business as long as it adheres to the ADAFZ regulations.
Q.
Could you please confirm whether it is required to use the exact form of employment contract from ADAFZ or can changes be made?
A.
Yes, you have to use the ADAFZ standard contract. The ADAFZ standard contract cannot be changed.
Q.
How many visas can we get?
A.
Yes. Visa allocation depends on your package, ranging from no visa on entry-level tiers to multi-visa quotas on higher tiers. You can upgrade your package as your visa needs grow.aThe number of visas issued depends on the facility type and area leased.
a) For an office space: One visa per 8m2.
b) For a warehouse space: One visa per 16m2.
Q.
Are there any restrictions to nationalities with respect to visas?
A.
There are no specific restrictions. However, the issuing of visas remains under the approval of the UAE Government and not ADAFZ.
Q.
Does all activities require NOC letters for approval and why?
A.
Most activities do not require NOCs from external agencies; however, certain activities may require NOCs.
Q.
Is transferring the previous visa of the shareholder mandatory to be under ADAFZ?
A.
No, only the manager of the company registered in ADAFZ is required to change his/her visa to ADAFZ.
Q.
Is corporate tax applicable to free zone entities?
A.
Based on current information in the legislation, entities operating solely within the Free Zone will enjoy tax holidays. However, corporate tax might apply to the share of their business conducted on the mainland.
Q.
What happens if the taxable income is less than AED 375k? Do businesses still need to file returns?
A.
Taxable income below AED 375k will be taxed at zero per cent, though it may still be necessary to file nil returns to prove that they fall into the zero percent bracket.
Q.
What's included in an ADAFZ business package?
A.
No. There is no need for any individual or company to pay any income tax.
Q.
Does the investor have to be a UAE Resident to set up a company in ADAFZ?
A.
No, you don't need to be a UAE resident to set up a company with us. However, you can get a 2-year residency visa with your licence.
Q.
Can I set up a company at ADAFZ if I'm not based in the UAE?
A.
The shareholder / Director / Manager of the proposed entity should have visited the UAE at least once, at the time of company registration.
Q.
Does an individual need to be a UAE resident to qualify as a partner or a manager of a limited liability company (LLC) in the UAE?
A.
The Commercial Companies Law does not require a partner or a manager of a limited liability company to be a resident of the UAE.
Q.
Do I need to be a UAE Resident if I have a Free Zone Company?
A.
No, you are not required to be a resident or to live in the UAE if you own a Free Zone Company.
Q.
Can foreign investors have 100% ownership of a company?
A.
Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of the shares of a company.
Q.
Can a foreign investor have full ownership in all sectors or specific sectors only?
A.
Foreign investors can have full ownership in all economic sectors.
Q.
Is it required to appoint a UAE national agent for branches of foreign companies?
A.
No, a UAE national agent is not required to be appointed by foreign companies wishing to conduct their activities within the UAE.
Q.
Is it a requirement for the Chairman and the majority of Board members to be Emirati nationals?
A.
It is not a requirement for the Chairman and the majority of Board members to be Emirati nationals, with due consideration to the requirements set by the Council of Ministers or the competent authority, pursuant to Article (10) regarding strategic impact activities.
Q.
Is it permissible for a foreign investor to own a single-shareholder limited liability company?
A.
A single natural or legal person may incorporate and own 100% of the shares in a limited liability company.
Q.
Can I choose any name for my Free Zone Company?
A.
Yes, you have the option to choose any name. The name is subject to approval.
Q.
Can we use the offices for storage of goods?
A.
Using the offices as storage is completely prohibited for security and safety reasons.
Q.
Can we build a facility on the leased land?
A.
Yes, after receiving all the respective approvals from ADAFZ and the concerned government entities.
Q.
What are your lease and payment terms?
A.
All payment terms are based on commercial agreement and subject to mutual agreement.
Q.
Are utilities (electricity, water, air conditioning) free of charge?
A.
No, utilities are chargeable.
Q.
Can I sub-lease my facility to a third party?
A.
No, subleasing is not allowed.
Q.
If our company would like to customise the interior layout, do you offer this type of service?
A.
ADAFZ does not offer this kind of service; however, if a tenant would like to modify the facility they must adhere to ADAFZ's Fit-out guidelines. This is also subject to ADAFZ's approval.
flight access to a third of the world's population
flight access to 80% of global markets
to three UAE airports — Zayed International (AUH), Al Bateen Executive (AZI) and Al Ain International (AAN)
Just 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi city and 60 minutes from Dubai