A free zone is an economic area or authority where a business owner of any nationality can have 100% ownership of their company. Companies in the free zone are exempt from taxes, import and export duties. Additionally, there is 100% repatriation of capital and profits. They operate from a designated area.

VAT stands for value added tax. It is an indirect tax applicable to taxable goods and services in the UAE.

Detailed information on VAT is available on the website of the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) at www.tax.gov.ae

VAT is not applicable for business operating within the designated zone of ADAFZ

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. You can also apply for a UAE driving license, access government health services and enroll your children in schools, amongst many other benefits.

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.

After your company registration / incorporation processes is completed , you can contact a bank directly, to open the account. Both local & international banks operate in the UAE.

Yes, as well as other major international currencies.

Yes. The authorities impose no restrictions on the movement of capital or profits.

No, you can choose any bank branch operating within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ADAFZ welcomes startups, SME’s and MNC’s from most business sectors. These include, but are not limited to, aviation, aerospace, logistics, e-commerce, trading, information technology, consultancy , light manufacturing and retail. (ADAFZ follows the list of activities by Abu Dhabi Economic Department Company)

a) 100% foreign company ownership.

b) 100% tax exemption.

c) 100% import & export duty exemption.

e) 100% repatriation of capital and profits.

f) Dual License

g) Close proximity to the Airport Cargo Terminal.

i) Quick, simple registration and licensing through ADAFZ OSS Portal.

j) 24/7 operations and security.

a) Flexi desks b)Furnished / un furnished offices c)Warehouses d) Retail spaces e) Aircraft hangers f) Land plots , click here for details on New Enquiries

Yes

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.

No, all facilities are leasable on short and long-term basis for periods of 1 to 99 years.

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 | sales@adafz,ae

It is not allowed to build labour accommodation at any of the airport premises. Most labour accommodation is offered and available in Mussafah, a 20 minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Yes, we are always open to explore business opportunities. At ADAFZ, we support companies to set up their businesses at the freezone while offering 100% foreign ownership.

All processes can be found and monitored on the ADAFZ OSS portal..

Light manufacturing is allowed.

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 in the web page (insert link): Kindly reach out to our sales team at our One-Stop-Shop (OSS), or send an enquiry on ADAFZ portal. Click here to submit your Expression of Interest to ADAFZ to start your business. Click here to fill the UBO declaration form.

The registration & licensing process usually takes 14- 21 business days from enquiry to issuance of license. This is subject to completing all the legal documents.

a) Limited Liability Company LLC (Corporate).

b) Limited Liability Company LLC (Natural).

c) Branch of a Local, Free Zone or Foreign company LLC.

Yes, general trading is allowed subject to special approval, however, we can issue trading licenses for up to 5 trading activities.

A license can have up to 5 activities. If there is need for more activities then ADAFZ can issue an additional license with a further 5 activities at a nominal fee.

Multiple licenses based on business activity.

All ADAFZ licenses are issued for a period of 1 year , and renewable annually.

It is mandatory to have the business address within ADAFZ, for which the company has to lease a facility from ADAFZ.

Companies incorporated in ADAFZ as LLC, can open a branch / representative office in Abu Dhabi subject to obtaining a license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

Yes, companies incorporated in ADAFZ as LLC are eligible to obtain a dual license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED without a local sponsor).

No, each facility must issue a separate license under a different address.

Share capital starting at AED 25,000.

The license fee is AED 4,000 per annum for most activities.

No, you must establish a new license at ADAFZ.

Please visit the ADAFZ digital platform (OSS portal) to modify your details. Click here to start the service.

Through ADAFZ OSS online portal. Click here to apply.

You are free to do business as long as it adheres to the ADAFZ regulations.

Yes, you have to use the ADAFZ standard contract.

The 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

There are no specific restrictions. However, the issuing of visas remains under the approval of the UAE Government and not ADAFZ.

Most activities do not require NOCs from external agencies, however, certain activities may require NOCs.

No, only the manager of the company registered in ADAFZ is required to change his/her visa to ADAFZ.

No. There is no income tax, however Corporate Tax will be applicable from July 2023, but there are exemptions for Free Zone companies.

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 license.

The shareholder/ Director / Manager of the proposed entity should have visited the UAE at least once at the time of company registration.

The Commercial Companies Law does not require a partner or a manager of a limited liability company to be a resident of the UAE.

No, you are not required to be a resident or to live in the UAE if you own a free zone company.

Yes, foreign investors can own 100% shares of a company.

Foreign investors can have full ownership in all economic sectors offered by ADAFZ.

No, a UAE national agent is not required to be appointed by foreign companies wishing to register in ADAFZ.

No, It is not a requirement for the Chairman and the majority of Board members to be Emirati nationals.

A single natural or legal person may incorporate and own a 100% shares in limited liability company.

Yes, you have the options to choose any name.

Limited Liability Company (Natural), Limited Liability Company (Corporate), Branch

LLC Natural is an entity incorporated by natural Individuals as shareholders, LLC Corporate is an entity incorporated by a existing company(s) as shareholders.

One shareholder and maximum up to ten shareholders.

One director.

Yes, a company can be formed by a single shareholder and they can be appointed as a shareholder, director & manager, also.

AED 1,000

Using the offices as storage is completely prohibited for security and safety reasons.

Yes, after receiving all the respective approvals from ADAFZ and the concerned government entities.

All payment terms are based on commercial agreement and subject to mutual agreement. The minimum lease term is 1 year.

No, utilities are chargeable.

The lease should be valid for a minimum of 6 months, when renewing the license.

No, subleasing is not allowed.

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.