Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates and also the country’s federal capital. Local and foreign investors have established their companies in its free zones because of the benefits they offer. If you want to establish your business in an Abu Dhabi free zone, here’s what you need to know.

In this article, you will learn everything related to the many free zones located in this emirate. Here you will discover the best free zones in this area along with useful information. For instance, you can obtain information about the benefits that each of them offers. Likewise, we will give you the tips you need to complete your incorporation in your target free zone. Let’s observe:

1. Basic information about Abu Dhabi that you need to know.
2. Why should you set up your company in an Abu Dhabi free zone?
3. What do you need to do to set up your free zone company in Abu Dhabi?
4. Tips to start setting up your company in Abu Dhabi.
5. All licenses and types of entities allowed in Abu Dhabi free zones.
6. What documents do you need to gather to register your company?
7. How can Connectfz help you set up your business in Abu Dhabi free zones?

1. Basic information about Abu Dhabi that you need to know.

The Abu Dhabi emirate is located on the south-eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. People know this emirate as the largest one and the second most crowded in the federation. On the other hand, it is also a popular hub for business people from all around the world.

Abu Dhabi is among the wealthiest and most fast-growing markets at a global range. All investors and entrepreneurs who desire to start a business and achieve success quickly can choose this location. All free zones in this emirate will provide the benefits and services they need to achieve their goals.

1.1.  How many free zones are there in the Abu Dhabi emirate?

You will find a variety of free zone in Abu Dhabi. For example:

• Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ).
• Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGMFZ).
• Masdar City Free Zone.
• The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi.
• Abu Dhabi Ports Company Free Zone (ADPC).
• Twofour54 Free Zone.
• Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp).

2. Why should you set up your company in an Abu Dhabi free zone?

Every Abu Dhabi free zone is known for providing support to its investors and entrepreneurs. This is why they are highly recommended to new investors to establish their companies in them. From proper infrastructure to tax exemptions and many other details that can be of great help. Besides, all processes are quick and do not require a huge amount of documents.

Among the benefits all investors can obtain in the Abu Dhabi free zones, you can find the following ones:

• Full repatriation of capital and profits.
• 100 percent foreign ownership.
• Total exemption from personal and corporate taxes.
• Full exemption from export and import customs duty for services and products.
• Pre-built advanced infrastructure is available for the investors.
• Business-friendly legal framework and company regulations.
• A friendly environment with a simple company incorporation process.
• Efficient immigration process and immediate access to high-qualified professionals.
• Business cluster environment where companies from similar industries can share a work campus.
• There is a wide range of available government services. For instance, visa formalities, residential permits, traffic, licensing, and postal services.

Take into consideration that each free zone may also offer some other special benefits. And if you are interested, you can find more information about them on their websites. You can also try contacting them by using an Abu Dhabi free zone contact number or via email.

Here you can learn more about free zones in the UAE and the advantages you can get from them.

3. What do you need to do to set up your free zone company in Abu Dhabi?

In any Abu Dhabi free zone, the registration and incorporation process will require some general steps to follow. However, some other procedures may be necessary depending on several aspects. For instance, the type of company, business activity, or the exact location could make some changes. Nonetheless, here is the basic process that all investors must complete in order to establish their companies in Abu Dhabi:

• Determine your type of business activity.
• Register your trade name.
• Obtain the required approvals from the free zone authorities.
• Complete the license issuance process.

Here you can learn how to set up your business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.

4. Tips to start setting up your company in Abu Dhabi.

Starting a business and achieving success are the goals of any investor. However, these goals aren’t always easy to achieve. Here you will learn some necessary keys to start a business in Abu Dhabi and make it grow.

4.1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Recognizing your skills, knowledge, and experience is the first step. All of these details are the keys to start operating any kind of business without failure. And recognizing your weaknesses will allow you to focus on what you are best at.

4.2. Start making a simple business plan.

It is essential to make this plan to develop your company step by step. It’ll allow you to foresee the future of your business by specifying the path you want it to follow. And as the company grows, you can add accurate estimates. For instance, future projects, costs, mission statement, and more details.

4.3. Analyze the market and understand your target customers.

Developing a business in the wrong zone will not ensure success. This is why it is important to target the correct market and customers. Therefore, you need to establish your business where you find more customers interested in your products or services. In addition, you should make sure to set it up in the most suitable free zone.

4.4. Ask for help if necessary.

Working alone could be troublesome in some cases, which is why you should not be afraid of asking for help. Having a business partner will duplicate the chances of achieving success in a shorter period. Besides, you can get certain advantages by working along with a partner, such as long-term stability and prosperity.

Here you can learn more tips to open a company in a UAE free zone successfully.

5. All licenses and types of entities allowed in Abu Dhabi free zones.

Before building your company in Abu Dhabi free zone, you have to know about the allowed types of companies. Also, it is important to know about the licenses you can apply for and their basic information. These details will help you choose the right path and make your business more effective and profitable. Besides, you will be able to avoid trouble if the type of company and license fit your requirements.

5.1. Types of companies that you can establish in Abu Dhabi.

In Abu Dhabi, you can establish any of these types of companies:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company.
• A branch of a UAE company.
• A branch of a foreign company.
• Professional freelancer.

Here you can learn how to set up a branch office of a foreign company in the UAE.

5.2. Types of licenses that you can apply for in Abu Dhabi.

Running a business in any Abu Dhabi Free Zone is only possible if the investor has a license. There are many types of licenses available in each free zone. For instance, you will be able to find the following licenses to apply for:

• Trade license: it covers basic business activities, such as trading goods and products.
• Service license: it allows you to carry out your services, which have to be specified in the license.
• Industrial license: it permits you to import raw material, manufacture goods, and other industrial activities.
• Freelancer license: this permit allows freelancers to perform their practices. Therefore, it identifies one as a sole practitioner. Moreover, it enables the freelancer to conduct a business in one’s birth name, which is opposed to a brand name.

Among other licenses, you can apply for the tourism license, the professional license, the occupational license, and others. As for the Abu Dhabi free zone license cost, it will vary depending on the free zone. For instance, in KIZAD, prices start from AED 9,500 approximately. Meanwhile, in ADGMFZ, they start from AED 15,000 approximately.

5.3. How to obtain your business license in Abu Dhabi?

In order to get your license here, you will need to follow these steps:

• Get in touch with the DED Abu Dhabi or the relevant free zone authority. Let the authorities know that you desire to apply for the license. The relevant authority may vary depending on the type of activity you want to perform.
• Submit the required documents along with the application to obtain the license. The application will mention what documents you must attach to complete the process.
• The authorities will review your application after you submit it. In some cases, they might require additional documents before giving you your business license.
• After your application review is completed, you will be referred to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce for membership.
• Fulfill all terms and conditions to acquire the license. After doing this, the concerned authorities will issue your license and finish the process.

Here you can learn some information about the trade license in Dubai and how to obtain it.

6. What documents do you need to gather to register your company?

As for the paperwork, each Abu Dhabi free zone will require certain documents to complete the setup process. However, these may vary depending on the type of company, the selected free zone, and other details. For instance, the general documents that all free zones will require are the following ones:

• Passport size photographs of the investor (with white background).
• Passport copies of the shareholders.
• The company application form.
• The specifications of the business activity that will be performed.
• 2 or 3 suggested names for the new company.
• The exact number of required visas.
• The Bank or Professional Reference letter.
• Proof of address (dated within 3 months).
• In case you apply for the freelance license, your Curriculum Vitae (a summary of your professional history) will be required.

If you need more information, you can always contact the free zone authorities. Also, feel free to contact your business partner to clear your doubts.

Here you can learn how to set up your company in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

7. How can Connectfz help you set up your business in Abu Dhabi free zones?

To build your company in an Abu Dhabi free zone quickly and successfully, you will need professional help. And you can obtain it to achieve your goal without spending too much money or time. By contacting Connectfz, you will receive the information and tips you need to complete your setup process.

During the setup process, you can request our services to complete some of the required steps. For example, you can let Connectfz take care of the visa process by requesting our visa and government services. If you desire to enter the market quickly, you can also try our UAE market entry services.

Moreover, you can still request our services after setting up your company. These other services will help you run your business more efficiently. For instance, you can obtain our payroll and HR consultancy services to make your HR department more effective. Among other services, you will find recruitment, staff outsourcing services, and many others.

Would you like to contact Connectfz to know more about company setup in UAE free zones such as Abu Dhabi free zones? If you have any questions, call us on +97143316688. You can email us at info@connectfz.ae, and you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.