Which Free Zones are there in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi Free Zones

The free zones in Abu Dhabi are an attractive jurisdiction for investors. All conditions have been created here for international trade to be favorable. Thousands of companies have been licensed in recent years. Local authorities are doing their best to attract new directions in order to contribute to the development of the economy and the country as a whole. It is worth noting that such a solution is not unique. The project was developed based on the experience of many world powers.
Let Us Call You

For detailed information +90 542 381 3868 'Call.

The main difference is the ability to conduct business for foreign organizations. The management of the company within the state's territory must be carried out with the participation of local citizens, but this is not a prerequisite in the free zones. Entrepreneurs not only realize their projects in the zone where they have received a permit but also have partnerships in other countries. Each zone defines its own rules and types of activities, so it is important to review all aspects to know how to obtain a license and operate in the future.

The significance of free zones is that foreigners do not have to adapt to the country's domestic laws, but only need to follow the rules of the chosen zone.

The main reason entrepreneurs prefer free zones is not just the activity within the zone, but also trade, for example, selling goods or providing services. Many business people planning to enter the world market choose similar conditions. International trade is open. In most countries, it is very difficult for foreign citizens to start a business, but here they do. Such a fact is easy to explain. In recent years, the country has tried to reduce the influence of oil on the development of the national economy, but local investors cannot cover the entire business area, so the authorities must leverage the desire of foreigners to do business in the country.

The formation and use of the company are free of charge. Although you have to pay fees for registration, rent, etc., in practice, you do not need to invest money.

Differences between Mainland (Onshore) and Free Zone (Offshore)

An economic zone first emerged on the state's territory 35 years ago. The new economic policy contributed to the prosperity of the state. In just a few years, the country achieved a leading position. Many appreciated the development opportunities and moved here. Oil was no longer the only source of income. This gave an impulse to the country's economic development. Until that point, business people could only start companies within the city, but on the mainland. However, there are limitations. Most foreigners do not take advantage of such conditions. Moreover, it is really very difficult to obtain a license. The main differences are:

Organizations on the mainland are not run solely by foreigners. A certain number of local entrepreneurs are required. By law, the local co-founder must hold a large share, which makes it possible to determine decisions. The development of the organization strictly corresponds to the local mentality. But there are great difficulties here. This is not the case in the special economic zones, where non-locals can start organizations themselves.

If you plan to do business on the mainland, the mandatory prerequisite is the presence of an office. Again, difficulties arise from the rent and the regular costs associated with it.

Of course, organizations on the mainland also have advantages. For example, activities can be carried out not just in one region, but throughout the country.

Foreign Ownership

Investors who start a business in economic zones are offered 100% ownership. For the registration of a company in a Free Zone (FZ), you do not need a citizen as a partner, which is undoubtedly a great advantage.

Applicable Regulations

Why do many reject the idea of starting a company in a free zone? The answer is clear. Investors plan to do business, for example, to trade with local firms. The legislation does not prohibit transactions through distribution companies on the mainland. Furthermore, employers are often interested in logistics service providers. Consequently, the investor is not active on the country's territory, but their organization is not harmed in any way. Convenient and profitable. In the territory of the zone, they open not only main companies but also branch offices. There are various conditions, especially a similar name and a permitted type of activity. Consequently, the branch will not be taxed according to the laws.

Zones for Business Activity

You need to choose a suitable zone according to your investment budget, business conditions, and visa and office requirements.

The features of the business environment are:

Your office must be located only within the economic zone where your company is registered.

Each economic zone has its own corporate laws that regulate the process of company formation, which creates more complexity and loss of time when making a choice.

List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

Each zone has its own cooperation conditions and offers investors its own benefits. Let's look at the list of free zones in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

This name was chosen for a reason. The owners thus indicated that an international airport is in the immediate vicinity. This fact attracts most entrepreneurs. In addition, advantageous conditions are offered to the owners of institutions. They have access to offices, warehouses, and even aircraft hangars. A great place for international business with large volumes of goods. If you need to build objects, you get a plot of land in the zone. This is not just an office, but a real park with thousands of possibilities.

The registration process takes about two weeks.

In the zone, foreigners can provide services or trade.

Permitted Activities

The industry segments and licensed projects are:

Permitted Entity Types

Land for lease: There are long-term lease plots where you can build your own/custom facilities.

Ready-made storage facilities: available storage spaces: 360 m2 (15m x 24m) and multiples thereof up to a maximum of 2,880 m2 (8 units) under one roof.

Offices: Various rental options are available at the airports.

Business Center: Workstations and offices are already equipped, so you can start work immediately.

As a rule, the park is chosen by dealers whose activities are focused on trade and related services. A wide variety of commercial spaces contributes to the development of business relationships. For example, you can simultaneously trade, store, or transport large quantities of goods within the company.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The sector was opened on the initiative of the Emirate's government. Basically, the location is chosen by companies that focus on financial and innovative projects. As a result, economic growth has accelerated several times over. Advanced and technological organizations contribute to the organization of international exhibitions and other events that raise the level of development.

Registration period: 5 working days

You can apply for a trade license or various financial licenses, including for cryptocurrency.

Financial investments start from $50,000 or 185,000 Dirhams.

Permitted Activities

Here, employers can open private companies, public limited companies, and even branches of foreign businesses.

Investors choose this area because of the favorable conditions for financing, consulting, or providing legal services. The local authorities allow dual licensing. Furthermore, dealers have the right to do business outside the zone as well.

Masdar City Free Zone

It is located in the Masdar City eco-project, which is also known outside the Emirates. It is located 17 km from the center of the capital.

It can be called a real ecological city, as the policy aims to use renewable energy sources and only environmentally friendly technologies. The main task is to take business to a new level. Investors are impressed by promising areas as well as modern offices and a laboratory open for competent development.

In 2006, it began to accept applications from those who wanted to start their own company.

The verification of documents for the permit takes 14 to 20 days.

Main directions: trade and services.

Permitted Activities

As a rule, the area is designed for carrying out commercial or industrial projects. Within these main areas, companies provide logistics or transport services.

Permitted Entity Types

Foreign entrepreneurs can use offices equipped for comfortable work. Companies focusing on industrial projects use high-tech laboratories. You can also open or rent a shop.

The main difference is that the local administration supports environmentally friendly business methods, especially the use of renewable resources. What attracts dealers is technology and innovation.

Khalifa Industrial Zone – Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)

It began its work after the Emirate's policy for regulating financial and innovative development was implemented. Such a decision had a positive impact not only on the development of a region but on the whole country. High-tech companies began to move here.

This place quickly positioned itself as an international financial center, not just in the Middle East.

Business people work in the fields of banking services, asset management, insurance, and other financial areas. The main difference is the opportunity to obtain a license to work with cryptocurrencies and blockchains.

Year of foundation: 2015.

Registration period: 5 days.

License types: trade, service, financial, cryptocurrency.

The minimum authorized capital is $50,000 or 185,000 Dirhams.

Permitted Activities

The main sectors are industry, trade logistics, food and beverages, transport, pharmaceuticals.

Industry

Allows for the carrying out of industrial activities, especially the production, processing, and import of raw materials.

Trade License

Opens up the opportunity to perform various actions in the field of trade. Import, export, and storage are all included in the license.

Service License

Within the framework of the license, the business person can provide services in the fields of finance, marketing, law, etc.

Permitted Entity Types

It offers a world-class transport infrastructure that includes sea, air, road, and rail networks.

Public limited companies and branch offices are available to investors as a type of entity.

Twofour54 Media and Entertainment Hub

The area is designed for services in the media sector. The conditions, equipment, and facilities are tailored to this area. You can have not only a real office but also a virtual presence to conduct business. Close location to the airport.

Year of foundation: 2008

You can get a permit within 10-15 working days.

You can work in the service sector or as a freelancer.

The main difference is that there are no restrictions on the start-up capital.

Permitted Activities

Employers carry out all kinds of media-related activities. This can be advertising, graphic design, animation, and more.

Permitted Entity Types

Provides infrastructure and support facilities for international, regional, and local media organizations.

“twofour54” is a place for creative firms in the fields of media, publishing, gaming, and communication. All necessary world-class infrastructure is offered.

One of the most attractive features of Abu Dhabi for business people and investors is its economic zone. If you plan to open your own business but are afraid of making a mistake in choosing the location, follow the proven methods of thousands of entrepreneurs; use one of the free zones in Abu Dhabi.

What is a Free Zone?

If you are planning to open a business, you should look carefully at the free zone area in Abu Dhabi. This is the most suitable place because favorable and favorable conditions are provided. During registration and further work, a lot of effort is not required. As a rule, investors are provided with protective conditions. Thus, the authorities are trying to develop the country's economy and get rid of the oil industry.

Submit Request Form

Fill out the form to submit your service requests. Submit Request Form

Call Now

Call us now for information and price. Call Now

© 2024 World Company Setup & Corporate Services