Abu Dhabi Freezone

Company formation-UAE, Saudi, QATAR, KUWAIT , BAHRAIN & OMAN

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Setting up a business in an Abu Dhabi Free Zone offers many benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified processes for business operations. Below are the general requirements and steps for establishing a company in one of Abu Dhabi's Free Zones:

Popular Free Zones in Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): A financial free zone.
• Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD): Focuses on industrial and manufacturing sectors.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ): Suitable for aviation and logistics businesses.
• Masdar City Free Zone: Focuses on clean technology and renewable energy.
• Twofour54: Ideal for media, entertainment, and creative businesses.

1. Choose the Free Zone

• Select a Free Zone that aligns with your business activity. Each Free Zone has its focus industries, such as finance, technology, media, logistics, manufacturing, etc.

2. Select Business Activity

• Every Free Zone has a list of approved business activities. Ensure that your chosen activity is supported by the Free Zone. Common activities include:
  1. Commercial activities (e.g., trading).
  2. Service activities (e.g., consulting).
  3. Industrial activities (e.g., manufacturing).
  4. Media and creative activities.>

3. Determine the Legal Structure

• Abu Dhabi Free Zones offer various company structures based on the number of shareholders:
  1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A company with a single shareholder.
  2. Free Zone Company (FZCO/FZC): A company with multiple shareholders
  3. Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing company from outside the UAE to open a branch in the Free Zone.

4. Capital Requirements

• Some Free Zones have minimum capital requirements, depending on the type of business and structure. For example:
  ADGM: No minimum share capital is required for most businesses.
  KIZAD: Industrial companies may have higher capital requirements depending on the scale of operations.
  Masdar City: Capital requirements vary based on the business type.

Check the specific Free Zone's requirements before proceeding.

5. Office Space Requirement

• All Free Zones require a physical or virtual office to establish a business. Options may include:
  Flexi-desk/Business Centers: Cost-effective options for startups and small businesses.
  Dedicated offices: For medium and large enterprises.
  Warehouses or industrial units: For manufacturing or logistics businesses.

The type of office chosen impacts the number of visas the company can issue.

6. Trade Name Registration

• Select a unique trade name that complies with the Free Zone’s naming guidelines. It should not be similar to existing businesses or violate UAE public policy.

8. Initial Approval

• Once all documents are submitted, the Free Zone Authority will issue an initial approval to proceed with company formation.

9. Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)

• For companies with multiple shareholders, an MoA is required. This document outlines the company's ownership structure and the rights and responsibilities of shareholders. Some Free Zones may not require an MoA for single-owner entities.

10. Obtain Business License

• After receiving initial approval and submitting required documents, the Free Zone authority will issue the appropriate business license. The type of license depends on the nature of your business:
  1. Trading License: For companies involved in import/export or trading of goods.
  2. Service License: For consultancy, IT services, professional services, etc.
  3. Industrial License: For manufacturing or production businesses.

11. Visa Application

• Once your company is established, you can apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas you can apply for is linked to the office space you’ve chosen.

12. Bank Account Opening

• After the company has been formed, you can open a corporate bank account with a local UAE bank. Required documents may include:
  1. Trade license.
  2. Memorandum of Association.
  3. Shareholder resolutions.
  4. Passport copies of shareholders and managers.

Key Benefits of Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation:

• 100% foreign ownership with no need for a local sponsor or partner.
• Zero corporate and personal taxes.
• 100% repatriation of profits and capital.
• Customs duty exemptions on goods and services within the Free Zone.
• Simplified visa application process for employees and dependents.
• No restrictions on currency and foreign exchange controls.
• Full ownership of intellectual property and trademarks.

Additional Approvals (If Required):

Depending on the business activity, some companies may require additional approvals from government bodies such as:

• Abu Dhabi Municipality for construction-related activities.
• Ministry of Health for healthcare-related businesses.
• Central Bank for financial services.

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• - Comprehensive Services: Tailored solutions for all of your document attestation and company formation needs. Get Started Today! Contact us at+971 52 930 0200