Insight into Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation
Free zone companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known as special economic zones, have independent free zone authorities that govern the free zones in each emirate of the UAE. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the largest emirate by size and gross domestic product (GDP) out of the seven emirates, constituting 60% of the UAE’s total economy. Abu Dhabi is ranked 2nd regionally and 9th globally according to the economic performance index of the IMD World Competitiveness (2020). Also, Abu Dhabi free zones are near key transportation hubs, enhancing accessibility to global markets and distinguishing them from other free zones in the UAE.
Business incorporation in Abu Dhabi free zones takes you away from all the hassle and complexities of mainland licenses and helps you achieve a streamlined free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi with endless possibilities. Within these designated Abu Dhabi free zones, foreign ownership takes the lead, and regulations are simplified and free zone-specific.
Abu Dhabi is also known for having supportive government policies while offering a stable economic and political environment, thus attracting and encouraging business incorporation in Abu Dhabi free zones from all around the world. Recently, Abu Dhabi has also introduced incubators while providing other startup benefits of free zones in Abu Dhabi to help new businesses grow in the capital. Abu Dhabi has also reduced the leasing requirements for several business activities in the Abu Dhabi free zones to not lease an office in the first year of free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi to make it flexible and cost-friendly for entrepreneurs and new businesses.
With Gatestone Group, your chosen Abu Dhabi free zone consultancy, business incorporation in Abu Dhabi free zones is quicker and in the most convenient manner, with 100% foreign ownership and tax optimisation. Gatestone Group, your chosen Abu Dhabi free zone consultancy, will help you choose the optimal Abu Dhabi free zone, secure your business license, and ensure compliance at every step of the way. Our expert consultants are ready to assist entrepreneurs and businesses in thriving in the competitive market in the UAE. As your trusted partner, we aim to streamline the company formation procedures in Abu Dhabi free zones while offering tailored solutions that align with your business needs and take advantage of free zones in Abu Dhabi.
We navigate the complexities of company formation with precision, offering strategic insights and ensuring a seamless process for our valued investors.
A LIST OF ABU DHABI-FREE ZONES
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
- Masdar City Free Zone
- Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
- Twofour54
- Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGM)
Advantages of Abu Dhabi Free Zone Setup
- 100% foreign ownership
- Clear and simple laws and regulations
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- 100% exemption from customs duty
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- There is no personal income tax.
- No withholding taxes
- Business cluster environment
- Quick company formation procedures in Abu Dhabi-free zones
- Reduced renewal fees
- Many business activities do not require lease agreements in the first year of operations.
- 100+ Double Tax Treaties (DTT) with other countries
- Diverse population with residents from 200+ different nationalities
- The emirate of Abu Dhabi has been voted the safest city globally for the last six years.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport was ranked the best airport in the Middle East in 2019.
- Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi is one of the most advanced ports in the world.
- Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, the world’s 9th busiest port, is only a one-hour drive away.
Steps for Abu Dhabi free zone company formation
Step 1: Choose the suitable free zone for your business incorporation in Abu Dhabi free zones.
Selecting the free zone from the available options is a crucial step in the free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi. This entails the location, structure of your business, facilities, benefits of free zones in Abu Dhabi, etc. that will be available, as each free zone provides a set of unique features.
Step 2: Determine the legal structure of your free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi.
This includes selecting the legal structure for the company formation procedure in the Abu Dhabi free zone. The available options include:
- Limited Liability Company Free Zone (LLC FZ)
- Branch of a UAE company
- Branch of a foreign company
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Freelance business
Step 3: Trade name registration
This includes registering a business name that aligns with your free zone business setup in Abu Dhabi and your business ideology. It should be unique and compliant with UAE requirements. The name must be followed by the company’s legal form, such as FZE, LLC, etc.
Step 4: Choose the company license.
Based on your business requirements and type, select the company license from the list available in the respective Abu Dhabi free zone, such as a service license, a manufacturing license, a trade license, etc.
Step 5: Obtain the company license.
After the submission of the documents and following the basic requirements for Abu Dhabi free zone company formation, you will receive your trade license from the respective Abu Dhabi free zone.
Step 6: Visa application
This includes applying for all visas under the company with quick and efficient company formation procedures in Abu Dhabi-free zones while adhering to the standard legislation implicated for your business incorporation in Abu Dhabi-free zones.
Documents Required for Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation
- Completed application form
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and general manager
- Copies of Emirates IDs of directors, shareholders, and general managers (for UAE residents)
- Passport-size photo of the manager and/or director
- 2 proofs of address (dated within three months)
- Bank or Professional Reference Letter
- Board Resolution appointing Manager and/or Director (Notarised and attested)
- Information on share capital
- Power of Attorney
- Power of Attorney given to the manager and/or director (notarised and attested)
- Specimen signature of the company’s shareholder(s) and the appointed manager/director for the new company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (Notarised and attested)
- 2 years of audited financial reports
- Unit title deed
- Letter of Intent
Capital Requirements for Free Zone Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi free zones have a minimum amount of paid-up capital requirements that all businesses must possess to set up their company in the respective free zone. However, the free zone Teofour54 does not have a minimum paid-up capital requirement.
Types of Licenses Offered
To obtain a business license in the Abu Dhabi free zone, one of the below license types needs to be selected based on the business legal structure and the chosen business activity:
- Industrial license
- Commercial or trade license
- Consultancy or service license
- Manufacturing license
- Media license
- Offshore license
- Warehousing license
- E-commerce license
- Educational license
- Freelancer license
Selecting the Right Partner for Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation
Unlock the possibilities of a strategic business presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through Gatestone Group’s Abu Dhabi free zone company formation services. Discover the many benefits of free zones in Abu Dhabi and business incorporation in Abu Dhabi free zones.
Our expert team will assist and guide you and familiarise the specific UAE free zone regulations of your chosen free zone to start smooth and efficient Abu Dhabi free zone company formation procedures.
Start Your Venture in Abu Dhabi's Free Zones
Are you ready for the next phase? Rely on Gatestone Group, your chosen Abu Dhabi free zone consultancy, to tackle the intricacies of launching your Abu Dhabi free zone company while you concentrate on your business operations, profitability, and expansion.
Contact us today for a free consultation on Abu Dhabi free zone company formation in the UAE capital with our expert guidance.
FAQs
Yes, Abu Dhabi’s free zones allow for 100% foreign ownership, providing an attractive environment for international businesses.
Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, simplified regulatory processes, tax exemptions, and strategic access to global markets.
Abu Dhabi’s free zones cater to a diverse range of industries, including trade, manufacturing, technology, finance, and more.
Requirements may vary based on the chosen free zone, but typically involve documentation such as business plans, passport copies, and relevant licenses.