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Company formation in Abu Dhabi Freezone
Setting up company in the appropriate free zone helps position your company for success.
Company formation in Abu Dhabi Freezone
The biggest of the seven emirates and the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi covers more than 80% of the nation’s total land area. There are a number of free zones in Abu Dhabi that offer an ideal setting for company establishment in the Emirates and a method for international investors to access the country’s full potential.Â
As part of the Emirate’s effort to diversify its economy and encourage international investment, Abu Dhabi has created free zones. Media and light businesses, logistical businesses, and medium and heavy industries are all set up for business in free zones. The main reason for company registration in Abu Dhabi is the numerous benefits and amenities shareholders obtain by establishing a business in one of the free zones in the emirate.Â
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Advantages of Abu Dhabi Freezone Company :
Each of Abu Dhabi’s free zones offers different types of benefits to different types of enterprises. This is because a free zone dedicated to IT enterprises will immediately cater to IT businesses. However, there are certain general advantages to establishing a business in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone. All of Abu Dhabi’s free zones offer the following advantages:
- There are several opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- With the assistance of advisors, the process of incorporating a firm is made simple.
- For foreign skilled professionals, visas and a quick immigration process are available.
- Simple laws and regulations that make running business easier.
- Simple contact with the authorities.
- Foreigners can own 100% of a company.
- Profits and cash from your firm will be returned to you in full.
- Personal income is tax-free at 100%.
- Import and export customs duties are completely waived.
- The best business infrastructure in the UAE.
Legal Entities in Abu Dhabi's Free Zone
In the Abu Dhabi free zones, a business or individual can register in one of the following ways:Â
Free Zone Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a stand-alone legal company with one or more individual, corporate, or a combination of both types of shareholders. Depending on the type of economic activity, different minimum capital requirements apply.
Branch of a Foreign Company
After receiving a license from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, a foreign firm may carry out its primary activity or business in the UAE or open an office or branch, except for international companies licensed to operate from a free zone in the UAE.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a stand-alone legal company with one or more individual, corporate, or a combination of both types of shareholders. Depending on the type of economic activity, different minimum capital requirements apply.
Branch of a Foreign Company
After receiving a license from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, a foreign firm may carry out its primary activity or business in the UAE or open an office or branch, except for international companies licensed to operate from a free zone in the UAE.
Branch of a UAE Company
A business in the UAE may also establish a branch in a free zone, mainland or offshore.
Freelance License
A freelancing permit is given to freelancers, identifying them as single practitioners and allowing them to operate a business using their own name rather than a brand name.
Branch of a UAE Company
A business in the UAE may also establish a branch in a free zone, mainland or offshore.
Freelance License
A freelancing permit is given to freelancers, identifying them as single practitioners and allowing them to operate a business using their own name rather than a brand name.
How Do You Establish a Free Zone Business in Abu Dhabi?
To facilitate and promote international investment, the government encourages company establishment in Abu Dhabi free zones. As a result, the procedure for establishing a firm is simple, uncomplicated, less time-consuming, and free of bureaucratic impediments.Â
 Free zones are independent jurisdictions that serve as a single-window administration and allow an expatriate entrepreneur to own a firm entirely (100% shares) without partnering with a UAE native. The Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority (FZA) is an autonomous government entity that awards free zone operating licenses, registers non-resident corporations, and supports businesses in establishing themselves.Â
It is not difficult to establish a business in the Abu Dhabi free zone. It includes the following:
Identifying the type of business activity
Because each company activity has its own set of rules and regulations, you must first decide which activity you will undertake and then carry it out.
Trade Name Registration
After you've completed the first step, you'll need to register your company's trade name. You can submit a list of potential names to the Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority. If the existing firm has not already registered the name in the UAE, it must be approved and officially registered by the authorities. The following are some of the most frequent Trade Name regulations:
- Does not violate the morality or public order of the country.
- Must be followed by the legal form of the firm, such as FZE, LLC, DMCC, etc.
- The trade name has not been registered by any other company.
- It is compatible with the legal situation and the type of action that is required.
- It should not contain any governing authority names, religions, logos, or foreign organisations.
Pick an office space in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Dedicated office space is required throughout the company establishment process in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone. Office space in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone can be bought or leased. The number of people in a firm, as well as the chosen business activity, dictate the requirement for office space. Licenses are granted based on the amount of office space utilized in Abu Dhabi Free Zones or any other part of the UAE. If your office space is substantially larger, you might choose to purchase numerous licenses.
Select the Business Licence
You must obtain approval for the issuing of your business licence once you have approved and registered your trade name. You must select one of the following Business licences based on your business activity in Abu Dhabi Free Zone.
- Industrial license
- Manufacturing license
- Media license
- Offshore license
- Warehousing license
- Commercial or trade license
- Consultancy or services license
- E-commerce license
- Educational license
- Freelancer license
Obtaining Free Zone Authority Approvals
An investor must get approval for the granting of a business license after receiving initial approval for your trade name and meeting all the conditions.
License Issuance
The next step in Abu Dhabi Free Zones business setup is to register the company. After receiving approval, proceed with company registration and licence fee payment. The cost of acquiring a licence varies according to the type of licence sought. Before registering a business in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone, ensure the following:
- A board resolution (notarized and attested) naming the new company's manager or director.
- A passport-sized photograph of the new company's management or directors on a white background.
- Information on share capital.
- Power of Attorney provided to the new firm's management or directors
- Specimen signature of the new company's management or director Articles of Association and Memorandum (Notarized and Attested)
Abu Dhabi's Freezone Compliance Requirements
Companies operating in the UAE (onshore, offshore, and free zones) are subject to new and crucial laws. Abu Dhabi's free zones are also subject to legislation designed to address financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, base resin and profit shifting, and so on. Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) are the important regulations in this regard. Companies licenced by Abu Dhabi free zones must evaluate their compliance with all requirements. Even companies under liquidation in Abu Dhabi free zones must follow ESR, UBO, and AML-CFT requirements. Noncompliance will result in harsh penalties and severe repercussions, such as the suspension of a trade licence and the sharing of information with a foreign competent authority. Businesses who have access to Abu Dhabi freezone business setup services can quickly ensure compliance and avoid severe fines.
Tailored Solution for Abu Dhabi free zone license
Some of the UAE's most progressive free zones are strategically positioned in Abu Dhabi. Aside from giving a premium address, the procedure of establishing a firm in an Abu Dhabi free zone allows overseas investors to effortlessly connect with major trading centres in the Middle East and around the world. The procedures regulating free zone business incorporation in Abu Dhabi are simple, but new entrepreneurs should seek professional guidance. Using bespoke business setup services in Abu Dhabi can assist investors in navigating immigration and labour rules. Shuraa provides competent advice in free zone company formation across the seven emirates. You can reach us at +971 4 4081900, via WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or through email at [email protected].
Identifying the type of business activity
Because each company activity has its own set of rules and regulations, you must first decide which activity you will undertake and then carry it out.
Trade Name Registration
After you've completed the first step, you'll need to register your company's trade name. You can submit a list of potential names to the Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority. If the existing firm has not already registered the name in the UAE, it must be approved and officially registered by the authorities. The following are some of the most frequent Trade Name regulations:
- Does not violate the morality or public order of the country.
- Must be followed by the legal form of the firm, such as FZE, LLC, DMCC, etc.
- The trade name has not been registered by any other company.
- It is compatible with the legal situation and the type of action that is required.
- It should not contain any governing authority names, religions, logos, or foreign organisations.
Pick an office space in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Dedicated office space is required throughout the company establishment process in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone. Office space in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone can be bought or leased. The number of people in a firm, as well as the chosen business activity, dictate the requirement for office space. Licenses are granted based on the amount of office space utilized in Abu Dhabi Free Zones or any other part of the UAE. If your office space is substantially larger, you might choose to purchase numerous licenses.
Select the Business Licence
You must obtain approval for the issuing of your business licence once you have approved and registered your trade name. You must select one of the following Business licences based on your business activity in Abu Dhabi Free Zone.
- Industrial license
- Manufacturing license
- Media license
- Offshore license
- Warehousing license
- Commercial or trade license
- Consultancy or services license
- E-commerce license
- Educational license
- Freelancer license
Obtaining Free Zone Authority Approvals
An investor must get approval for the granting of a business license after receiving initial approval for your trade name and meeting all the conditions.
License Issuance
The next step in Abu Dhabi Free Zones business setup is to register the company. After receiving approval, proceed with company registration and licence fee payment. The cost of acquiring a licence varies according to the type of licence sought. Before registering a business in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone, ensure the following:
- A board resolution (notarized and attested) naming the new company's manager or director.
- A passport-sized photograph of the new company's management or directors on a white background.
- Information on share capital.
- Power of Attorney provided to the new firm's management or directors
- Specimen signature of the new company's management or director Articles of Association and Memorandum (Notarized and Attested)
Abu Dhabi's Freezone Compliance Requirements
Companies operating in the UAE (onshore, offshore, and free zones) are subject to new and crucial laws. Abu Dhabi's free zones are also subject to legislation designed to address financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, base resin and profit shifting, and so on. Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) are the important regulations in this regard. Companies licenced by Abu Dhabi free zones must evaluate their compliance with all requirements. Even companies under liquidation in Abu Dhabi free zones must follow ESR, UBO, and AML-CFT requirements. Noncompliance will result in harsh penalties and severe repercussions, such as the suspension of a trade licence and the sharing of information with a foreign competent authority. Businesses who have access to Abu Dhabi freezone business setup services can quickly ensure compliance and avoid severe fines.
Tailored Solution for Abu Dhabi free zone license
Some of the UAE's most progressive free zones are strategically positioned in Abu Dhabi. Aside from giving a premium address, the procedure of establishing a firm in an Abu Dhabi free zone allows overseas investors to effortlessly connect with major trading centres in the Middle East and around the world. The procedures regulating free zone business incorporation in Abu Dhabi are simple, but new entrepreneurs should seek professional guidance. Using bespoke business setup services in Abu Dhabi can assist investors in navigating immigration and labour rules. Shuraa provides competent advice in free zone company formation across the seven emirates. You can reach us at +971 4 4081900, via WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or through email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
The process of establishing a company in an Abu Dhabi free zone typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of business and the specific free zone selected. However, if there are any delays in approvals or documentation requirements, the procedure may take longer.Â
Yes, foreign investors are permitted to own 100% of a company incorporated in one of Abu Dhabi's free zones. As part of its attempts to encourage foreign investment and support regional economic growth, the UAE government allows 100% foreign ownership in free zone enterprises.Â
Yes, after getting a licence in one of Abu Dhabi's free zones, it is feasible to modify the business activity, however the process and conditions differ based on the free zone and the individual activity to be added or changed.Â
Transferring an existing company to an Abu Dhabi free zone is feasible, but it is a complex process including legal and administrative procedures that vary based on the type of organisation and the free zone chosen.Â
The minimum cost to establish a business in one of Abu Dhabi's free zones varies based on the type of business and the free zone selected. However, the price might range from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 or more. This cost usually includes licence and registration fees, as well as additional administrative fees.Â
