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Cost Calculator    Set up your business
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Free Zone Licence in Abu Dhabi

 

Company Registration Process in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Follow a clear company registration process to set up your business in Abu Dhabi Free Zone, from application to licence approval.

 

1
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Choose your business activity
Select from over 1,000 approved activities and define your company’s operations.

2
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Select your licence structure
Choose between a Free Zone Limited Liability Company or a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company.

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Submit your application through the e-services portal
Complete your application, reserve your company name and submit initial details online.

4
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Provide documentation and obtain approvals
Submit required documents and receive approvals from Abu Dhabi authorities and the free zone regulator.

5
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Receive your free zone licence
Sign legal documents and obtain your licence, registration certificate and access to business services.

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Apply for visas and office space
Finalise your setup by selecting workspace options and processing visas for your team.

Free Zone Legal Structures UAE

Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business based on ownership, operational needs and expansion plans.

FZ-LLC

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

An independent legal entity with shareholders, suitable for new businesses establishing operations in Abu Dhabi.

Foreign Branch

Branch of a Foreign Company

Extend an existing international company into Abu Dhabi without creating a separate legal entity.

UAE Branch

Branch of a UAE Company

Expand an existing UAE business into the free zone under the same legal identity.

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Business Licence Categories in Abu Dhabi

Choose from a wide range of approved business activities aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic and innovation sectors.

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Renewable Energy

Icon representing industrial automation, technological innovation, and smart engineering

Clean tech &
information &
communication tech

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Marketing and events

Team or group icon representing multiple people

Human Resources

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Energy

Teal icon representing dedicated customer care and client support services

Healthcare Services

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Service Providers

Icon representing a business headquarters, corporate office, or building

Property
development
services

Agile workflow or process cycle icon with circular arrows

Regional HQ,
trading and holding
companies

Government or institutional building icon with classical architecture

Business center or data center

Flame or fire icon representing energy or heat

Oil and Gas Services

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Retail, Food, and Beverage

Free Zone Licence Packages in Abu Dhabi

Flexible licence packages designed for startups, SMEs and established businesses setting up in Abu Dhabi Free Zone.

READY-TO-GO PACKAGES

An Emirati businessman and an international executive in a meeting in Dubai

STARTUP
PACKAGE

7,000 D

set up your company

Up to 2 business activities

License and registration

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Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services

BUSINESS ONE
PACKAGE

17,500 D

Set up your company

Up to 3 business activities

One free visa

License and registration

Flexi desk lite lease

Establishment card

E-channel fees

Visa medical exam

Emirates ID application

Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services

Diverse team collaborating in modern colorful office workspace

ENTERPRISE
PACKAGE

27,000 D

Set up your company

Up to 6 business activities

License and registration

Including 3 visa quota

Flexi desk plus lease

-

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Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services

 

Startup & Innovation Licence Package

Designed for startups and research-driven businesses entering Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.

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INNOVATION
PACKAGE

12,000 D

set up your company

Up to 3 business activities

License and registration

Including 2 visa quota

Flexi desk lease

Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services

 
Terms

Terms & conditions apply

1Except special activities under segments; 1.11 Associations (Non-Profit Organizations), 5.1 Service Providers, 5.3 Regional Head Quarters, 16 Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Field and Facilities Services, 22 Retail and, 24 Space.

Remarks

• Fees are in D.

• The above charges are subject to 5% VAT.

• Activities will be limited and subject to approval.

• D 1,000 will be added for special names, subject to DED approval.

• Charges for extra activities are D 2,500 per (for each) general activity and D 5,000 per (for each) special activity.

Office Space Requirements for Free Zone Licence

Businesses must select an office solution based on visa eligibility and operational requirements. Options include flexi desks, dedicated desks and office spaces.

Living room furniture icon with couch and floor lamp

Virtual Desk

An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.

6,000 D

per year

Living room furniture icon with couch and floor lamp

Flexidesk

An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.

10,000 D

per year

Visa Costs in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Visa costs vary depending on application type, duration and employee requirements.

Immigration Establishment Card

1,600 D

One time fee

eChannels Registration*3

2,600 D

One time charge

Employment Visa Deposit*4

2,500 D

Refundable

Employment Visa Package - 2 Year Visa

3,050 D

Excluding Medical FitnessTest & Emirates ID

In country - Issue Entry Permit while applicant is in the UAE

800 D

If applicable

Local Amendment/ Change Status

Residency stamping while applicant is in the UAE

900 D

If applicable

Medical

350 D

One time fee

Emirates ID Charges

450 D

For 2 years

Terms

Terms & conditions apply

*1 Except segments: 1.11, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 16, 22 & 24

*2 Start-ups package client convert to signature package upon completion of 3 years

*3 Annual renewal fee for eChannel is D 1,6000/-

*4 Employment Visa Deposit of D 2,500 applicable per employee. Which will be released after visa cancellation

*5 A refundable security deposit equal to 2 months rent is required for Flexi Desk Leases

The above mentioned rates are inclusive of 5% VAT, except for lease

You chose

A free zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • Set-up
  • License
  • Package
  • Leasing
  • Visa

Company set-up type:
A free zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
License type:
Property Development Services
Package:
Space Zone
Leasing option:
None
Visa type:
Employment Visa Package - 2 Year Visa

 Start Your Business in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Get your free zone licence in Abu Dhabi with a clear process, transparent costs and dedicated support at every stage of your company setup.


Speak to Our Setup Team

FAQ

A free zone licence allows businesses to legally operate within a designated economic zone in Abu Dhabi, covering approved activities and enabling company formation.

Company registration can typically be completed within a few working days once all required documents are submitted and approved.

Documents usually include passport copies, application forms, business activity details and legal incorporation documents.

Businesses can choose between a Free Zone Limited Liability Company, a foreign branch or a UAE branch structure.

Yes, depending on approval, businesses can include multiple related activities under a single licence.

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