Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the UAE can consider one of Abu Dhabi’s free zones. As the capital of the UAE, business setup in Abu Dhabi free zone positions you in a strategic location that offers easy access to international markets.
Free zones in Abu Dhabi are rising in popularity with foreign entrepreneurs and investors. By mid-2025, assets managed in ADGM, a popular Abu Dhabi free zone, grew 245% compared to the previous year.
Benefits of Abu Dhabi Free Zone License
There are multiple advantages in getting the Abu Dhabi free zone license:
100% Foreign Ownership
Tax Exemptions
Full Profit Repatriation
Faster Company Setup
Modern Office and Industrial Facilities
Industry-Specific Ecosystems
100% Foreign Ownership
Tax Exemptions
Full Profit Repatriation
Faster Company Setup
Modern Office and Industrial Facilities
Industry-Specific Ecosystems
List of Abu Dhabi Free Zones
twofour54
Located in central Abu Dhabi near the city’s cultural areas, twofour54 mainly houses businesses in media, film, digital content, gaming, and advertising. It offers both production and post-production facilities, as well as special permits for freelancers.
ADGM
The Abu Dhabi General Market free zone is on Al Maryah Island and is expanding to Al Reem Island. It operates under a legal system based on English Common Law, making it ideal for fintech, legal, banking, and consulting companies. The free zone also has state-of-the-art office spaces in Abu Dhabi’s central business district.
KEZAD Group
The KEZAD Group (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) was formed in 2022 and manages certain free zones near Khalifa Port like ICAD (Industrial City of Abu Dhabi).
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone
The Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone is inside the International Airport and is mainly populated with e-commerce, aviation, logistics, and trading companies. In terms of facilities, there are warehouses and offices to choose from.
Masdar City
The Masdar City free zone is also close to the International Airport. The most popular industries in this free zone are sustainability, renewable energy, and technology.
Steps for Abu Dhabi Freezone Business Setup
If you work with a business setup company in Dubai like us, this is how we’ll help you:
You need to choose a free zone that allows your business activity and has the appropriate infrastructure to support it. For example, if you run a logistics business, setting up in KIZAD will connect you to the Khalifa Port and the Etihad Rail.
You can either choose to trade in mainland UAE or opt for free zones. Both have tremendous benefits for every industry. If not, you can try out the offshore region to trade outside of UAE.
Our consultants can help you apply for all types of trade licenses (commercial, industrial, professional). We can prepare your application and help get all the paperwork ready.
The trade name you choose has to follow the country’s naming laws. You should choose a name that is relevant to your business.
Having a corporate bank account is essential for starting a company in Dubai and anywhere else in the UAE. Our consultants have relationships with multiple banking providers and can handle the entire process.
Once you have the initial approval, you can apply for a trade license. If you work with one of our business setup consultants, we can streamline the process, making sure that your application isn’t delayed.
Cost of Freezone Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
These are the costs for getting an Abu Dhabi free zone license
| Free zone | License cost |
| Masdar City | AED 7,000 – 20,000 |
| KEZAD Group | AED 10,000 – 30,000 |
| ADGM | AED 6,000 – 60,000 |
| Twofour 54 | AED 15,000 – 20,000 |
| ADAFZ | AED 15,000 – 50,000 |
Other factors that affect the price of business setup in Abu Dhabi free zone are:
Office location
Legal structure
Business activity
Number of employees
Document attestations & notarizations
Types of Abu Dhabi Free Zone Licenses
There are three main type of trade licenses you can get in an Abu Dhabi free zone:
Commercial license
Industrial license
Professional license
Start Your Abu Dhabi Free Zone Business With A&A Associate
As the UAE’s largest business setup advisory, we have been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses all across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi free zones. Our expert consultants can handle the business setup in a UAE Free Zone process, from helping you apply for a trade license, getting approvals, and opening a bank account.
FAQ
Is There a Free Zone in Abu Dhabi?
There are multiple free zones like Masdar City, KIZAD, ADGM, ADAFZ, and twofour54. Every free zone has its own benefits and license requirements.
How Much Does it Cost to Set Up a Free Zone Company in Abu Dhabi?
It can cost anywhere from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 to set up a free zone business in Abu Dhabi. Your license type will determine the exact cost breakdown.
What is the Difference Between Free Zone and Mainland Abu Dhabi?
A free zone is a special trade zone that allows complete foreign ownership and corporate tax exemptions. The Abu Dhabi mainland allows you to work on government projects and trade anywhere in the UAE.
Is ADGM a Free Zone or Mainland?
ADGM is a free zone in Abu Dhabi that mainly houses financial companies. It follows the English Common Law legal system.
Can I Sell Online in the UAE From a Free Zone Company?
You are allowed to sell online with a free zone company but you cannot trade directly with the mainland without a local distributor. You will need an e-commerce license to set up your online business.