Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Capital-emirate free zones spanning finance, industry, media and clean technology.
100%
Foreign ownership
0%
Personal income tax
100%
Profit repatriation
5+
Free zone options
Overview
Entrepreneurs looking 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 an Abu Dhabi free zone positions you in a strategic location with easy access to international markets — and Abu Dhabi's free zones are rising fast in popularity with foreign entrepreneurs and investors. By mid-2025, assets under management in ADGM, one of Abu Dhabi's most prominent free zones, had grown 245% compared to the previous year.
Each Abu Dhabi free zone is built around specific industries, from finance and fintech in ADGM to renewable energy in Masdar City and logistics in KEZAD — so the right choice depends on your business activity as much as your budget.
Evolva's expert business consultants streamline the entire process, from picking the right free zone and licence type through to opening your corporate bank account.
Benefits of an Abu Dhabi Free Zone Licence
Abu Dhabi free zones combine the standard UAE free zone advantages with facilities and ecosystems built around specific industries.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Own your business completely, with no local sponsor requirement — you are fully in charge of all business decisions.
0%
Tax Exemptions
Qualifying free zone companies benefit from 0% corporate and personal tax, and many free zones also exempt customs duties on imports and exports.
100%
Full Profit Repatriation
Transfer profits and capital back to your home country at any time, with no repatriation limits.
Faster Company Setup
In many Abu Dhabi free zones, you can secure a licence within a few days.
Modern Office & Industrial Facilities
Every Abu Dhabi free zone offers office space, flexi-desks and warehousing, with some free zones also offering custom plots.
Industry-Specific Ecosystems
Each free zone is built around specific industries — ADGM for finance, Masdar City for renewable energy, KEZAD for logistics and industry.
List of Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Abu Dhabi's free zones are each built around a specific sector, so choosing the right one starts with your business activity.
twofour54
Located in central Abu Dhabi near the city's cultural areas, twofour54 mainly houses businesses in media, film, digital content, gaming and advertising, with production and post-production facilities and special permits for freelancers.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
Based on Al Maryah Island and expanding to Al Reem Island, ADGM operates under a legal system based on English Common Law, making it ideal for fintech, legal, banking and consulting companies, with state-of-the-art offices in Abu Dhabi's central business district.
KEZAD Group
The Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group was formed in 2022 and manages free zones near Khalifa Port, including ICAD (Industrial City of Abu Dhabi).
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone
Located inside the International Airport, this free zone is mainly populated by e-commerce, aviation, logistics and trading companies, with warehouses and offices available.
Masdar City
Also close to the International Airport, Masdar City's most popular industries are sustainability, renewable energy and technology.
Indicative Abu Dhabi Free Zone Licence Costs
| Free Zone | Licence Cost |
|---|---|
| Masdar City | AED 7,000 – 20,000 |
| KEZAD Group | AED 10,000 – 30,000 |
| ADGM | AED 6,000 – 60,000 |
| twofour54 | AED 15,000 – 20,000 |
| ADAFZ | AED 15,000 – 50,000 |
Other factors that affect price include office location, legal structure, business activity, number of employees and document attestation and notarisation requirements. Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant.
Types of Abu Dhabi Free Zone Licences
There are three main trade licence types available across Abu Dhabi's free zones.
Commercial Licence
Suitable for trading businesses buying, selling, importing or exporting goods.
Industrial Licence
Suitable for manufacturing and production companies.
Professional Licence
Suitable for specialised service companies such as consultancies.
Steps for Abu Dhabi Free Zone Business Setup
If you work with a business setup consultant like Evolva, this is how we help you get set up.
- 1
Pick the right free zone
Choose a free zone that permits your business activity and has the infrastructure to support it — for example, a logistics business setting up in KEZAD connects to Khalifa Port and the Etihad Rail.
- 2
Choose a legal structure
Decide between trading in mainland UAE, a free zone, or the offshore region if you plan to trade outside the UAE — each has distinct benefits depending on your industry.
- 3
Pick the licence type
Our consultants help you apply for the right trade licence — commercial, industrial or professional — and prepare the paperwork.
- 4
Register a trade name
Your chosen trade name must follow the UAE's naming laws and be relevant to your business.
- 5
Get initial approval
Submit your initial approval application to the relevant free zone authority before applying for your trade licence.
- 6
Apply for your Abu Dhabi free zone licence
Once you have initial approval, you can apply for your trade licence — we make sure your application isn't delayed.
- 7
Open a bank account
We help you open a corporate bank account, managing the process with banking providers experienced in free zone business.
Why Choose Evolva for Your Abu Dhabi Free Zone Setup?
Choosing between Abu Dhabi's industry-specific free zones takes local knowledge — Evolva has it.
Multi-Free-Zone Expertise
We know the licence requirements, costs and ecosystems of ADGM, Masdar City, KEZAD, twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone.
Fully Transparent Pricing
A clear cost breakdown before you commit — licence fees, office costs and our service charge, all itemised.
One Dedicated Consultant
A single consultant manages your case from your first consultation through to licence issuance.
End-to-End Service
Trade licence applications, approvals, document preparation and bank account introductions — we handle it all.
Strong Banking Relationships
Our banking relationships help simplify one of the most difficult steps in Abu Dhabi free zone setup — opening a corporate account.
UAE-Wide Business Setup Advisory
As specialists across free zones, mainland and offshore structures, we help you pick the right jurisdiction for your business, not just a free zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your Abu Dhabi Free Zone setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
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Ready to get started with Abu Dhabi Free Zone?
Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.