KEZAD Free Zone Abu Dhabi: 2025 Setup Guide
KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is Abu Dhabi’s largest free zone complex, regulated by KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group. Formerly known as KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi), the zone was rebranded in 2022 to reflect its expanded mandate across 12 distinct economic zones covering more than 550 square kilometres. If you are considering establishing a manufacturing facility, a trading company, or a logistics operation in Abu Dhabi, KEZAD is one of the most competitively structured locations available in the UAE.
Setting up in KEZAD gives your business 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, and full repatriation of profits and capital. Startup packages begin at AED 9,450 (USD 2,575) per year, VAT included, making the zone accessible to startups and SMEs as well as large industrial groups. The zone is co-located with Khalifa Port, one of the world’s first semi-automated deep-water container terminals, giving logistics and trading businesses direct access to global shipping lanes from day one.
This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up a company in KEZAD: the three licence types, step-by-step registration process, official fees, document requirements, visa rules, office options, and how KEZAD compares to other Abu Dhabi free zones and the mainland. All information in this article is sourced directly from the KEZAD Group official website (kezadgroup.com).
What is KEZAD and who regulates it?
KEZAD Group (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is the official authority responsible for developing, managing, and regulating all economic and industrial zones within its Abu Dhabi portfolio. It operates as a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and is wholly owned by ADQ, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment holding company. KEZAD Group issues all free zone company licences, manages visa allocations, and oversees compliance within the zone.
What does KEZAD stand for?
KEZAD stands for Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The authority manages 12 distinct economic zones across Abu Dhabi, each designed to attract specific industries ranging from petrochemicals and metals processing to food manufacturing and logistics. The name reflects the zone’s evolution from a single industrial zone into a comprehensive multi-sector economic zone network operating under a unified management structure.
How does KEZAD relate to KIZAD?
Until 2022, the zone was widely known as KIZAD, short for Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi. The rebranding to KEZAD reflected both the expansion of the zone’s scope beyond purely industrial activities and its strategic growth into a multi-sector economic complex. If you encounter references to KIZAD in older contracts, press coverage, or regulatory documents, these refer to the same authority now operating under the KEZAD name. No structural or regulatory changes accompanied the rebrand; it was a reflection of the zone’s broadened strategic identity and product offering.
Who is the regulatory authority for KEZAD companies?
Companies registered in KEZAD are regulated directly by KEZAD Group. All company registration, licence renewal, visa applications, and compliance matters are handled through KEZAD Group’s official portal or via authorised business setup agents. KEZAD Group operates under the legal framework established by Abu Dhabi emirate law and UAE federal free zone regulations, and it reports to AD Ports Group’s governance structure, which in turn is accountable to the Abu Dhabi government.
What types of business activities are allowed in KEZAD?
KEZAD Free Zone offers three categories of commercial licence: Trading, Service, and Industrial. According to KEZAD Group’s official guidance on company licence types, the licence category you choose determines which activities your company is legally permitted to conduct, which physical facilities are available to you, and which visa quotas are applicable.
What is a Trading Licence in KEZAD?
A Trading Licence permits the import, export, distribution, and storage of goods within the free zone and for international markets. It is well suited to businesses that source products from international suppliers and either distribute them across the UAE or re-export them to other countries. Trading licence holders may operate from a flexi-desk, a shared office, or a dedicated office unit within the KEZAD free zone, depending on their scale and visa needs. The Trading Licence is one of KEZAD’s most popular options for general merchandise, e-commerce, and commodity trading businesses.
What is a Service Licence in KEZAD?
A Service Licence covers consultancy, professional services, and technology-related activities. It is designed for companies that provide skilled services to clients rather than trading physical goods. Activities permitted under a Service Licence include management consultancy, IT and software development, logistics management, marketing services, training, and a range of other professional disciplines. Service licence holders typically operate from office space within one of KEZAD’s executive business centres, and this licence is particularly popular with SMEs and solo consultants establishing a UAE base.
What is an Industrial Licence in KEZAD?
An Industrial Licence is for companies that manufacture, process, or assemble products within the KEZAD free zone. Given KEZAD’s deep-rooted focus on heavy industry and its strategic co-location with Khalifa Port, the Industrial Licence is the zone’s flagship offering and the reason KEZAD was originally established. It grants access to warehousing, industrial land plots, and purpose-built factory units within KEZAD’s dedicated industrial clusters. Businesses in food processing, building materials, metals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automotive components are among the sectors that most commonly choose this route.
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What are the steps to set up a company in KEZAD?
Setting up a company in KEZAD involves four main stages: choosing your business activity and legal structure, selecting a startup package, submitting your application with the required documents, and receiving your licence and visa allocation. The process is managed end-to-end by KEZAD Group and can be initiated through their online portal or by engaging a registered business setup consultancy.
Step 1: Choose your business activity and legal structure
Before applying, you need to decide on the primary business activity your company will conduct. This determines which licence category (Trading, Service, or Industrial) applies. Alongside the licence category, you choose a legal structure: a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for two or more shareholders, or a Branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. The legal structure affects your share capital obligations, governance requirements, and the extent of liability protection.
Step 2: Select a startup package
KEZAD offers startup packages priced by licence duration (one, two, or three years) and by the number of visas included (one to four). All package prices are inclusive of VAT at 5%. Multi-year packages carry a lower effective annual cost than the one-year option and are generally the more economical choice for businesses committed to a medium-term presence in Abu Dhabi. See the official pricing table in the fees section of this article for full current figures.
Step 3: Submit your application and documents
Once you have selected your package, you submit your application through the KEZAD Group portal or via your business setup agent. The application includes the completed company registration form, passport copies and KYC documents for all shareholders and directors, a description of intended activities, and (for corporate applicants) the parent company’s constitutional documents. KEZAD Group reviews the application and may request additional information before issuing approval in principle.
Step 4: Receive your licence and begin operations
Once KEZAD Group approves your application, they issue the company licence. You can then initiate visa applications for the holders included in your package, open a UAE corporate bank account, and begin trading or operating. For most standard applications with complete documentation, the process from submission to licence issuance takes between three and ten working days. Applications involving corporate shareholders whose documents require overseas attestation and legalisation can take three to six weeks from the point that documents are ready.
What documents are required to register a company in KEZAD?
The documents required vary depending on whether you are applying as an individual investor or as a corporate entity. The following reflects KEZAD Group’s standard requirements, which apply to most new applications. Always confirm the current list with KEZAD Group or your setup agent before compiling documents, as requirements can be updated.
Documents for individual investors
If you are registering as an individual investor, or as a group of individual shareholders, you will typically need to provide:
- Completed KEZAD company registration application form
- Passport copy for all shareholders and directors (valid for at least six months)
- Recent passport-size photograph on a white background for each applicant
- A written description of the intended business activity
- Proof of residential address dated within three months (utility bill or bank statement)
- A signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the applicant is currently employed or sponsored on a UAE residence visa
All documents must be in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Documents for corporate investors (branch or subsidiary)
If the applicant is an existing company establishing a branch or subsidiary in KEZAD, the following additional corporate documents are required alongside the individual KYC items above:
- Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association, or the equivalent constitutional document
- Board resolution authorising the establishment of the KEZAD entity and naming the authorised signatory
- Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent (required for companies incorporated more than two years ago)
- Passport copy and specimen signature of the authorised signatory
- Power of Attorney if a representative is acting on behalf of the parent company
Documents issued outside the UAE must be apostilled (for countries party to the Hague Convention) or legalised through the UAE embassy in the country of origin. The exact attestation chain varies by country; confirm the applicable route with KEZAD Group or a business setup agent before posting original documents.
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What are the government fees and setup costs in KEZAD?
KEZAD Free Zone startup package pricing is published transparently on the KEZAD Group official website. The figures in the table below are taken directly from the official KEZAD business setup solutions page and are inclusive of VAT at 5%. There are no hidden registration fees within the package price itself, though additional costs apply for visas, office space, and document preparation.
Official KEZAD startup package pricing (2025)
At a glance: 12 options across 4 visa tiers and 3 licence durations
| Visa Package | 1-Year | 2-Year | 3-Year |
| 1 Visa | AED 9,450 USD 2,575 |
AED 17,800 USD 4,850 |
AED 22,575 USD 6,150 |
| 2 Visas | AED 11,150 USD 3,040 |
AED 21,000 USD 5,720 |
AED 26,625 USD 7,250 |
| 3 Visas | AED 12,850 USD 3,500 |
AED 24,200 USD 6,590 |
AED 28,988 USD 7,895 |
| 4 Visas | AED 14,550 USD 3,965 |
AED 27,400 USD 7,465 |
AED 32,813 USD 8,935 |
All prices include VAT at 5%. Source: KEZAD Group official website, kezadgroup.com.
What does the startup package fee include?
According to KEZAD Group, the startup package fee covers company registration and incorporation, the free zone commercial licence for the chosen duration, and the visa allocation as specified in the selected tier. All figures include VAT. The package fee does not cover physical office or warehouse rental (charged separately on a negotiated lease), UAE visa stamping and medical fees (payable per individual), document notarisation and attestation, or bank account opening costs.
What additional costs should I budget for?
Beyond the startup package fee, you should plan for the following items. Visa stamping and medical testing are payable per person, typically ranging from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 per visa depending on the visa category and processing pathway. Physical workspace, whether a flexi-desk, a private office, or a warehouse unit, is agreed directly with KEZAD Group and varies significantly by size and location. Document attestation and certified translation costs depend on your country of origin and the complexity of your corporate structure, and can range from AED 500 to AED 3,000 or more. UAE corporate bank account opening does not usually carry a fee, but most banks require a minimum monthly or average account balance, so factor this into working capital planning from the outset.
What is the minimum share capital requirement for a KEZAD company?
The minimum share capital requirement in KEZAD depends on the legal structure you choose. Unlike certain newer UAE free zones that have dispensed with minimum capital requirements entirely, KEZAD follows a tiered structure based on entity type. In all cases, the capital is declared rather than deposited into a UAE bank account at the point of incorporation.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE): single shareholder
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is the KEZAD entity for a single individual or corporate shareholder. The minimum declared share capital is AED 150,000 (approximately USD 40,850). This amount is stated in the company’s Memorandum of Association and does not need to be physically transferred into a UAE bank account at registration. It is, however, a legal obligation of the company, and shareholders should be prepared to provide evidence of capitalisation if required by a UAE bank during the account opening process or by a prospective business counterparty.
Free Zone Company (FZCO): two or more shareholders
A Free Zone Company (FZCO) accommodates two or more shareholders, either individuals or corporate entities. The minimum declared share capital is also AED 150,000, divided among shareholders in proportion to their agreed equity holdings as recorded in the company’s constitutional documents. As with the FZE, the capital is declared rather than physically deposited at the time of incorporation.
Branch of a foreign or UAE company
A branch of an existing company, whether UAE or foreign, does not carry its own separate minimum capital requirement. A branch operates as a legal extension of the parent entity, meaning the parent company assumes full liability for all of the branch’s contractual and financial obligations in the UAE. The financial standing and incorporation status of the parent company are, however, reviewed as part of the branch application process, and KEZAD Group may request financial statements or a Certificate of Good Standing from the parent.
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How many visas can I get with my KEZAD licence?
The number of UAE residence visas available to your KEZAD company depends on the startup package tier you select at registration. For businesses that grow beyond the four-visa ceiling included in the most comprehensive startup package, additional visas are available through a physical space lease.
What is the visa quota under each startup package?
KEZAD startup packages include either one, two, three, or four visas as standard, corresponding to the four pricing tiers in the fee table above. The tier you choose at registration is fixed for the duration of the package, though you can upgrade your package at renewal. If your business requires more than four visas during the licence term, you must lease a physical office or warehouse unit within KEZAD. The visa quota then expands in proportion to the size of the space leased, broadly in line with the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) guideline of one visa per 9 square metres of occupied workspace, though KEZAD Group should be consulted for the exact ratio applicable to your specific facility type.
How do I apply for employee visas through KEZAD?
Once your company licence is issued, KEZAD Group initiates the visa application process through the Abu Dhabi immigration channels. Each employee applying for a UAE residence visa will need to undergo a medical fitness test and biometric registration (Emirates ID enrolment) as part of the stamping process. The investor or shareholder visa for the company director or owner follows a similar pathway but is categorised as an investor or partner residence visa. Processing times for standard visa applications typically range from five to fifteen working days once all required documents are submitted and medical clearance is received.
Can I sponsor family members on a KEZAD company visa?
Yes. As a UAE residence visa holder through a KEZAD entity, you are entitled to apply for dependent family member visas covering a spouse and children, provided your monthly income meets the minimum threshold required by UAE federal immigration authorities. The commonly applied threshold for spousal sponsorship is a monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 per month with employer-provided accommodation). These thresholds are set and periodically reviewed by UAE federal immigration policy; verify the current figures with KEZAD Group or a registered PRO service before proceeding with family sponsorship applications.
What facilities and office options are available at KEZAD?
KEZAD’s physical infrastructure spans more than 550 square kilometres across 12 zones, with dedicated facilities for each business activity category. According to KEZAD Group’s official data, the zone currently offers more than 540,000 square metres of warehousing capacity, and its industrial land bank supports businesses from light assembly operations to major heavy industry installations.
Flexi-desk and shared workspace
For startups and small businesses that do not require a dedicated private office, KEZAD offers flexi-desk arrangements within its shared business centres. A flexi-desk provides a registered business address, access to shared meeting rooms, reception services, and a visa quota as specified in the startup package. It is the most cost-effective physical option and suits trading and service businesses that operate predominantly off-site or remotely. The flexi-desk arrangement is available immediately on licence issuance and requires no separate lease agreement beyond the startup package.
Dedicated office units
KEZAD’s executive business centres offer furnished and unfurnished private office units of varying sizes for companies that require their own workspace. These are available on lease terms negotiated directly with KEZAD Group and include building maintenance, utilities, and shared reception services as standard. A dedicated office supports a larger visa quota than a flexi-desk arrangement and is more appropriate for businesses with a regular on-site workforce or those hosting client meetings within the zone.
Warehousing and logistics units
KEZAD offers both standard ready-built warehouse units and bespoke warehousing solutions for businesses in logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing. With more than 540,000 square metres of warehousing space available across the zone complex, KEZAD can accommodate businesses from a small stockist requiring a few hundred square metres to a major distribution operator needing tens of thousands. Warehouse units are particularly well-positioned for companies trading through Khalifa Port, as they sit within the port ecosystem and benefit from streamlined in-zone customs procedures.
Industrial plots and built-to-suit facilities
For large-scale manufacturing and heavy industry, KEZAD offers industrial land plots on long-term lease agreements. Businesses commission purpose-built factories, processing facilities, or large logistics hubs on these plots, with power, water, roads, and connectivity infrastructure provided by KEZAD Group as part of the master-planned zone development. This is the most capital-intensive option and is designed for anchor industrial investors with substantial capex programmes seeking a permanent manufacturing home in Abu Dhabi.
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What are the key benefits of setting up in KEZAD?
KEZAD Free Zone offers a combination of ownership, tax, and operational benefits that make it one of the most competitive business locations in Abu Dhabi. The following benefits are confirmed on KEZAD Group’s official free zone overview page (kezadgroup.com).
100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor
Companies registered in KEZAD may be 100% owned by a foreign national or a foreign company, with no requirement for a UAE national shareholder or a local sponsor. This applies to all entity types: FZE, FZCO, and Branch. While the UAE’s Federal Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021) has since extended 100% foreign ownership to most mainland business categories as well, KEZAD’s free zone structure retains this benefit and combines it with the additional tax and customs advantages described below.
Zero corporate tax on qualifying free zone income
KEZAD free zone companies that meet the criteria for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status under UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) are eligible for a 0% corporate tax rate on their qualifying income. The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 from 1 June 2023, as confirmed by the Federal Tax Authority. Free zone entities that earn income exclusively from qualifying free zone and qualifying international transactions may maintain the 0% rate. However, businesses that derive income from the UAE mainland above the permitted de minimis thresholds will be subject to standard corporate tax on that element of income. A UAE-registered tax adviser should be consulted to confirm whether your KEZAD entity qualifies as a QFZP before you begin generating revenue.
Full repatriation of profits and capital
KEZAD imposes no restrictions on the transfer of profits, dividends, or invested capital from the UAE to your home country. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid by UAE free zone entities under the current tax framework. This makes KEZAD an attractive base for businesses that want to pool international revenues in a UAE entity and remit profits to shareholders or parent companies elsewhere.
Customs duty exemptions on qualifying goods
Goods imported into KEZAD from outside the UAE, for use within the free zone or for re-export, are exempt from UAE import customs duties (currently 5% on most goods under the GCC Common External Tariff). This benefit is particularly valuable for manufacturing and trading businesses that import raw materials or finished goods, process or repack them within the zone, and then either re-export internationally or distribute via a licensed channel to the UAE mainland market.
Direct access to Khalifa Port
One of KEZAD’s most distinctive physical advantages is its co-location with Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi’s flagship semi-automated deep-water container terminal. Khalifa Port is one of the world’s most advanced port facilities and provides KEZAD businesses with highly efficient access to global shipping routes. For logistics, trading, and manufacturing businesses, this proximity reduces last-mile transport costs, accelerates customs clearance for imported inputs, and provides direct port-to-warehouse connectivity that few other free zones in the UAE can match.
Are there any unique advantages or incentives at KEZAD?
Beyond the standard free zone benefits available across most UAE zones, KEZAD offers several features that set it apart from competing options in Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf.
The Dual Licence programme
KEZAD Group offers a Dual Licence programme that allows a KEZAD free zone company to obtain a complementary DED (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development) licence. This enables the KEZAD entity to trade directly with customers and suppliers on the UAE mainland without the cost and complexity of incorporating a separate mainland company. The Dual Licence is confirmed as one of KEZAD’s key competitive offerings on the official free zone page (kezadgroup.com), and it is particularly valuable for businesses in manufacturing, trading, or distribution that want free zone tax and ownership structures alongside open access to the Abu Dhabi mainland market.
Josoor: KEZAD’s business and procurement network
KEZAD Group operates the Josoor platform, a procurement and supplier matching network connecting more than 2,000 companies operating within the KEZAD ecosystem. Josoor allows KEZAD businesses to advertise procurement needs, find local suppliers, and build commercial partnerships without extensive market research. For SMEs and new market entrants, the network provides immediate commercial visibility and can reduce reliance on imported inputs by connecting businesses to zone neighbours already supplying similar materials or services. Access to Josoor is available to KEZAD licence holders and represents a tangible commercial benefit from the day of incorporation.
Sector-specific industrial clusters
KEZAD is structured around dedicated industrial clusters for specific sectors: food and beverage, building materials, petrochemicals, metals and engineering, paper and packaging, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Each cluster has dedicated infrastructure calibrated to its sector’s specific utility, transport, and safety requirements. Businesses that locate within a relevant cluster benefit from reduced logistics costs, co-location with complementary operations, easier access to industry-specific talent pools, and greater visibility to sector-relevant procurement teams in both the private sector and Abu Dhabi’s large state-owned enterprise network.
Scale, stability, and institutional backing
According to KEZAD Group’s official statistics, KEZAD is the largest free zone complex in the UAE by total area, covering more than 550 square kilometres and contributing to approximately 74% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP. The zone has attracted more than USD 18 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment and supports more than 164,000 direct and indirect jobs. This scale reflects the depth of institutional backing from the Abu Dhabi government, which treats KEZAD as a cornerstone of the emirate’s industrial and economic diversification strategy. For businesses choosing a long-term location, this stability is a meaningful factor in favour of KEZAD.
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How does KEZAD compare to other free zones and mainland Abu Dhabi?
KEZAD is one of several free zone options available in Abu Dhabi, and choosing the right zone depends on your business activity, growth stage, and long-term plans. Below is a focused comparison against the three most common alternatives raised by businesses evaluating KEZAD.
KEZAD vs. ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
ADGM is Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, regulated under a common law framework modelled on English law. It is located on Al Maryah Island in central Abu Dhabi and is best suited to financial services firms, fund managers, FinTech businesses, family offices, and professional services companies targeting the financial sector. ADGM’s compliance requirements are more rigorous than KEZAD’s, its minimum capital requirements are higher for regulated activities, and its annual fees are significantly greater. KEZAD, by contrast, is the zone of choice for industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and general trading businesses. If your business is in financial services or targets institutional financial clients, ADGM is worth evaluating in depth. For manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, or most professional services activities, KEZAD’s infrastructure, lower cost base, and port connectivity make it the stronger commercial choice.
KEZAD vs. twofour54
twofour54 is Abu Dhabi’s dedicated media and creative content free zone. It caters to broadcasters, content producers, gaming studios, digital media companies, and advertising agencies, and it provides specialist facilities including production studios, post-production suites, and co-working environments designed for the creative industry. KEZAD is not designed for media or creative activities, and its industrial focus makes it an unsuitable home for businesses in this sector. If your company falls into the media, entertainment, or digital content categories, twofour54 is the appropriate option. The two zones serve entirely different industry types and are not meaningfully comparable on cost or facilities.
KEZAD vs. Abu Dhabi mainland (via ADDED)
Setting up a company on the Abu Dhabi mainland through ADDED (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development) gives you unrestricted access to the entire UAE domestic market from day one, with no Dual Licence required. Following the 2021 Federal Companies Law reforms, most mainland business categories now permit 100% foreign ownership, narrowing one of the traditional free zone advantages. However, mainland companies are subject to UAE corporate tax on all taxable profits above AED 375,000, regardless of whether income is derived from domestic or international sources. In contrast, KEZAD free zone entities that meet the QFZP criteria may qualify for the 0% rate on qualifying income. Mainland setup in Abu Dhabi also typically involves higher overheads: commercial office space in prime Abu Dhabi locations, higher initial government fees, and more complex ongoing VAT and corporate compliance requirements. KEZAD is generally the lower-cost, simpler entry point for new businesses and foreign investors. The mainland route is better suited to businesses for which unrestricted UAE-wide client access across all industries is an immediate commercial necessity.
Tips
- Choose a multi-year package if you can: The two- and three-year startup packages offer a noticeably lower effective annual cost compared to the one-year option. If you are committed to operating in Abu Dhabi for the medium term, a three-year package can save several thousand dirhams over the same period.
- Apply for the Dual Licence at incorporation, not afterwards: If you plan to trade with UAE mainland clients, applying for the Dual Licence at registration saves additional paperwork and processing time later. It is far simpler to add it from day one than to request it mid-licence term.
- Register on Josoor immediately after licence issuance: Josoor is free to join and gives your company instant visibility within a network of over 2,000 businesses operating in KEZAD. Many new tenants report their first procurement enquiries arriving within weeks of listing.
- Budget for all-in costs from the outset: The startup package fee covers the licence and visa quota only. Plan separately for visa stamping, attestation, bank account opening (which can take between two and eight weeks in the UAE), first-year accountancy, and any office or warehouse rental.
- Verify QFZP eligibility before you generate mainland income: The 0% free zone corporate tax rate requires your company to qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person under the UAE Corporate Tax Law. A UAE-registered tax adviser should confirm your eligibility before you begin transacting, particularly if you derive any revenue from the UAE mainland.
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What are the most frequently asked questions about setting up in KEZAD?
Yes. KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is the former name for what is now officially called KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi). The rebranding was implemented in 2022 to reflect the zone’s growth from a single industrial zone into a network of 12 distinct economic zones. The regulatory authority, management structure under AD Ports Group, legal framework, and physical infrastructure all remained the same. Any existing KIZAD documentation, licences, or contracts continue to be valid and are recognised under the KEZAD name.
A standard KEZAD free zone licence only authorises the company to conduct business within the free zone territory or internationally. To sell goods or services directly to UAE mainland customers, you need either the KEZAD Dual Licence programme (which adds a DED Abu Dhabi mainland commercial activity to your KEZAD free zone licence) or a separately incorporated UAE mainland company. The Dual Licence is KEZAD Group’s own solution to this requirement, and it can be applied for at the time of initial registration or added on as the business grows. It is the most efficient and cost-effective route for businesses that want free zone benefits alongside access to Abu Dhabi mainland clients.
For a standard application with complete documentation, KEZAD Group typically processes company registration within three to ten working days from submission. Applications involving foreign corporate shareholders whose documents require apostillation or UAE embassy legalisation can take three to six weeks from the point that documents are physically ready for submission to KEZAD. The overall timeline from initial enquiry to having a fully operational company with bank account and visas in place typically ranges from two weeks for the simplest cases to two months for more complex corporate structures.
Yes. All KEZAD free zone entities, whether an FZE, FZCO, or branch of a foreign company, may be 100% owned by a foreign national or a foreign company with no requirement whatsoever for a UAE national shareholder, sponsor, or local service agent. This applies uniformly across all licence categories (Trading, Service, Industrial) and all entity types.
The minimum annual package fee is AED 9,450 (USD 2,575), VAT included, for a one-year, one-visa startup package. In addition to the package fee, you should budget for visa stamping and medical testing costs of approximately AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 per visa, and any document preparation or attestation fees that apply to your situation. Total first-year out-of-pocket costs for a minimal single-visa setup (excluding the declared share capital of AED 150,000, which is not physically deposited) typically start at approximately AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 for uncomplicated individual applications.
Yes. Your KEZAD company licence entitles you to apply for UAE residence visas for the number of visa holders specified in your startup package. As a company director or shareholder, you can obtain a UAE investor or partner residence visa, which is typically valid for two to three years and renewable. You may also sponsor employees on employment visas up to the quota permitted by your package tier. Once you lease physical space within the zone, the visa quota expands to reflect the size of the occupied premises. All visa applications are processed through the Abu Dhabi immigration system under KEZAD Group’s registered sponsorship authority.
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