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Abu Dhabi Free Zone

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ABU DHABI FREE ZONE

Abu Dhabi Free Zone

A free zone company formation in Abu Dhabi is the best decision for those harboring the ambition of becoming an entrepreneur. If you are among those and don’t know where to start, then read on further as here you will learn all the knicks-knacks required to successfully start your free zone company in Abu Dhabi. So here you go! 

A free zone company setup in Abu Dhabi comes with lots of advantages. You get 100% ownership of the business, there’s no liability to pay any personal taxes and a corporate tax of just 9% or 0% tax is applicable depending on your qualifying income. Apart from this, the registration fees for company setup is also quite affordable in Emirates. 

There are over 5 free zones in Abu Dhabi and each free zone has its advantages, requiring specific licenses, and office and business rental facilities. Therefore, one free zone may be better for one company than another so it is important to select the right free zone for the business setup.

Free zone company formation Abu Dhabi - Types of entities that can be set up

  • Free Zone Limited Liability Company: This type of legal entity requires an individual shareholder and corporate shareholders or a mix of both. Also the shareholders’ liability is limited to the capital they invest in the company. 
  • Branch of a Foreign Company: Any company having a branch in other countries and wanting to open its branch in Abu Dhabi can do so with this entity type. The branch office can carry out activities similar to that of the parent company. However, it cannot operate as a separate legal company from the parent company. 
  • Branch of a UAE Company: This is similar to that of the branch of a foreign company. However, in this entity, the parent company should be established in the UAE and its branch can be opened in the free zone. This company should also operate on the same name as that of the parent company and execute similar business activities. 
  • Freelancer License: The freelancer business license enables individuals to operate as freelancers. Such professionals can conduct business activities either on their own name or business name. 
  • Free Zone Establishment: This type of license is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to be the sole owner of their business. The owner is the single shareholder of this limited liability company and has total control of the business.

Documentation Needed for Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Formation

The list of documents that an entrepreneur would require for registering a business in Abu Dhabi Free Zones are as follows: 

  • Application form of the company 
  • Shareholders’ passport copies
  • Passport-size photographs with white background 
  • 2 to 3 names options for the new company
  • Business activity specifications 
  • Required number of visas
  • Address proof 
  • Bank’s reference letter

Free zone company setup Abu Dhabi - Detailed steps:

The business setup procedure in Abu Dhabi free zones is simple, seamless and faster, and free from administrative restrictions. Here are the steps to follow:  The business setup procedure in Abu Dhabi free zones is simple, seamless and faster, and free from administrative restrictions. Here are the steps to follow: 
  1. Determine the type of business activity
As with any other business activity, you will need to first identify the type of business that you want to indulge in before the company formation in Abu Dhabi Free Zones.
  1. Register the trade name 
Next step is to choose the trade name for your business. You can share some names with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or check with relevant authorities if the proposed trade name can be taken. Some of the most common Trade Name regulations are as follows: 
  • The name should not violate the morality or public order
  • It should be followed by the entity’s legal form, such as FZE, LLC, DMCC, etc.
  • Ensure that no other firm has registered the same trade name. 
  • The name should have words, symbols or logos that imply governing authorities, religions,  or foreign organizations.
  1. Choose the Business License
Once your trade name is approved and registered, you need to apply for a business license. Depending on your company activity in Abu Dhabi Free Zone, you need to choose any of the following Business licenses: 
  • Warehousing license
  • Consultancy or services license
  • Industrial license
  • Offshore license
  • Educational license
  • Manufacturing license
  • Freelancer license
  • Commercial or trade license
  • Media license
  • E-commerce license
  1. Selecting the Office space
You will need a dedicated office for a company formation in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone. It can be either purchased or leased. You can select the office depending on the number of employees in your company and the selected business activity. 
  1. Registration and Issuance of License
The next step is to register the company and pay the required fees. The fees will vary depending on the type of license you have requested. However, submit the following documents to register your business in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone:
  • A notarized and attested copy of the board resolution that has details of the appointment of the company’s manager or director
  • A passport-sized photographs of the company’s management
  • Information about the share capital
  • Power of Attorney 
  • Specimen signature of the manager or director of the compan
  • Articles of Association and Memorandum 
Corpin consultants has the highly experienced business consultants who have been assisting clients across the world to form their companies in the UAE. With over a decade of experience in this field, you can rely on us for hassle-free, reliable and seamless company formation. Schedule your free consultation today!

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