FreezoneMatch

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi — Largest economic zone spanning industrial

AED 11,000 /year 5-14 working days setup 50 visas

What is Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi's largest economic zone spanning industrial, trading, logistics, and service sectors with government-waived fees for the first 2 years.

Abu Dhabi's largest economic zone spanning industrial, trading, logistics, and service sectors with government-waived fees for the first 2 years.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/income tax (QFZP)
  • License fees waived first 2 years by Abu Dhabi Government
  • Adjacent to Khalifa Port
  • Industrial plots from AED 15-45/m²/yr

Pricing & Costs

From AED 11,000/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Workstation Package (1 visa)

AED 11,000/year
  • License
  • 1 visa quota
  • Workstation

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person
Establishment Card
Establishment CardⓘGovernment immigration file, renewed annually AED 1,000

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 0 – 0
Establishment Card Renewalⓘ AED 1,000
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 1,500 – 2,750

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — contact the FreezoneMatch team directly to confirm latest rates. (Prices last updated: 12 February 2026)

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
📋
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi's approved list

📄
Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

💳
Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

✅
Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi

🛂
Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

🏦
Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

🎉

You're Open for Business!

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

3/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★ ★★ Moderate
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

Not sure if Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

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Why Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?

What makes this free zone stand out.

⚡

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

🏦

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 3/5 (Moderate). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

👥

Up to 50 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

💰

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

🌍

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including ADDED Permit and branch licensing.

📍

Abu Dhabi Location

Adjacent to Khalifa Port, 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center and Abu Dhabi International Airport

🏢

License fees waived first 2 years by ...

A key advantage of setting up your business in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

🔧

Adjacent to Khalifa Port

A key advantage of setting up your business in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

Best For
  • Industrial companies and businesses
  • Trading companies and businesses
  • Logistics companies and businesses
  • Food Processing companies and businesses
  • Automotive companies and businesses
  • Metals companies and businesses
  • Polymers companies and businesses
  • Life Science companies and businesses
Consider Alternatives If
  • Solo freelancers or consultants (more affordable options exist)
  • Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Reviews

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

Is Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Right for You?

✅ Choose Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi if you...

  • • industrial companies and businesses
  • • trading companies and businesses
  • • logistics companies and businesses
  • • food Processing companies and businesses

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • solo freelancers or consultants (more affordable options exist)
  • • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Compare with Similar Freezones

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Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone

Higher cost but more features; strong in services, light industrial

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Khalifa Port Free Zone

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

How much does it cost to set up in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?
First-year costs typically range from AED 11,000 – 20,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on facility/office size leased. Each visa costs approximately AED 1,500 – 2,750 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi?
No, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.
Independent Advice

Not sure if Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi is right for you?

Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.

WhatsApp Quick reply
Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi directly

+971 800 10 20 30 enquiry@kezad.ae www.kezadgroup.com
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