Choose the free zone
Pick the authority that fits your activity and location needs. Examples include Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, Khalifa Industrial Zone, Masdar City, Twofour54.
Tip: shortlist by activity, visa count, facility type.
If you are planning to start or expand your business in the capital, getting an Abu Dhabi Free Zone Trade License is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways. Free zones in Abu Dhabi are designed to attract investors by offering full ownership, tax benefits, and simplified company setup processes. This guide explains what an Abu Dhabi Free Zone License is, how much it costs, and why it could be the best option for your business.
Depending on your activity, you can apply for different categories of trade licenses, including:
Commercial License – for trading and general trading activities
Service License – for consultancy, marketing, media, IT, education, and more
Industrial License – for manufacturing, production, and light industry
Freelancer License – for individuals offering specialized professional services
One of the most searched queries is about the Abu Dhabi Free Zone License cost. The cost depends on:
On average, the Abu Dhabi Free Zone License cost starts from AED 11,000 – AED 15,000 for a basic package with a flexi-desk and one visa quota. Prices increase with additional visas, larger offices, or specialized activities.
Simple steps, fast approvals, clear costs. Here is the clean process to get your license without confusion.
Pick the authority that fits your activity and location needs. Examples include Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, Khalifa Industrial Zone, Masdar City, Twofour54.
Tip: shortlist by activity, visa count, facility type.Choose commercial, service, industrial, or freelancer license based on what you will do.
Provide passport, photo, activity list, and application forms. Name approval usually takes one business day.
Choose a flexi desk or office, then sign MoA and lease. The free zone issues your incorporation kit.
Get the trade license and incorporation certificate. You can proceed with establishment card, Emirates ID, and bank account.
If documents are complete, the process usually completes in 3 to 7 working days.
Costs vary by activity, visa quota, and facility. Basic packages for a flexi desk with one visa quota commonly start in the low to mid five figures.
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saud farooqui2024-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. i had a great experience working with them. everything was perfectly on time. Miss Humera Gill was a great support. Thankyou CIG Raed El Abbassi2024-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful team and 5 star company. Recommend. Thanks to humeral and kinza from their team. Mehrdad SMazaheri2024-03-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The office staff are very helpful and accommodating. Ms. Joyce and Ms. Humera are done a great job setting me up for my office. The ladies are super professional and friendly. Chinni Cm2023-12-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The quality Service is excellent! I recommended to you this capital International Group One more our business advisor Ms Meghana is very cooperative. The service is speedy Chinnababu Lakkoju2023-12-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very Impressive The service is great I recommend to all of them my experience is better.Ms Meghana is very helpful and answered all our questions. let's say one stop solution After license we will now proceeding bank account opening.. Thank you so much! Good luck Okstech Information technology omer farooq2023-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Team and service Ms Meghana is very helpful and well experienced person Rami Mutlaq2023-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you CIG and Humera Gill for helping me set up an office for my freezone company! The process was very smooth&simple and the prices were very good. Also they keep checking up on me and ask me if there are any problems or if I have any recommendations. Honestly I am very happy with everything and highly recommend them! Speak to Humera she is very professional and will take care of you! ishwar ahuja2023-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good service, nice talk, complete work thanks to all special humera
The cost depends on your business activity, visa quota, and office type. On average, packages start from AED 12,000 for a flexi-desk and one visa quota.
If your documents are complete, most Abu Dhabi free zones can issue a trade license within 3–7 working days
Not always. Many free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office solutions that are more cost-effective for startups.
Yes, depending on the package. You can apply for investor and employee visas. The number of visas allowed depends on the facility you choose.
Generally, you’ll need:
Passport copy of shareholders
Passport-size photo
Proposed trade name
Initial approval form
Lease/flexi-desk agreement (if required)
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