KIZAD — Khalifa Free Zone Abu Dhabi

KIZAD company formation process

You can register both free zone and non-free zone companies through the Khalifa Industrial Zone authority. KIZAD provides both zero-visa and visa-eligible packages. Company formation in KIZAD includes a remote business setup option that can be implemented via online video verification.

1. Choose your business activities and license type. Determine the business activities of your future company and the corresponding license type. This is a key aspect of business setup, as choosing the wrong activity and license can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or even making such opening impossible. Note that KIZAD allows for up to 5 activities under a single license, and the business activity will be added to your company name, for example: ABC Food & Beverages Trading LTD.
2. Determine the legal entity of your business. Available company formation types at KIZAD include LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) or a branch of an already existing company registered in another free zone or the UAE mainland.
3. Prepare and file the required documentation. KIZAD requires the following documentation package:
   • FZ application & licensing registration form (should be typed)
   • Business plan
   • RIC form
   • UBO form
   • Passport copies, with visa (if applicable)
   • NOC in Arabic from the sponsor on letterhead (if applicable)
   • Jinsiya (family book for UAE nationals)
   • Emirates ID copies (if applicable).
   • 1 passport-sized personal photo (with white background)
   • University educational certificates attested by the UAE embassy in a related country & translated to Arabic (for consultancy & investment service licenses only)
   • Proof of residency - electricity bill/tenancy contracts
   • Personal CV

   Company registration in KIZAD requires an initial approval which takes 1-2 weeks to be completed. Initial approval is done at a fee of 500 AED. Also, this step involves paying all the registration and processing fees.

4. Collect the license and registration documents. They include:
   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Business license
   • Memorandum and Articles of Association
   • Investment Service Agreement
   • Share certificate
   • Lease agreement
5. Secure your Establishment Card. Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
6. Apply for an entry permit. Apply for an entry permit. If you’re outside of the UAE during the processing of the entry permit, you will need to come to the country when the document is issued within 60 days to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. If you’re in the UAE when the entry permit is issued, a status change will be done from your previous UAE tourist/residency visa to the new one.
7. Take a medical test and submit visa documents. Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for residence visa approval as well as your biometrics. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company. Note that at KIZAD, you may now get initial approval from the free zone authorities based on the chosen business activity and company type. Also, health insurance will be mandatory.
8. Collect your Emirates ID. Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card.
9. Open a bank account. Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. At least one shareholder of the company is required to have a UAE residency visa to be able to open a bank account for the company. Also, KIZAD does not require proof of deposit of the share capital on the corporate bank account. However, you may be asked for it depending on the chosen bank, so make sure to settle this issue with banks beforehand.

With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don't even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.

KIZAD license cost

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi can be considered one of the most affordable zones in the UAE. Any standard package includes flexi-desk rent.

Additional costs related:

• KIZAD visa fee
• KIZAD Establishment Card
• Medical checkup
• Emirates ID

Is KIZAD suitable for your business?

Yes:

• If you are looking for a low-cost business setup solution in the UAE or specifically in Abu Dhabi, as KIZAD is one of the most cost-effective and affordable free zones in both Abu Dhabi and in the entire country.
• If your business is related to industry, trade, or logistics, as KIZAD provides excellent logistical opportunities, as well as large storage facilities such as standard and customizable warehouses of the highest quality.
• If you’re planning to open a business aimed at services such as management, marketing, freight forwarding support, or traveling.
• If your business requires a dual license with a mainland facility or retail space, as KIZAD allows for opening a second license in the mainland without a local sponsor.
• If you’re an ADNOC contractor looking for a cost-effective setup in Abu Dhabi.

You can also consider an alternative solution such as a business setup in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, which has a lot to offer for industrial companies too.

No:

• If you intend to open a business in Dubai.
• If your nationality is considered a high-risk one, as you may be able to open a company in Abu Dhabu but may not be granted a residency visa.
• If your business revolves around non-industrial activities and does not require storage or retail facilities. For such business activities, we recommend Dubai Media City or Fujairah Creative City free zones.

KIZAD licenses and business activities

Khalifa Industrial Zone offers a vast list of activities mainly related to industry, trading, and logistics. You can engage in up to 5 similar activities under one license. KIZAD also allows for service activities related to:

• Management
• Marketing
• Freight forwarding support
• Travel agencies
• And many more

Note that certain activities might require a proof of educational degree.

• E-Commerce License in Dubai — a UAE e-commerce license — also called an e-commerce trade license or online business license — authorizes a company to sell goods and services.
• Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai — quality food is in ever-growing demand in the UAE. A Foodstuff Trading License will allow you to import, distribute, and sell food products.
• Commercial Trade License in Dubai — a Commercial License will allow you to open a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, with access to local and global markets.
• Technical Services License in Dubai — provide a wide range of technical services in the UAE, from equipment installation and maintenance to repairs and construction.
• Professional License in Dubai — with a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.
• Tourism License in Dubai — start a travel agency, tour operator, or adventure tourism business in the UAE’s booming tourism sector.
• General trading license in Dubai — trade multiple products across various industries with a single license, offering maximum business flexibility.
• Manufacturing License in Dubai — set up your own production facility in the UAE and benefit from advanced infrastructure and global market access.
• Service license in the UAE — offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.
• Car trading license in the UAE — buy and sell new or used cars in the UAE’s thriving automotive market.

It has attractive tax conditions for manufacturers producing goods in the free zone and re-shipping them to other countries. You can claim tax exemption on raw materials as well, which is also beneficial to trading companies that carry out import and export activities to customers that are not the final consumers.

KIZAD facilities

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi offers an array of accommodation solutions for your company setup. The free zone has one of the highest-quality warehouses among all UAE free zones. They do not require high investments in order to move in and start working. Apart from that, the free zone offers flexi-desks and offices to accommodate businesses with any business activity.

• Flexi desk — a shared working space available for a certain number of hours. It provides minimal facility requirements for company registration.
• Warehouse — a facility for companies needing storage space for goods and materials, often equipped for light industrial use.
• Plot of land — a space where businesses can construct their own facilities according to their specific needs, often with freehold or long-term lease options.
• Light industrial unit — a space designed for businesses involved in light manufacturing, testing, or repairing.

KIZAD’s master plan is designed to fit all the needs of manufacturing, trading, and storage companies. If you are looking for an office or a warehouse, there are many customized solutions. Warehouse costs start from AED 350 per sq.meter per year. Khalifa Port connects the free zone to more than 60 international destinations. Another key thing about KIZAD is that if you are renting an executive office, the trade license is given free of charge.

KIZAD residence visas

Medical checkup and the submission of biometrics can be done in any emirate. Health insurance is mandatory, with the basic insurance option priced at about AED 600.

Visas are valid for 2 years both for company owners and employees.

If you are planning to sponsor dependents, you must have a residential tenancy contract. However, an apartment in Abu Dhabi is not required for family sponsorship.

KIZAD company license renewal

The renewal of the KIZAD business license costs the same as the original license and is quick and easy. A financial audit is required. Renewal can be done without the physical presence of the company owner.

Note that no amendment charges are applied to make changes during company renewal. To renew your business license, submit an application form with the required documents to the free zone authorities, pay the renewal fees, and wait for your license to be renewed. The fee would vary based on the visa quota on the license.

KIZAD company amendments

At Khalifa Industrial Zone, Company amendments can be initiated only by the company’s shareholders or by a business consultant acting as a company representative. A board resolution detailing the share amendment will be required to be signed by the company shareholders.

The list of company amendments supported by KIZAD includes:

• Changing the company name
• Changing managers/shareholders
• Changing the company’s business activities
• Appointing or resigning positions
• Transferring company shares
• Changing visa packages
• And others

To make changes to your company, initiate the amendment by contacting the KIZAD authorities or your business setup consultant, pay the amendment fee (if necessary), and wait for the amendment confirmation.

KIZAD company liquidation

At Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, a company needs to appoint auditors as liquidators and they have to issue confirmation that the company has no liabilities in the market. After the liquidation report is issued by the auditor, you will then be required to pay the liquidation fee.

The liquidation procedure will be the following:

1. Provide the following mandatory documents:

• Board resolution signed by the shareholders and stating the reason for the company liquidation
• deregistration documentation
• visa cancellation documentation
• copies of passports and visas for all visa holders
• audit report

2. Pay cancellation fees and settle other payments.

3. After this, the process of the shareholder visa cancellation starts.

4. The deregistration letter will be sent to your email confirming the cancellation of your company.

The timeframe of the company liquidation process at KIZAD is approximately 1 month. All resident visas must be canceled prior to the liquidation. The corporate bank account needs to be closed as well.

About KIZAD

KIZAD stands for Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, currently also known as KEZAD Khalifa Industrial. It is a state-of-the-art free zone located next to Khalifa Port – one of the most developed ports in the world and a major trade and logistics hub.

Originally, KIZAD was established in 2012 by AD Ports (Abu Dhabi Ports Group), the main Abu Dhabi developer and operator of ports and economic zones engaged in industry, trade, and logistics, in an effort to create an industrial free zone directly connected to the newly developed Khalifa Port.

In 2022, AD Ports Group decided to merge KIZAD with ZonesCorp, a free zone operator, thus creating KEZAD Group (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group), a massive conglomeration of 12 specialized economic zones with a total area of 550 thousand sq. km, which includes KEZAD Al Ma'mourah, KEZAD Khalifa Industrial, KEZAD Musaffah, KEZAD Al Ain, KEZAD Al Faya, and others. Presently, KEZAD Group is home to over 1,800 companies with a range of 17 industrial and economic sectors.

As a result of the merger and establishment of KEZAD Group, Khalifa Industrial Zone was renamed to KEZAD Khalifa Industrial and is now among the most affordable Abu Dhabi free zones.

One of its key features is the wide range of logistic options. In addition to being adjacent to Khalifa Port, it is essentially located between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which constitutes close proximity to several airports including Al Maktoum International Airport (also known as Dubai World Central), Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Al Ain International Airport. It also has great road connectivity via E13 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) and E11 (Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road) highways.

Moreover, Khalifa Industrial’s integration into KEZAD Group provides the zone with more business and logistical opportunities through other ports, airports, and economic zones.

As compared to many other UAE free zones, it came to the market quite recently, together with another popular zone in Fujairah called IFZA. However, KIZAD offers more physical facilities, especially for storage, production, and distribution. By 2030, it is expected to amount to over 15% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP.