The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the UAE, with its coastline stretching along the Persian Gulf for more than 650 km. The emirate is the country’s political and industrial centre, as well as a major cultural and commercial centre due to its position as a capital. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the UAE economy.
KIZAD Free Zone offers the possibility of registering Abu Dhabi onshore (free zone) companies that can operate both within and outside the UAE. Such companies are granted a licence (special authorization from the Emirate’s Authority) according to the type of activity that they will be engaged in. Establishing a free zone company implies the possibility of obtaining residence visas for shareholders / employees, as well as their families, which is an indisputable advantage.
Company registration in KIZAD Free Zone includes the following steps:
The UAE does not have public company registries that would contain details of shareholders or directors. Information about free zone companies can only be obtained at the request of a local court.
The register of shareholders and directors of the company is not accessible to third parties.
Upon registration the company and the Free Zone authority sign an office lease agreement; the address of such office is considered the official registered office address of the company.
KIZAD offers various office packages depending on the needs of clients in terms of type and number of licences, number of visas, the need for substance and placement in the Free Zone: from smart desk (a separate workstation in first-class business centres) to a proper office.
Companies are required to have a common seal.
The redomiciliation of companies either to or from the UAE is permitted.
The director can be an individual only. There are no requirements as to the residence of the director.
The minimum number of directors is 1, the maximum number is not set by the Free Zone.
Details of directors are not accessible to public.
The secretary can be an individual only. There are no requirements as to the residence of the secretary.
The maximum number is 1 and it can be the same person as director.
Details of the secretary are not accessible to public.
The manager can be an individual only. There are no requirements as to the residence of the man-ager.
The minimum number of managers is 1, the maximum number is not set by the Free Zone.
It can be the same person as director / shareholder.
Details of managers are not accessible to public.
Both individuals and legal entities can be shareholders. There are no residence requirements.
The minimum number of members is 1, the maximum is 50.
KIZAD does not require a company to necessarily have a local shareholder in its structure.
Details of shareholders are not accessible to public.
Despite that many jurisdictions consider creating a public register of beneficial owners, the UAE does not have one yet. This means that there is no open access to the beneficial ownership information. It is stored by a service provider, namely a company registration agent, trustees, lawyers, accountants and other professionals, subject to strict confidentiality. Information about the beneficial owner can only be disclosed to regulatory authorities (for example, during inspections for its availability) or by court order.
The standard minimum share capital of a KIZAD company is AED 150 000. The capital can be denominated in UAE Dirhams (AED) only.
A company may issue different classes of shares. Bearer shares are not permitted.
There is no requirement to provide confirmation of payment of the share capital for company registration.
Price9 500 USD
Including licence, rent of flexi-desk, stamp, and company registration. The cost of the package may vary depending on the number of shareholders, type of licence, and size of the office (the number of resident visas depends on the size of the office). The fees are stated for a company with a single shareholder and the possibility of obtaining 2 resident visas (minimum package).
Price1 000 AED / ~ 272 USD
The fees also include a refundable deposit for e-channel in the amount of AED 5,000 (appr. USD 1370).
Price8 200 USD
Including licence, rent of flexi-desk, and company renewal. The fees are stated for a company with a single shareholder and the possibility of obtaining 2 resident visas (minimum package).
Price4 200 USD
Cost of one investor visa, including: payment of all government fees (Entry Permit, Medical & Emirates ID, Visa Stamping); preparation and submission of applications and necessary documentation; accompanying the applicant on the trip to the hospital and migration authority.
Price2 500 USD
Irrespective of the outcome of application
Price250 USD
DHL or TNT, at cost of a Courier Service
Paid-up “nominee director” set includes the following documents
Paid-up “nominee shareholder” set includes the following documents
Compliance fee is payable in the cases of: renewal of a company, liquidation of a company, transfer out of a company, issue of a power of attorney to a new attorney, change of director / shareholder / BO (except the change to a nominee director / shareholder), signing of documents
Price350 USD
simple company structure with only 1 physical person
Price150 USD
additional compliance fee for legal entity in structure under GSL administration (per 1 entity)
Price200 USD
additional compliance fee for legal entity in structure NOT under GSL administration (per 1 entity)
Price450 USD
Price100 USD
