KEZAD Free Zone Company Formation
Unlock Abu Dhabi's premier industrial free zone — Khalifa Industrial Zone (KEZAD) — with 100% foreign ownership, tax-efficient structuring, direct access to Khalifa Port, and world-class industrial infrastructure.
Why Choose KEZAD?
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) is one of the largest integrated trade and industrial zones in the world, strategically located adjacent to Khalifa Port — the Middle East's most advanced deep-sea port. Covering over 417 square kilometres, KEZAD provides businesses in manufacturing, logistics, trading, and professional services with unmatched infrastructure, direct global shipping access, and a fully tax-free operating environment.
Key Benefits of KEZAD Registration
100% Foreign Ownership & Profit Repatriation
KEZAD allows complete foreign ownership with no local sponsor required. All profits and capital can be fully repatriated without restriction, giving international investors total control over their enterprise.
Strategic Location & Multi-Modal Connectivity
Situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, KEZAD neighbours the region's most advanced deep-sea port — Khalifa Port. Its road, sea, and air links provide direct access to a combined consumer market of over eight million people across the UAE and GCC.
World-Class Infrastructure & Industry Clusters
KEZAD offers modern warehouses, industrial units, and logistics parks. Purpose-built facilities and dedicated industry clusters foster collaboration and operational efficiency. Businesses also benefit from advanced utilities and on-site labour accommodation.
Tax-Efficient Structuring & Customs Incentives
Companies operating in KEZAD enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, zero customs duties on goods within the zone, and full exemption from import/export duties — creating an ideal environment for manufacturing, trading, and export-oriented businesses.
Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment
KEZAD's transparent regulatory framework streamlines the setup process. Dedicated client-relationship executives issue licences within days, guide investors on entity type and facility selection, and provide ongoing assistance with visas and compliance.
Flexible & Scalable Facilities
From light industrial units of 300 m² to warehouses exceeding 12,000 m², KEZAD caters to startups and multinational corporations alike. Facilities can be combined, expanded, or customised to match your operational requirements as your business scales.
Business Activities in KEZAD
KEZAD welcomes a diverse range of industrial, commercial, and service activities.
Manufacturing & Production
Companies can manufacture, assemble, process, or fabricate goods using imported or local raw materials. Covered sectors include food processing, steel fabrication, aluminium smelting, plastics, machinery, and automotive parts.
Packaging & Labelling
Permits businesses to package, repack, or relabel goods for distribution or export. Ideal for FMCG, pharmaceutical, and export-oriented companies looking to optimise supply chains from within the UAE.
Heavy Industries
Designed for capital-intensive sectors including petrochemicals, metal works, shipbuilding, and oil and gas equipment manufacturing. These activities typically require large industrial plots, heavy machinery, and strict compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Light Industrial Activities
Suited for small to medium production operations such as electronics assembly, cosmetics manufacturing, printing, and fashion/apparel production. These require smaller units and less power-intensive infrastructure than heavy industries.
Import & Export Trading
Authorises the international trade of raw materials, semi-finished, or finished goods. Traders can import into KEZAD, warehouse goods duty-free, and re-export globally without customs levies.
Wholesale Distribution
Enables companies to distribute goods in bulk to other businesses within or outside the UAE. Goods can be stored in KEZAD's bonded warehouses until sold or shipped to regional and global buyers.
E-Commerce Trade
Businesses can store, manage, and ship products sold via online platforms locally and globally. KEZAD's logistics infrastructure supports seamless last-mile delivery and cross-border fulfilment operations.
Management & Consultancy Services
Covers advisory firms across HR, business management, strategy, finance, education, legal consultancy, and project management. These businesses typically require only office space and minimal staffing.
Logistics & Supply Chain Services
Freight forwarding, cargo handling, inventory management, warehousing, and 3PL services. KEZAD's proximity to Khalifa Port and multi-modal infrastructure gives logistics firms significant operational and cost advantages.
IT & Technology Services
Covers software development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI solutions, and digital transformation services. These businesses can serve clients across the UAE and internationally from KEZAD.
Marketing, Media & Advertising
Permits agencies to provide digital marketing, media buying, content creation, event management, and public relations services to regional and international clients.
Education & Training
Authorises businesses to offer vocational training, skill development, and certification programmes for workers and professionals across manufacturing, logistics, IT, and other industries.
Legal Entity Types
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Provides limited liability to shareholders, with liability restricted to each shareholder's capital contribution. Minimum paid-up capital is AED 150,000. Ownership can include individuals, corporations, or a combination of both.
Free Zone Company
Designed for companies wholly owned by foreign investors. Offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and full tax exemptions — making it ideal for international firms targeting global markets from a UAE base.
Branch Office
Companies already registered outside KEZAD can establish branches within the free zone. Branches do not require paid-up capital, operate under the parent company's name, and are ideal for expanding existing international operations into the UAE.
Non-Free Zone LLC / Branch
Within KEZAD's B-region, investors can form non-free zone companies that permit operations throughout the UAE. These structures are subject to UAE Commercial Companies Law and may require local shareholding depending on the activity.
Types of Licences Available
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, and exporting goods. Allows companies to import raw materials, produce finished products, and distribute locally or globally. Key benefits include zero import/export duties and proximity to Khalifa Port.
Trading Licence
Permits import, export, distribution, and warehousing across defined product categories such as electronics, textiles, automotive, and FMCG. Includes duty-free storage, simplified customs procedures, and unrestricted currency movement.
General Trading Licence
Allows businesses to deal in multiple unrelated product categories — often more than 17 — under one licence. Best for diverse portfolios including retail chains, e-commerce firms, and global trading houses. Reduces administrative complexity and broadens revenue opportunities.
Service Licence
For companies offering professional or specialised services rather than goods. Covers consultancy, IT, logistics, marketing, travel, hospitality, and more. Suits businesses that primarily need office space rather than industrial infrastructure.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
- 01
Research & Activity Selection
Analyse your business model and identify the specific activities permitted in KEZAD. Review industrial clusters, facility options, and licensing categories to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and your growth projections.
- 02
Trade Name Reservation
Choose a unique name reflecting your brand that complies with UAE naming conventions. The name must not violate public morals or existing trademarks. Reserve it through the KEZAD authority to obtain an initial trade name certificate.
- 03
Application Submission & Initial Approval
Prepare and submit your company application with required documents including passport copies, NOC, and business plan. KEZAD's executives review the application and issue initial approval, allowing you to proceed with leasing and licensing.
- 04
Licensing & External Approvals
Select the appropriate licence and pay the required fees. Obtain approvals from sector-specific regulators such as environmental bodies or health authorities depending on your activity. The final licence is issued after all compliance checks.
- 05
Facility Selection & Lease Agreement
Choose and lease a facility within KEZAD that matches your operational requirements — whether a light industrial unit, warehouse, or office space. Finalise the lease and ensure the facility meets health, safety, and technical specifications.
- 06
Visa Processing
Apply for residence and employment visas for shareholders, managers, and employees. KEZAD facilitates visa quotas based on your leased space and business activity. Submit visa applications, medical fitness certificates, and Emirates ID forms.
- 07
Corporate Bank Account Setup
Open a corporate bank account to manage your finances. Prepare legal documents, shareholder resolutions, and passport copies. ElevateBiz360 guides you through selecting a suitable bank, meeting compliance requirements, and activating online banking.
Documents Required
Passport Copies & Visa Pages
Copies of shareholders' and directors' passports and current UAE visa pages for identity verification and security checks.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Required for applicants currently employed in the UAE, confirming the current sponsor's permission to establish a new business.
Proof of Address & Contact Details
Recent utility bills or tenancy contracts confirming the residential address of shareholders and directors for due diligence purposes.
Business Plan & Activity Description
A detailed plan outlining proposed activities, financial projections, and facility requirements — used by KEZAD to assess feasibility and zoning compliance.
Education & Professional Certificates
For certain regulated activities, educational qualifications or professional licences may be required to confirm competence and adherence to industry standards.
Bank Reference Letter
A reference from your existing bank demonstrating financial reliability — may be requested for corporate account opening purposes.
How ElevateBiz360 Supports Your KEZAD Setup
ElevateBiz360 manages the complete KEZAD registration process — from activity selection and trade name reservation through licence applications, facility selection, visa processing, and corporate bank account facilitation.
Our advisors have direct experience with KEZAD procedures and maintain working relationships with the authority, UAE banks, and relevant government bodies — ensuring a smooth and efficient setup for investors from any country.
Important limitations
- KEZAD approves licences, activities, and land or warehouse allocation based on availability and project suitability.
- Industrial projects may require environmental, civil defence, or sector-specific approvals before operations begin.
- KEZAD lease, licence, and renewal fees are set by the authority and may change.
- Visa quotas depend on facility type and size, with final approval by UAE immigration.
- Corporate banking is arranged directly with the bank under its own KYC process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign investors own 100% of their business in KEZAD?
Yes. KEZAD permits full foreign ownership for free zone companies. International investors can retain complete control and repatriate all profits without any local shareholding requirement.
How long does it take to set up a company in KEZAD?
Most licences are issued within a few working days of complete document submission, thanks to KEZAD's dedicated client-relationship executives who guide investors through each stage of the process.
What is the minimum capital required to establish an LLC in KEZAD?
The minimum paid-up share capital for a KEZAD LLC is AED 150,000. Free Zone Companies and Branch Offices do not have a minimum capital requirement.
Are there restrictions on hiring foreign employees in KEZAD?
No. KEZAD allows businesses to recruit international staff without restrictions. Visa quotas are allocated based on the size of your leased facility and the nature of your business activity.
How does KEZAD's free zone differ from its non-free zone areas?
KEZAD's free zone area offers 100% foreign ownership, full tax exemptions, and customs benefits. The B-region non-free zone area allows operations across the UAE but is subject to UAE Commercial Companies Law, which may require local shareholding depending on the activity.
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Ready to Set Up in KEZAD?
Connect with an ElevateBiz360 advisor today. We'll guide you through the right entity, licence, and facility for your KEZAD company.