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ZoneWise AI · online

Abu Dhabi free zone · Industrial, manufacturing & logistics

KEZAD Abu Dhabi Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

KEZAD, formerly KIZAD, is Abu Dhabi’s major industrial and logistics zone beside Khalifa Port. It is built for manufacturers, distributors and heavy-industry operators who need land, factory units and sea-port access.

Indicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required) Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official KEZAD website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationBetween Abu Dhabi and Dubai, near Khalifa Port
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time2–6 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to facility size
Banking easeGood
RenewalAnnual licence and lease renewals

KEZAD company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Indicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required) — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: AED 55,000+ for industrial units.

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the KEZAD licence

  • Direct access to Khalifa Port
  • Land, warehouses and factory units for industrial operators
  • Strategic position between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
  • Support for manufacturing, logistics and trading
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is KEZAD best for?

  • Manufacturers and industrial operators
  • Distributors and logistics companies
  • Companies needing large-scale space

Typical permitted activities

  • Manufacturing and assembly
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Trading and distribution
  • Heavy and light industry

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Poor fit for small service or online businesses
  • Total cost is driven by land and building size

How to set up a company in KEZAD

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

KEZAD compared with similar UAE free zones

KEZADJAFZAADAFZADGM
EmirateAbu DhabiDubaiAbu DhabiAbu Dhabi
Best forIndustrial, manufacturing & logisticsLogistics, trading & industrialAviation, logistics & general businessFinancial centre & regulated business
Licence costIndicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required)Trading licence from about AED 5,000/yr (one activity group) · office, warehouse and visas extraEntry packages indicative AED 15,000–25,000 (quote required)Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more
Setup time2–6 weeks1–3 weeks2–4 weeks2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms)
Banking easeGoodGoodGoodHigh
Fee dataIndicative bandIndicative bandIndicative bandIndicative band

FAQs: KEZAD Abu Dhabi company formation

Is KEZAD only for large factories?

No — smaller trading and logistics companies also operate there — but its strength is industrial space and port access.

How much does it cost to set up a company in KEZAD Abu Dhabi?

Indicative cost: Indicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 55,000+ for industrial units. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does KEZAD company setup take?

Typically 2–6 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in KEZAD?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in KEZAD trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in KEZAD?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are KEZAD companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in KEZAD?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for KEZAD is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in KEZAD?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is KEZAD best for?

Manufacturers and industrial operators; Distributors and logistics companies; Companies needing large-scale space.

Get a written quote for KEZAD Abu Dhabi

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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