KEZAD
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi — industrial, logistics and manufacturing businesses, with land, warehouses and port access.
Company formation · Abu Dhabi
Company setup in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers a mainland route, an international financial centre (ADGM) and several free zones for industry, clean-tech and media. We help you choose the route that fits your activity and plans.
Mainland Abu Dhabi
Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi are licensed through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with applications made on the TAMM government services platform. A mainland licence generally lets you trade directly across the UAE, open outlets and, subject to any vendor registration, work with government entities. A registered office under a tenancy contract is normally required, and some activities need approval from a sector regulator.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM is an international financial centre on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands that applies English common law directly. Its Registration Authority registers companies, and its Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) authorises financial services. ADGM is commonly used for holding companies, family offices, foundations, asset managers and fintech. Regulated activities take considerably longer to set up than non-regulated ones.
Abu Dhabi free zones
Masdar City Free Zone
A sustainability and technology-focused free zone, also used by start-ups and SMEs for flexible office options.
twofour54
Abu Dhabi's media and entertainment free zone, for production, gaming, content and creative businesses.
ADGM
For financial services, holding structures, family offices and foundations under English common law.
Summary only. Each authority sets its own activities, workspace and visa rules, which change from time to time; we confirm current requirements before you apply.
Sources: official websites of ADDED and the TAMM platform (tamm.abudhabi), ADGM (adgm.com), KEZAD (kezad.ae), Masdar City Free Zone (masdarcityfreezone.com) and twofour54 (twofour54.com); Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax.
How we help
Online consultation
We discuss your activity, clients, visas and budget.
Route options & quote
We talk through the mainland and free zone options for your case and send an itemised written quote.
Licensing
We prepare and submit the application and follow up on approvals.
Visas, bank & tax
Residence visas, bank account file and Corporate Tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
It depends on your clients, sector and banking needs. Abu Dhabi is often considered by businesses working with Abu Dhabi government, energy and industrial clients, or needing ADGM's financial-centre framework. We compare both for your case.
Is ADGM the same as a free zone?
ADGM is a financial free zone with its own courts, registration authority and financial regulator, applying English common law. It is more regulated than typical commercial free zones.
Do I need an office in Abu Dhabi?
Mainland companies normally need a registered office under a tenancy contract. Free zones have their own workspace options, and ADGM has its own office and presence requirements.
Can a free zone company in Abu Dhabi trade on the mainland?
Free zone companies generally need a mainland route — such as a dual licence through ADDED where available, a distributor or a separate mainland licence — to sell directly into the mainland market. We check the current options for your activity.
Setting up in Abu Dhabi?
Book a short online meeting and we'll compare the Abu Dhabi options with Dubai for your business.
Important: This page is provided for general information and knowledge purposes only, as at 10 October 2026. It is not legal, tax, immigration, financial or other professional advice, and it is not a recommendation or suggestion to take, or not take, any action. UAE laws, government requirements, fees and processes change frequently and can depend on your specific facts, so verify the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before making any decision. Any service from ProBiz Setup is provided only under a written engagement. See our full disclaimer.