United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority (ADAFZ)

Formation Time

5–7 business days

Min. Capital

AED 150,000

Corporate Tax

0% qualifying income / 9% standard

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), operated by Abu Dhabi Airports, is a premier aviation, logistics, and aerospace hub spanning dedicated economic districts across Zayed International Airport (AUH), Al Ain International Airport, and Al Bateen Executive Airport. Purpose-built to serve global aerospace corporations, air freight forwarders, aviation MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operators, in-flight catering providers, and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical cold-chain distributors, ADAFZ offers direct airside and landside access to the runways of the UAE's federal capital. Home to major global aerospace conglomerates and air cargo leaders, ADAFZ combines world-class bonded customs clearance with specialized airside hangars, high-capacity cold-storage warehouses, aviation-certified offices, and open industrial plots, establishing itself as the strategic air-cargo crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Direct runway access at Zayed Int'l Airport

Three airport locations in Abu Dhabi

Pharma cold-chain & MRO hangars

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) trade finance

0% QFZP corporate tax

Why Choose Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone

Direct runway and airside access at Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Spans three prime airport locations: Zayed Int'l, Al Ain Int'l, and Al Bateen Executive Airport

World-class temperature-controlled pharmaceutical and cold-chain air cargo facilities

Dedicated aviation MRO hangars, aerospace manufacturing, and flight-support plots

Streamlined air cargo customs clearance operating 24/7/365

100% foreign company ownership and 100% repatriation of capital and profits

0% personal income tax and 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax

Direct access to Etihad Cargo network connecting over 70 global freight destinations

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)	100%	1 individual	AED 150,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Aviation logistics, air freight forwarders, cold-chain pharma, aerospace suppliers
Branch of Foreign or UAE Company	100%	1 appointed manager	None	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	International airlines, aircraft charter firms, aerospace manufacturers, MRO leaders

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Activity & Facility Review

2–3 days

Select aviation/logistics activities and determine airside/landside warehouse needs.

Initial Approval & Security Clearance

3–4 days

Obtain ADAFZ regulatory approval and civil aviation security clearance.

Airside / Office Lease Execution

2 days

Sign lease for airport commercial office, bonded warehouse, or hangar.

License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay authority fees and receive Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone License.

Airport Security Passes & Banking

2–3 weeks

Issue airport security passes, process staff visas, and open corporate bank accounts.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 18,000+
Our Service Fee	USD 4,000 – 7,500
Annual Renewal	AED 15,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

ADAFZ entities enjoy premier standing with major UAE and Abu Dhabi financial institutions, including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), ensuring excellent corporate banking and trade finance facilities.

Account Opening Time

2–3 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)Emirates NBDMashreq BankWio Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on Qualifying Income for QFZPs; 9% on non-qualifying income exceeding AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% standard VAT rate (qualifying international air transport and cross-border freight zero-rated)

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) engaged in qualifying international air cargo, aircraft leasing, and cross-border logistics pay 0% corporate tax.

Visa & Residency

Investor / Partner Visa

2 years (renewable)

For aviation company shareholders and aerospace investors

Employment Visa

2 years (renewable)

For pilots, aeronautical engineers, cargo handlers, and executives

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 5–10 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary business sectors operating in ADAFZ?

ADAFZ caters to aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance (MRO), air cargo and freight forwarding, cold-chain pharmaceutical distribution, in-flight catering, private executive aviation, and airport technology services.

Across which airports does ADAFZ operate?

ADAFZ operates free zone business parks across three Abu Dhabi airports: Zayed International Airport (AUH), Al Ain International Airport, and Al Bateen Executive Airport (the region's only dedicated private jet airport).

Do ADAFZ warehouses have direct airside access?

Yes. ADAFZ offers direct airside access to airport aprons and taxiways, allowing aerospace MRO providers and air cargo handlers to move aircraft and freight directly into hangars without navigating external public roads.

Is General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval required?

GCAA approval is required for companies directly engaged in aircraft maintenance (MRO), flight operations, or parts manufacturing. Incorp assists in coordinating with ADAFZ and the GCAA for operational clearances.

Which banks are recommended for ADAFZ companies?

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) are the premier banking partners for ADAFZ entities, offering tailored multi-currency corporate accounts, letter of credit (LC) lines, and trade finance.

Does an ADAFZ company pay UAE corporate tax?

An ADAFZ company qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) that conducts qualifying activities—such as international air transport, cross-border freight forwarding, or aircraft leasing—pays 0% corporate tax under UAE Corporate Tax Law.