I
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in KEZAD

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (AD Ports Group)

Formation Time
4–8 business days
Min. Capital
AED 150,000
Corporate Tax
0% qualifying income / 9% standard
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, is the largest operator of integrated economic zones, logistics hubs, and industrial parks in the Middle East. Covering an immense 550 square kilometers, KEZAD is directly integrated with Khalifa Port—one of the world's fastest-growing deepwater container ports. KEZAD provides specialized infrastructure for heavy industry, automotive, metals, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and mega-scale logistics warehousing with direct multimodal sea, air, road, and future Etihad Rail connectivity.

550 sq km industrial hub
Direct Khalifa Port integration
VAT Designated Zone
Subsidized utility rates
Etihad Rail connection

Why Choose KEZAD

1

MENA's largest industrial and logistics ecosystem covering 550 sq km

2

Direct deepwater integration with Khalifa Port handling the world's largest container ships

3

Direct connection to Etihad Rail network and GCC road freight corridors

4

Extremely competitive utility rates (industrial electricity, gas, water) subsidized in Abu Dhabi

5

Designated Zone status for UAE VAT, enabling duty-free and VAT-free cargo handling

6

Dual-licensing regime allowing businesses to operate simultaneously in Free Zone and Abu Dhabi Mainland

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
KEZAD Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)100%1AED 150,0000% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000Logistics operators, manufacturers, trading firms, cold storage, packaging companies
Branch of Foreign / UAE Company100%1 managerNoneSubject to UAE Corporate Tax Law and PE rulesMultinational industrial conglomerates and international freight forwarders

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Initial Application & Land/Facility Selection

3–5 days

Submit project proposal and select pre-built warehouse or industrial plot.

2

Environmental & Civil Defense Clearances

5–10 days

Secure EAD approvals for environmental compliance and industrial safety.

3

Legal Drafting & Agreement Execution

2–3 days

Sign KEZAD commercial lease and digital incorporation agreements.

4

Commercial License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay government fees and receive the KEZAD industrial or logistics commercial license.

5

Immigration & Banking Setup

2–3 weeks

Establish immigration quota, process investor visas, and open UAE corporate bank account.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 18,000+
Our Service FeeUSD 3,500 – 5,500
Annual RenewalAED 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

KEZAD companies have premier standing with major UAE corporate banks (FAB, ADCB, Emirates NBD). Due to AD Ports Group backing, banks readily support industrial financing, letters of credit (LCs), and trade finance facilities.

Account Opening Time
2–4 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)Emirates NBDMashreq BankStandard Chartered UAE

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on Non-Qualifying Income above AED 375,000
Personal Income Tax
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
Designated Zone status — VAT 0% on goods traded within or between UAE Designated Zones
Capital Gains Tax
0%
Withholding Tax
0%
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

Qualifying activities including manufacturing, processing of goods, logistics, and trading with foreign markets qualify for 0% corporate tax under UAE Corporate Tax Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between KEZAD Free Zone and KEZAD Domestic Zone?
KEZAD offers both Free Zone jurisdictions (allowing 100% foreign ownership, 0% customs duties, and QFZP corporate tax benefits) and Domestic Industrial Zones (governed by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development rules for companies primarily serving the domestic GCC mainland market). KEZAD's dual-license option allows businesses to operate in both zones simultaneously.
Is KEZAD a Designated Zone for UAE VAT purposes?
Yes. KEZAD's logistics and industrial areas are officially gazetted as a Designated Zone by the Federal Tax Authority. Goods stored, transferred, or processed within KEZAD can be moved VAT-free between other UAE Designated Zones.
What is the minimum capital required to establish a KEZAD Free Zone company?
The standard minimum share capital for a KEZAD Free Zone LLC is AED 150,000. Branch offices of foreign or UAE companies do not have a minimum share capital requirement.
How does proximity to Khalifa Port benefit KEZAD companies?
KEZAD is physically connected to Khalifa Port's container terminals, offering ultra-low internal drayage costs, automated customs clearance, and direct access to major global shipping lines connecting to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas without crossing public highways.
Does KEZAD support small businesses or only large industrial plants?
KEZAD accommodates businesses of all sizes. Alongside massive industrial land plots, KEZAD offers pre-built light industrial units, multi-tenant warehouses from 300 to 2,500 square meters, and ready-to-move-in executive offices for trading and logistics startups.
Does a manufacturing company in KEZAD qualify for 0% UAE corporate tax?
Yes. Manufacturing of goods and materials, as well as processing and logistics within a designated free zone, are specifically classified as Qualifying Activities under Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023, entitling qualifying KEZAD entities to a 0% corporate tax rate.