Abu Dhabi · Federal/Emirate Authority · Est. 2012
ADAFZ is an airport-adjacent Abu Dhabi free zone tailored for logistics, aviation, aerospace, and trade-enabled operations, with packages starting from AED 17,000 and supporting up to 5 visa allocations. Operating under a single regulator, it offers integrated property options ranging from business centers to large warehouses and land plots. ADAFZ is best suited for companies that require direct proximity to Abu Dhabi’s airports and cargo corridors, though corporate banking setup can involve stricter compliance hurdles compared to commercial hubs.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Federal/Emirate Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 17,000
Year 1 (estimated)
Quick facts
Service License (0 Visa) + Flexi Desk
AED 17,000
Service License · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 13,000
Estimated
Service License + Flexi Desk (1 Visa)
AED 21,670
Service License · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 17,200
Estimated
Service License + Flexi Desk (2 Visas)
AED 25,840
Service License · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 21,200
Estimated
Trading License + Office (3 Visas)
AED 33,010
Trading License · Dedicated Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 27,000
Estimated
General Trading License + Office (5 Visas)
AED 60,350
General Trading License · Private Office · 5 visas
Renews at AED 40,850
Estimated
ADAFZ offers extensive property solutions (offices, flexi desks, warehouses, logistics centres, plots), implying a facility/lease component is typical for many setups.
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Moderate
Forensic ease
7/10
High-Substance Aviation Node; The 'Airway Bill' Forensic Frontier.
ADAFZ is a high-security, high-substance Designated Zone integrated with Zayed International Airport. For 2026, compliance is built on 'Data Integrity.' The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) utilizes direct customs integration to verify trade volume. Any mismatch between an Airway Bill, a Customs Exit/Entry declaration, and a Corporate Tax ledger is flagged as an immediate audit trigger. Logistics firms must maintain a 'Zero-Gap' digital trail to preserve their QFZP status.
Strict Article 18 logistics logic. As a Designated Zone, it is zero-rated for the export of goods, provided the entity maintains a rigorous Customs Bonded Zone audit trail and satisfies the high-substance physical asset test.
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Tax and compliance
ADAFZ tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in ADAFZ?
The cheapest published package for Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone is Service License (0 Visa) + Flexi Desk at AED 17,000 for Year 1, renewing at AED 13,000. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does ADAFZ setup take?
Typical processing time is 14–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a ADAFZ licence?
Banking difficulty for ADAFZ is rated "Difficult". Known banking partners include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), HSBC.
How many visas can I get with a ADAFZ licence, and what do they cost?
ADAFZ allows 5 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 5 visas (General Trading License + Office (5 Visas), AED 60,350 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 2,500.
How much is the ADAFZ licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 10,000 to AED 18,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in ADAFZ?
ADAFZ sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in ADAFZ?
ADAFZ offers extensive property solutions (offices, flexi desks, warehouses, logistics centres, plots), implying a facility/lease component is typical for many setups. The smallest office we hold for ADAFZ is 25 sq m.
Can a ADAFZ company trade on the UAE mainland?
Yes, ADAFZ offers a route to trade on the mainland, including a dual licence. Check the conditions for your activity before you rely on it.