Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad) Free Zone

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, otherwise called KIZAD, is one of the region's largest integrated commercial and industrial centres linked to Khalifa Port and draws businesses from across the world that specialises in trading, production, distribution, and storage.

KIZAD provides simple alternatives and adaptable circumstances for starting new businesses with access to national and international markets, a large selection of start-up solutions, high-quality infrastructure, and good road and transit networks. It also features excellent warehouses with conveniently accessible loading docks for vehicles and other leasing areas.

A Glance at Abu Dhabi Free Zone KIZAD

KIZAD is firmly bound to Khalifa Port, one of the world's most technologically sophisticated deep-sea ports and the first semi-automated port.

The combined strategic port and industrial zone are significant for the region's manufacturing and transportation industries. In response to the rising demand for free zones and to improve the future of commerce in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Ports created the Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (Khalifa Port FTZ) in 2016.

KIZAD has created several cutting-edge solutions, such as the 25m modular route, the hot metal road, and the sea-water cooling system, to draw in and support both existing and future business.

KIZAD Abu Dhabi Free Zone- An Investor-Friendly Location

Abu Dhabi Ports' rising investments have helped the yearly increase in the Emirate's imports and exports in marine infrastructure, which is also reflected in the company's year-over-year business volumes. The company's contribution to the economy of the UAE is supported by this uptick and increased expenditure in KIZAD.

The industrial and free zone centre offers great market access through a top-notch transportation infrastructure with multimodal connectivity via road, ports, air, and future rail networks.

More than 200 foreign and domestic investors have joined KIZAD, and the 17.4 million square metres of leased land amount to more than AED65 billion in investment. KIZAD is predicted to contribute 15% of Abu Dhabi's non-oil GDP by 2030.

In addition, along with knowing about KIZAD, get a piece of additional knowledge about the free zones in Abu Dhabi.

Benefits of Setting up a Business in the KIZAD Free Zone

KIZAD free zone proposes the following benefits to companies:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Exempted from corporate and personal tax
• Free from custom duty
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Easy business setup, fast documentation process and issuance of the license
• Long-term land and office leasing facility
• Pre-built office and warehouse facility 

Types of Legal Entities in the KIZAD Free Zone

An individual or corporate entity may register one's business in KIZAD free zone through one of the following legal entity types:

• Free Zone Establishment
• Free Zone Company
• Branch Office of a Foreign Company
• Branch Office of a Local Company

Types of Business Licenses Available in KIZAD Free Zone

KIZAD offers investors a host of trade licenses to choose from.

 1. Industrial License

The industrial licence allows for various operations, including the importation of raw materials and the production, assembly, processing, packing, and exportation of intermediate and completed goods.

 2. Trading/General Trading license

Actions such as import, export, distribution, stocking, and warehousing of certain items under the licence provided for the firm, and a trading licence is issued.

 3. Service License

A service license is issued for business activities such as management, marketing services, and logistical support services such as cargo and freight forwarding.

Dual License for KIZAD Free Zone Companies

To carry out mainland commercial operations, such as trading in the UAE local market, a KIZAD free zone firm can apply for an additional licence from DED Abu Dhabi.

Also, there is no requirement to have a physical office on the mainland. Hence, a dual license is highly prioritised for trading companies who intend to enter the local UAE market. It helps reduce the overall company formation cost and supports business expansion.

How to Set up a Company in KIZAD?

If you wish to set up a business in KIZAD, you should be aware of the following procedures.

 1. Choose an Appropriate Business

Before starting your business, thoroughly understand the booming industries in the respective free zone. Then, after getting a detailed view, finalise the business you want to conduct.

 2. Find a Suitable Location

After conducting the business, find a suitable location that suits your business. Once you finalise the location, you can proceed with the further steps.

 3. Finalise a Legal Structure

Once you are done finalising the suitable business and the location, the next thing you should do is to complete a legal structure.

 4. Obtain a License

Getting a license from the respective free zone authority is not straightforward. However, you can get assistance from a business consultant to make the process easier.

Additionally, knowing about the trade license in Abu Dhabi will help you figure out things you should do before obtaining it.

 5. Open a Bank Account

The last step for your company incorporation is opening a bank account. Opening a business bank account may take a while. To complete the whole process easier, you can get in touch with our professional experts.

Moreover, it would be helpful if you knew more about the 8 points to proceed with a business setup consultant in Abu Dhabi.

Documents Required for KIZAD Free Zone Company Formation

The following are the documents required for company formation in KIZAD free zone are:

• Proof of initial approval for business activities
• Trade name reservation proof
• Shareholders' passport copies
• Manager's passport copies and CV
• Each shareholder's & manager's information sheet
• Lease agreement [having a registered address for one's office is mandatory in the UAE]
• Third-party approval for activities, wherever applicable

From the steps mentioned above, if you feel like starting a business in KIZAD without hesitation, you can take the initiation right away!

Our Role

Business Setup Worldwide is one of the fast-growing consulting firms which provides services from company incorporation to bank account introduction. You can contact us if you have queries related to business setup or visa services. We are always delighted to help you in your every step.