Choose a Free Zone that corresponds to your business activities. Each Free Zone has specific industries it caters to, including finance, technology, media, logistics, and manufacturing.

Each Free Zone provides a list of approved business activities. Ensure that your selected activity aligns with what the Free Zone allows. Typical activities include:

• Commercial activities (e.g., trading).
• Service activities (e.g., consulting).
• Industrial activities (e.g., manufacturing).
• Media and creative endeavors.

Abu Dhabi Free Zones offer various company formats depending on the number of shareholders:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A company with one shareholder.
• Free Zone Company (FZCO/FZC): A company with multiple shareholders.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: Enables an existing company from outside the UAE to set up a branch within the Free Zone.

Certain Free Zones may require a minimum capital investment based on the business type and structure. For example:

• ADGM: Generally does not require a minimum share capital for most businesses.
• KIZAD: Higher capital may be necessary for industrial operations, depending on their scale.
• Masdar City: Capital requirements differ based on the type of business.

Always check the specific requirements of your chosen Free Zone before proceeding.

All Free Zones mandate having a physical or virtual office to establish a business. Options may include:

• Flexi-desk/Business Centers: Economical choices suitable for startups and small businesses.
• Dedicated offices: Designed for medium to large enterprises.
• Warehouses or industrial units: Suitable for manufacturing or logistics operations.

The type of office selected will affect the number of visas your company can issue.

Choose a distinct trade name that adheres to the Free Zone’s naming regulations. The name should not closely resemble any existing business or breach UAE public policy.

Depending on the Free Zone and business type, you will need to provide various documents, including:

• Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
• Visa copy (if applicable) for UAE residents.
• Confirmation of trade name reservation.
• Business plan (if required by certain Free Zones, like ADGM).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a current sponsor (for UAE residents changing sponsors).

Once all required documents are submitted, the Free Zone Authority will grant initial approval to proceed with the establishment of the company.

For companies with multiple shareholders, a Memorandum of Association is required. This document details the ownership structure of the company and the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders. Single-owner entities may not need an MoA in some Free Zones.

After securing initial approval and submitting the necessary documents, the Free Zone Authority will issue the appropriate business license. The type of license depends on your business nature, which may include:

• Trading License: For businesses engaged in the import/export or trade of goods.
• Service License: For consultancy, IT services, and professional services.
• Industrial License: For manufacturing or production operations.

Following company formation, you can apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas you can apply for is dependent on the office space you have chosen.

Once your company is established, you can set up a corporate bank account with a local UAE bank. Typical documents required may include:

• Trade license.
• Memorandum of Association.
• Shareholder resolutions.
• Passport copies of shareholders and managers.