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Aurion — Registered Agent for KEZAD
Set Up in KEZAD — the World's Largest Free Zone
Trading, industrial, and service licenses with direct access to Khalifa Port — one of the region's most advanced deep-sea terminals.
Overview
A Free Zone Built Around One of the Region's Busiest Ports
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) is the world's largest free zone, offering licenses for trading, logistics, industrial, and service activities at competitive rates. It's directly linked to Khalifa Port — a semi-automated deep-sea terminal positioned between Dubai and Abu Dhabi — making it a fast-growing hub for companies trading across the UAE and beyond.
KEZAD is the only free zone in Abu Dhabi offering both free zone and non-free zone company structures, with land, pre-built warehouses, and furnished offices available. Investors can register as a single shareholder or with multiple partners, giving full flexibility over ownership structure from day one.
License Types
Three Ways to Operate in KEZAD
Every KEZAD license is built for a specific kind of business activity.
Service License
Covers all consulting, management, and marketing activities.
Trading / General Trading License
Covers import, export, stocking, distribution, and warehousing activities.
Industrial License
Covers manufacturing, processing, assembly, and packaging of goods.
- No Export Tax
- Customs-Free Joint Ventures
- Duty-Free Raw Material & Machinery Imports
- Duty-Free UAE-Made Goods Exported to GCC
Work Station Packages
License Cost by Visa Quota
Multi-year packages reduce your effective annual cost — pricing includes registration, license, and workstation lease.
All packages include preapproval fees, a workstation lease, and an establishment card. License and registration fees are currently exempted by the Abu Dhabi Government for the first 2 years.
| Visa Quota | Standard Cost (AED) | 2-Year Package | 3-Year Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Visa Package | AED 9,350 | AED 17,600 | AED 22,275 |
| 2 Visa PackageMost Popular | AED 11,050 | AED 20,800 | AED 26,325 |
| 3 Visa Package | AED 12,750 | AED 24,000 | AED 28,688 |
| 4 Visa Package | AED 14,450 | AED 27,200 | AED 32,513 |
Fees exclude visa costs (see Visa Fees below) and are subject to KEZAD/Abu Dhabi Government revision.
Visa Fees
What Each Visa Step Costs
One-time government fees for each stage of the visa process.
| Description | Normal Fee | Urgent Fee |
|---|---|---|
| E-Channels Registration (one-time) | AED 2,186.05 | — |
| Entry Permit | AED 736.05 | — |
| Change of Status | AED 1,386.50 | — |
| Emirates ID | AED 425.00 | — |
| Medical Test | AED 263.00 | — |
| Visa Stamping | AED 2,336.00 | — |
Warehouse Packages
Ready-Built Warehouse Space, Fully Licensed
Warehouse Package FeeAED 139,650
Visa EligibilityUp to 15 Visas
Security Deposit (Refundable)AED 33,250
The 380 sq.m. warehouse package includes registration, license, facility, and immigration card fees in one bundle — built for businesses that need storage and distribution space close to Khalifa Port from day one.
Security deposit equals 3 months of annual rent and is refundable at lease end.
What You'll Need
What You'll Need to Get Started
Gather these documents before your application — Aurion will guide you through each one.
- Passport-size photo, white background (soft copy)
- Passport copy (color)
- Current visa — visit visa or UAE residence visa
- Arabic NOC from current sponsor (letterhead, signed in blue pen with company stamp) — for UAE residence holders
- Educational qualification certificate, attested and translated to Arabic (for consulting/investment activities)
- Completed application form (provided by Aurion)
Missing something? Aurion helps source and prepare every document for you.
Dual License
OneLicense.TwoMarkets.
KEZAD's Dual License lets your free zone company also trade on the mainland.
KEZAD's Dual License system lets a company already registered in the free zone obtain an additional license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) — without a local service agent, a local sponsor, or a second physical office. Foreign company branches are not eligible; the mainland license must be renewed only after the free zone license each year. Aurion, as KEZAD's authorized registered agent, manages the entire process for you.
- No UAE local service agent or sponsor required
- No additional mainland office or tenancy agreement needed
- Access to non-free zone areas under one company structure
- Requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after the free zone license is issued
- Free zone license must be renewed before the mainland license each year
- Not available to branches of foreign companies
- Aurion handles the full application as your registered agent
Common Questions
Everything about KEZAD,answeredclearly.
Straight answers about KEZAD company setup, costs, and licensing.
What is KEZAD and why is it different from other UAE free zones?
KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is the world's largest free zone, offering trading, logistics, industrial, and service licenses at low operating costs. It's the only free zone in Abu Dhabi offering both free zone and non-free zone company structures, and it sits directly alongside Khalifa Port, one of the region's most advanced deep-sea terminals.
What's the cheapest way to set up a company in KEZAD?
KEZAD's Work Station Packages start at AED 9,350 for a 1-year license with a 1-visa quota, including preapproval, registration, license, workstation lease, and establishment card fees. Multi-year packages (2 and 3-year) reduce your effective annual cost further.
Can I register a warehouse instead of an office?
Yes. KEZAD's warehouse packages start from AED 139,650 for a 380 sq.m. facility eligible for up to 15 visas, including registration, license, facility, and immigration card fees, plus a refundable security deposit.
What is the KEZAD Dual License and who can use it?
The Dual License lets a KEZAD free zone company also obtain a mainland Abu Dhabi DED license, without a local service agent or a second office. It's available to KEZAD-registered free zone companies, but not to branches of foreign companies, and the free zone license must be renewed each year before the mainland license.
Can I be the sole shareholder of my KEZAD company?
Yes. KEZAD allows you to register as a single shareholder or as a multi-shareholder company with several partners, giving you full flexibility over your ownership structure.
What licenses can I get through KEZAD?
KEZAD issues three license types: a Service License for consulting, management, and marketing; a Trading/General Trading License for import, export, stocking, distribution, and warehousing; and an Industrial License for manufacturing, processing, assembly, and packaging.
What Our Clients Say
Get Started
Set Up Your KEZAD Company With Aurion
Talk to KEZAD's authorized registered agent.
From license selection to Dual License registration, Aurion handles the full KEZAD setup process so you don't have to navigate government departments yourself.