KEZAD for manufacturing and logisticsKEZAD might be particularly relevant if you're in the US and involved in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, distribution, re-export, and industrial activities. KEZAD says that its free zone allows for 100% foreign ownership and is a good fit for startups, wholesalers, re-exporters, warehousing activities, service providers and manufacturers targeting markets outside the GCC. It also offers connectivity through ports, airports, highways and other logistics infrastructure.
ADGM for finance and professional businessesADGM might be a strong option for financial services, holding companies, professional services, tech companies and complex corporate structures. ADGM offers financial and non-financial business registration routes, including structures for holding companies, SPVs, corporate solutions, professional services and tech startups. Financial services businesses, though, need to deal with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority before you can finish the registration process.
Masdar City for sustainability and technologyMasdar City is worth looking into if your US company operates in clean tech, renewable energy, sustainability or innovation-focused industries. It's built around Abu Dhabi's wider clean-energy and technology strategy.
twofour54 for media and creative businessestwofour54 is relevant for companies operating in media, entertainment, content and creative industries.
1. 100% foreign ownership - no need for a local partnerSetting up a fully foreign-owned company in Abu Dhabi in an eligible free zone structure is something a US entrepreneur can do. This means American entrepreneurs can keep full ownership of their business without automatically having to bring in a local partner.
2. Repatriation of capital and profitsOf course one of the benefits of setting up a company in a free zone is that investors can repatriate capital and profits, although this is subject to the normal rules and banking requirements.
3. Tailor-made ecosystems for specific industriesAbu Dhabi has done things differently by creating zones specifically designed around particular industries. This gives specialist companies access to the right infrastructure, suppliers, services and potential partners.
4. A business location with great international connectivityAbu Dhabi is smack in the middle of major markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For companies involved in international trade, this location can be a real commercial asset.
5. Flexibility when it comes to business modelsDepending on which jurisdiction and activity you choose, as an entrepreneur you can select a business structure that suits your needs, whether that's for consulting, technology, trading, manufacturing, financial services, holding companies or other activities.
Free zone selectionYour business model determines which free zone is the best choice for your business. Flyingcolour can help you compare Abu Dhabi jurisdictions based on factors such as activity, ownership, office requirements, licensing, and expansion objectives.
Company formationThe team can guide you through the administrative process of incorporating the company and obtaining the necessary licence.
Licensing supportAs different activities may have different licensing requirements, professional assistance can reduce the risk of choosing the wrong activity or missing a required approval.
DocumentationHaving the right documents in place from the start can really make the incorporation process smoother. This can be especially helpful when the shareholder is based in the United States and is handling an international setup remotely.
UAE business banking guidanceOpening a corporate bank account is a separate process from incorporating a company.FlyingColour can really help entrepreneurs get to grips with all the documentation and practical steps involved - but at the end of the day the banking decision is still going to rest with the bank.
Visa and Residency Assistance…We've Got You CoveredIf you're planning on relocating to Abu Dhabi, chances are you'll need some extra help with immigration and residency, on top of your company licence. The route you take will really depend on your own circumstances and eligibility - there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Accounting and Tax SupportOnce the company is up and running, staying on top of compliance is just as important as getting the paperwork right in the first place. We can lend a hand with things like accounting, bookkeeping, tax registration, corporate tax compliance, and all the other nitty-gritty requirements that'll keep your business ship-shape.
