# Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) > KEZAD publishes 4 current packages, the lowest without stated conditions at AED 9,450 for year 1, offers up to 4 visas in a published package and requires at least a flexi-desk (checked 2026-10-24). Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) is a industrial, logistics and general business free zone in Abu Dhabi, licensed by Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC (AD Ports Group) through KEZAD Group / Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ) Registrar, established in 2022. - Emirate: Abu Dhabi - Licensing authority: Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC (AD Ports Group) through KEZAD Group / Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ) Registrar - Official website: https://www.kezadgroup.com - Also known as: KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi); Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone - Last checked: 2026-10-24 - Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/abu-dhabi/kezad ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Solo, no visa (year 1): one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity | AED 9,450 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)) — 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included): the smallest published package covers 1 visa | | Founder + 1 visa (year 1): one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office | AED 9,450 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)) | | Team, 3 visas (year 1): three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office | AED 12,850 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 3 Visa (VAT included)) | | Lowest package of any size, without stated conditions (year 1) | AED 9,450 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)) | | Lowest licence fee | Not published | | Largest visa quota in a package | 4 | | Minimum office | Flexi-desk | | Licence types | Industrial, Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy | | Minimum share capital | AED 150,000 | | Incorporation time (stated) | — | | On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | Yes | ## Packages | Package | Year 1 | Renewal | Visa quota | Office | Includes | Excludes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included) | AED 9,450 | — | 1 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Shared workstation or dedicated office (type per package not specified); Allocation for 1 visa | | | 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 2 Visa (VAT included) | AED 11,150 | — | 2 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Shared workstation or dedicated office (type per package not specified); Allocation for 2 visas | | | 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 3 Visa (VAT included) | AED 12,850 | — | 3 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Shared workstation or dedicated office (type per package not specified); Allocation for 3 visas | | | 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 4 Visa (VAT included) | AED 14,550 | — | 4 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Shared workstation or dedicated office (type per package not specified); Allocation for 4 visas | | | 2 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa: AED 17,800 for 2 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 1 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 2-year term | | | 2 Year Free Zone Business Package - 2 Visa: AED 21,000 for 2 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 2 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 2-year term | | | 2 Year Free Zone Business Package - 3 Visa: AED 24,200 for 2 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 3 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 2-year term | | | 2 Year Free Zone Business Package - 4 Visa: AED 27,400 for 2 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 4 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 2-year term | | | 3 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa: AED 22,575 for 3 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 1 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 3-year term | | | 3 Year Free Zone Business Package - 2 Visa: AED 26,625 for 3 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 2 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 3-year term | | | 3 Year Free Zone Business Package - 3 Visa: AED 28,988 for 3 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 3 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 3-year term | | | 3 Year Free Zone Business Package - 4 Visa: AED 32,813 for 3 years (VAT included, after discounts) | — | — | 4 | — | Free Zone Business Licence; Workspace (type not specified); 3-year term | | ## Identity and legal basis - Official name (Arabic): مناطق خليفة الاقتصادية أبوظبي (مجموعة كيزاد) - Former, merged or alternative names: KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi), Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone - Licensing / regulating authority: Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC (AD Ports Group) through KEZAD Group / Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ) Registrar - Parent group / government body: AD Ports Group (Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster) - Zone type: Industrial, Logistics, General business - Year established: 2022 - Official website: https://www.kezadgroup.com - Online application portal: https://www.atlp.ae/en/services-landing/economic-zone-services - Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes Public contact email: enquiry@kezad.ae. [1] Public contact phone: +971 800 10 20 30. [1] Number of registered companies: 400. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/contact-us) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/about-us/) ## Business activities - Licence types offered: Industrial, Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy - General trading licence available: Yes Activity categories offered: Industrial; Trading; General Trading; Service. [1] Activities included in base licence: 5. [2] Trading and services on one licence: no. [3] Restricted activities: Applicants whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political or religious nature. [3] Conditions for general trading: A General Trading Licence is issued if the total number of products exceeds 17 or the total number of product groups exceeds 3. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-setup/company-licence-type) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/tariffs/) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Business-Licensing-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) ## Cost - year one Establishment / immigration card fee: AED 1,000. [1] Visa fees: KEZAD service fees per tariff: Initial Approval AED 450; Employment Residence AED 1,500; ID Card AED 300; In Country Visa AED 800; Urgent Entry Permit AED 300; Access Card AED 200; Residence Permit Renewal AED 0; Entry Permit Cancellation AED 200; Residence Permit Cancellation AED 500. Medical test, government (ICP) fees and health insurance not published. [1] Mandatory deposit or bank guarantee: AED 0. [2] MoA / notary / attestation fees: AED 200. [1] Extras included: Free internet and Wi-Fi; Shared meeting spaces; One-stop-shop services. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/tariffs/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone-business-setup-solutions/) ## Cost - ongoing Lease escalation policy: Land leases: annual escalation applies per lease terms; Common Area Maintenance levy AED 3/m2 per annum, adjusted annually. Rate for office/workstation renewals not published. [1] Fee to add activity: AED 0. [1] Fee for shareholder change: AED 3,000. [1] Fee for name change: AED 0. [1] Deregistration / liquidation fee: AED 2,500. [1] Multi-year licence discounts: 2- and 3-year start-up packages are priced below the 1-year rate multiplied by the term ('All fees are after discounts'). 1-visa: 2-year AED 17,800 vs 2 x 9,450 = 18,900; 3-year AED 22,575 vs 3 x 9,450 = 28,350. [2] Current promotions and expiry: Golden Visa holders: 25% discount on all KEZAD free zone office packages and 10% on base offerings (land and warehouses), under an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office; no end date stated; 2- and 3-year start-up packages: 'All fees are after discounts'; no end date stated. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/tariffs/) · [2] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone-business-setup-solutions/) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/golden-visa-offers/) ## Visas and residency Employee visa available: yes. [1] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [1] Golden Visa support: KEZAD offers Golden Visa holders 25% off free zone office packages and 10% off land/warehouse offerings under an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Residents Office. No statement that KEZAD sponsors or processes Golden Visa applications. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/tariffs/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/golden-visa-offers/) ## Office and facilities - Minimum facility requirement: Flexi-desk - Office / facility types: Flexi-desk, Private office, Warehouse, Light industrial unit, Land plot, Staff accommodation - Warehouse available: Yes Bonded facilities: yes. [1] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [2] Premises outside the zone allowed: no. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/KEZADGroupRULESED16JAN2016.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone/) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Companies-Registration-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) ## Legal structure and ownership - Entity types available: FZ-LLC, Branch of a foreign company, Branch of a UAE company - Legal system: UAE civil law - Minimum share capital: AED 150,000 Minimum shareholders: 1. [1] Corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [2] Foreign corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [2] Share capital must be paid in: yes. [1] Courts and arbitration: Abu Dhabi courts for general matters; ADFZ decisions reviewable via an ADPC Review Committee with ICC arbitration/independent adjudication seated in Abu Dhabi. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Companies-Registration-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/Checklist-LTD-Corporate.pdf) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Business-Licensing-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) ## Market access and customs - Physical operations on the mainland allowed without an extra licence: No GCC / re-export notes: Free zone: customs duty applies on sales into the local market and on imports into GCC states. KEZAD's Domestic Economic Zone (mainland) areas instead allow 'Made in UAE' certification and duty-free GCC status for locally manufactured goods. [1] Customs duty in the zone: No customs duty on goods within the free zone; standard customs duty applies to goods sold into the UAE local market, to goods in transit between entry points and the free zone, and to imports into GCC states. [2] Customs duty exemption details: No customs duties within the free zone; duty applies when goods enter the UAE local market or other GCC states. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-setup/jurisdiction/mainland/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone/) ## Tax status - VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list): Yes Which areas of zone are designated: The FTA list names 'Khalifa Industrial Zone' without defining boundaries. Only fenced, customs-controlled free zone areas can qualify; KEZAD's Domestic Economic Zone (mainland) areas are not designated (KEZAD's mainland page says standard VAT applies there). [1] Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://tax.gov.ae/DataFolder/Files/Legislation/Designated%20Zones%20-%2021%2009%202021%20sep21.pdf) ## Compliance and reporting - Annual audited financial statements required by the zone: Yes - Beneficial-owner register filing required: Yes Audit exemption threshold or conditions: No exemption threshold stated; regulations require all companies to have annual audited accounts. [1] Audit submission deadline: Accounts audited and laid before a general meeting within 6 months of financial year-end; copy of accounts and auditors' report filed with the Registrar within 7 days after that meeting. [1] Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: Real estate brokers and agents; Dealers in precious metals and stones; Auditors; Company service providers. [2] Annual return and renewal documents: Annual return of members holding 5% or more, filed before the end of March each year (CRR cl.15); Audited accounts and auditors' report filed with the Registrar within 7 days after the general meeting (CRR cl.80.5); Licence renewal application at least 3 months before licence expiry (BLR cl.9.4); Notify ADPC within 10 business days of changes to manager, share capital, shareholders or directors (BLR Part 3 cl.2). [1] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Companies-Registration-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-setup/regulations) ## Setup process and speed - Direct application without an agent: Yes Documents for an individual shareholder: Application form for Registration & Licence; Business plan (template provided); Passport copies of shareholders, directors, manager and secretary; Residency visa / visit visa and Emirates ID copies (as applicable); NOC from current sponsor in Arabic (if applicable); CV (personal profile); Registry Identification Form - Individual; Shareholder's resolution for incorporation (notarized and attested, as applicable); Power of attorney for the manager if not in the resolution; UBO declaration form, ownership chart and UBO passport copies; Compliance officer details if subject to AML. [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Foreign corporate shareholder: notarised certificate of registration; certificate of good standing (original or notarised); MoA/AoA with list of directors notarized and attested; board resolution notarized and attested. UAE corporate shareholder: trade licence and commercial registration copies, MoA notarized. ADFZ may require UAE embassy attestation. [2] Trade name rules: Company name must end with 'Ltd'; the Registrar can direct a change if a name is misleading or undesirable. [3] Refund policy if rejected: Fees paid are not refunded if the applicant withdraws the licence application before grant. [4] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/Checklist-LTD-Natural.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/Checklist-LTD-Corporate.pdf) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Companies-Registration-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) · [4] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Business-Licensing-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) ## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility Adding shareholders: Share amendment AED 3,000 per instrument plus AED 200 register amendment and notarization fees; ADPC must be notified within 10 business days of shareholding changes. [1] Multi-year licence options: 1-year package; 2-year package; 3-year package. [2] Multiple licences under one group: yes. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/tariffs/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone-business-setup-solutions/) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Business-Licensing-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) ## Industry-specific regulation Hazardous goods and environmental approvals: Plot development and operations require ADPC approvals and, where relevant, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) NOCs/permits, Civil Defence and other Relevant Authority approvals under the KEZAD Rules (HSE, waste management sections). [1] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/KEZADGroupRULESED16JAN2016.pdf) ## Notes and history - **Legal basis (2011-05-01):** The free zone's licensing rules are the Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ) Business Licensing Regulations, issued by Abu Dhabi Ports Company under Article 4 of Emiri Decree No. 6 of 2006 and in force from 1 May 2011. They define the free zone as the areas within Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi designated as free zone by Executive Council Resolution No. 59 of 2010, and any further areas designated later. [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Business-Licensing-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) - **Good to know:** Companies in the free zone are registered with 'Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ)', the name used in KEZAD's registration regulations and document checklists, although the zone is marketed as KEZAD. [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/Checklist-Branch.pdf) [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/04/ADFZ-Companies-Registration-Regulations_Dec2011.pdf) - **History (2022-09-19):** KEZAD Group was launched on 19 September 2022 by bringing Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) together under AD Ports Group. At launch it was described as 12 economic zones covering 550 sq km, of which 100 sq km are designated as free zones, with KEZAD Group responsible for planning, operating and regulating them. [source](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/transport/kezad-group-launched-to-provide-integrated-ecosystems-for-strategic-industries-in-abudhabi/) [source](https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2022/09/19/kezad-group-launched-to-provide-integrated-ecosystems-for-strategic-industries-in-abu-dhabi) - **Names (2016):** Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ) is the name Abu Dhabi Ports gave in 2016 to free zone space it introduced within KIZAD; a March 2017 KIZAD release describes it as a 100 sq km free zone area across KIZAD Areas A and B, next to Khalifa Port. KIZAD became part of KEZAD Group in September 2022, and KEZAD's current pages no longer use the KPFTZ name. [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2017/04/26/abu-dhabi-ports-launches-khalifa-port-free-trade-zone-to-european-market-at-hannover-messe) [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2017/03/28/kizad-reveals-largest-free-trade-zone-at-gmis-2017) [source](https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2022/09/19/kezad-group-launched-to-provide-integrated-ecosystems-for-strategic-industries-in-abu-dhabi) - **Good to know:** The FTA's VAT Designated Zones list (version of 21 September 2021) names 'Khalifa Industrial Zone' and 'Free Trade Zone of Khalifa Port' as two separate entries, both from 1 January 2018. [source](https://tax.gov.ae/DataFolder/Files/Legislation/Designated%20Zones%20-%2021%2009%202021%20sep21.pdf) - **Good to know:** KEZAD Group offers both free zone facilities and mainland facilities, which it calls the Domestic Economic Zone. The details on this page relate to the free zone. [source](https://www.kezadgroup.com/business-facilities/free-zone/) ## FAQ ### How much does a KEZAD licence cost? The lowest package KEZAD advertises is AED 9,450 for the first year (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)). Packages differ in what they include, so check visas, office and fees before comparing. ### Does KEZAD require a physical office? The minimum facility KEZAD states is: flexi-desk. Facility types offered: flexi-desk, private office, warehouse, light industrial unit, land plot, staff accommodation. ### How many visas come with a KEZAD package? The largest visa quota in a package KEZAD publishes is 4. Larger quotas usually need more office space; ask the zone for the rule that applies to you. ### Can I get a general trading licence in KEZAD? Yes, KEZAD offers a general trading licence. ### Is KEZAD a VAT Designated Zone? KEZAD appears on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones. Often only some areas of a zone are designated; see the tax section and confirm with the zone. ### What is the minimum share capital in KEZAD? KEZAD states a minimum share capital of AED 150,000. ## Compare with - [KEZAD vs ADAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/adafz-vs-kezad) - [KEZAD vs MCFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=kezad&z=masdar-city) - [KEZAD vs Meydan Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=kezad&z=meydan) Rules that apply to every zone: [corporate tax](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person-corporate-tax.md), [VAT Designated Zones](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/vat-designated-zones.md), [mainland access](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/free-zone-vs-mainland.md) --- Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice. --- Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.