Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

Strategic Consultation

1-2 days

Engage with ADAFZ business development specialists to discuss your operational objectives, business requirements, and strategic goals. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the unique advantages of airport proximity and aviation connectivity while identifying the optimal approach for your specific business needs.

Business Activity Assessment

2-3 days

Conduct a preliminary review of your proposed business activities to ensure alignment with ADAFZ's strategic focus and to identify the optimal license type and facility configuration for your specific operational requirements.

License Category Selection

1-2 days

Determine the most appropriate license category based on your specific business activities, operational focus, and strategic objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your commercial operations.

Company Name Reservation

2-3 days

Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.

Facility Requirements Analysis

2-3 days

Evaluate your specific operational needs including office space, warehouse requirements, technical specifications, and specialized facilities based on your business model and operational approach.

Facility Tour & Selection

1 day

Visit available facilities within ADAFZ to assess specific options, evaluate infrastructure, and identify the optimal physical location for your operations across the various zones and facility types.

Security & Access Briefing

1 day

Receive comprehensive briefing on security protocols, access procedures, and operational guidelines specific to operating within an airport environment, with particular attention to restricted area access where applicable.

Initial Application Submission

1-2 days

Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with ADAFZ Authority.

Business Plan Submission

2-3 days

Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your operational strategy, market approach, growth projections, and specific objectives for your establishment in ADAFZ, with particular attention to aviation-related aspects where applicable.

Document Submission

2-3 days

Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, professional qualifications, and operational specifications through the ADAFZ application portal.

Security Clearance Application

5-10 days

For businesses requiring access to restricted areas - submit security clearance applications for key personnel who will require regular access to sensitive zones within the airport perimeter.

Application Review

5-7 days

Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by ADAFZ authorities who evaluate business viability, operational compatibility, and alignment with the free zone's strategic focus on aviation-related and international business activities.

Initial Approval

3-5 days

Receive initial approval for your establishment in ADAFZ, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your specific business activities and operational model.

Facility Lease Agreement

2-3 days

Sign the lease agreement for your selected facility within ADAFZ, specifying terms, conditions, technical requirements, and operational parameters for your business premises.

Capital Deposit Confirmation

1-2 days

Provide documentation confirming the deposit or availability of the required capital for your business establishment, meeting the minimum capital requirements for your specific license category.

Fee Payment

1 day

Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the designated payment channels.

License Issuance

3-5 days

Receive your ADAFZ business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and operational functions.

Customs Registration

3-5 days

For trading and logistics companies - complete customs registration procedures to facilitate import, export, and transshipment operations through Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Immigration Card Issuance

3-5 days

Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, professionals, and support personnel according to your allocation.

Facility Handover

1-2 days

Receive access to your leased facility, including basic infrastructure, utility connections, and standard configurations as specified in your lease agreement.

Operational Setup

5-15 days

Establish your operational infrastructure including specialized equipment, technical systems, and business-specific installations required for your particular activities.

Access Card Issuance

2-3 days

Obtain security access cards for authorized personnel requiring entry to your facilities and designated areas within the free zone, with appropriate security clearance levels assigned.

Bank Account Opening

7-14 days

Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Abu Dhabi, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding, transaction processing, and expense management.

Staff Visa Processing

10-15 days

Begin processing employment visas for your team members, professional staff, and support personnel according to your visa allocation and business requirements.

Operational Orientation

1-2 days

Complete orientation to ADAFZ operational procedures, security protocols, facility management systems, and business support services available within the free zone.

Commencement of Operations

1-3 days

Launch your business activities, operational functions, and commercial services following completion of all setup requirements, security clearances, and administrative processes.