If you set up a company in Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, you can apply for a UAE Investor Visa through your company. Here is everything you need to know about the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone investor visa in 2026.
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone Visa Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,500 |
| Base Visa Quota | 1 visa(s) included in base package |
| Visa Validity | 2 years (renewable) |
| Visa Type | UAE Investor / Partner Visa |
Who Can Get a Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone Investor Visa?
Any shareholder or partner of a Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone company can apply for an Investor Visa through the company. You do not need to be UAE-based before applying — the visa allows you to relocate to the UAE.
Step-by-Step Visa Process
- Set up your Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone company and obtain the Trade Licence
- Submit investor visa entry permit application through Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
- Receive entry permit (valid 60 days) — travel to UAE on this
- Complete UAE medical fitness test (same-day results available)
- Register at ICA/GDRFA for Emirates ID biometrics
- Receive UAE residency visa stamped in passport
- Receive Emirates ID (3–10 working days)
Additional Visa Options
Beyond your own investor visa, your Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone company can also sponsor:
- Employment visas — for staff and employees
- Dependent visas — for spouse and children (requires proof of salary/income)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more than 1 visa(s) with my Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone company?
Yes — you can usually purchase additional visa quota from Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone at AED 3,500 per additional visa (approximate). Ask Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone for their current additional visa pricing and whether upgrading your workspace increases your base quota.
How long does the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone investor visa process take?
From trade licence to having your UAE residency visa stamped in your passport typically takes 2–4 weeks. The entry permit takes 3–7 days, medical is same-day, and Emirates ID takes 3–10 working days from biometrics.
Compare visa costs across all UAE free zones: View UAE free zone visa comparison →
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone | Public basic licence/setup references; airport-linked facility priced separately | AED 11,500 to AED 20,000 public basic licence/setup range; facility and exact inclusions differ Confidence: Conflicting public sources |
Quote-based annual renewal - public references differ and the authority requires a current quote Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on the confirmed licence, facility and renewal terms Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration services depend on the selected legal form and facility | Flexi desk, executive desk, office, warehouse, logistics unit, hangar or serviced land depending on the operating route | Conflicting public sources | Multiple public consultant sources; official authority licensing and facility context; current itemised quote required | Conflicting public sources - confirm current package | July 2026 |
| What is included | Current public sources place basic ADAFZ licence/setup references between AED 11,500 and AED 20,000. The official authority confirms the one-stop registration/licensing route and its flexi desk, office, warehouse, hangar and serviced-land options. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | The range is not a uniform all-in package. Registration, facility or lease, deposits, visas, insurance, airside access, regulated approvals and support costs vary by source and configuration. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Public sources mix licence-only, zero-visa and basic setup references. Airport access, facility type, airside requirements and activity approvals can materially change the total. Request an itemised ADAFZ quote before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Depends on activity, ownership, documents and transaction profile |
| Best fit | Specialist businesses that match the authority activity and facility requirements. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.