How much does it cost to set up a company in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone?

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone company setup is starting from From AED 18,000. Costs include the trade license, registration, and establishment fees. Additional costs include visa processing, office or flexi-desk, and annual license renewal.

How long does it take to register a company in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone?

Registration in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone typically takes 7-10 business days. This covers name reservation, document verification, license issuance, and delivery of incorporation documents. Express processing may be available.

How many visas does a Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone license include?

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone provides Up to 5 per license. The allocation depends on your office package — flexi-desks typically allow 1 to 3 visas while larger offices allow more. Additional visas can usually be purchased separately.

Can a Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone company trade with UAE mainland clients?

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone is authorised to operate within Abu Dhabi and internationally. To sell directly to UAE mainland businesses or consumers, companies typically need a local commercial agent or a separate mainland branch licence.

Is Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone suitable for startups and freelancers?

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone in Abu Dhabi offers 100% foreign ownership, no minimum share capital for most license types, and flexible flexi-desk or virtual office options. It is a strong choice for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and SMEs targeting the UAE, GCC, and international markets.

What business activities are permitted in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone?

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone permits a broad range of activities including trading, consultancy, technology, media, e-commerce, and professional services. Regulated activities such as financial services or healthcare require additional regulatory approvals. Use our comparison tool to verify specific activity availability.

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone, Abu Dhabi 2026 | From AED 18,000

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ) is one of the Middle East's most advanced logistics and trade hubs, co-located with Khalifa Port — Abu Dhabi's flagship semi-automated deep-sea port. Managed by Abu Dhabi Ports (ADPC), KPFTZ offers businesses direct access to Khalifa Port's state-of-the-art container terminal with capacity exceeding 5 million TEUs annually. The free trade zone provides specialized facilities for trade logistics, distribution, light manufacturing, and value-added services, all within a customs-controlled environment. Khalifa Port's direct shipping connections to over 70 global destinations make KPFTZ a preferred choice for global trading houses, logistics providers, and distribution companies seeking to establish a UAE hub with unmatched port connectivity.

About Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone

Port Logistics & Trade Gateway

Key Information

Zone Name	Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone
Emirate	Abu Dhabi
Setup Cost	From AED 18,000
Visa Quota	Up to 5
Min. Capital	None
Setup Time	7-10 business days

Costs & Fees

License Fee / Setup Cost	From AED 18,000
Minimum Share Capital	None

Cost Notes

All costs shown are approximate and subject to change. Additional costs may include registration fees, notarisation, visa medical fees, and bank account opening fees. Always verify the exact costs with Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone directly before proceeding.

Permitted Business Activities

Port Logistics Container Handling Warehousing Cold Chain Logistics Freight Forwarding Customs Clearance Food Distribution Retail Distribution E-commerce Fulfillment Industrial Storage Automotive Logistics Commodity Trading

The above activities are indicative. Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone may permit additional activities based on your specific business requirements. Always confirm with the zone authority.

How to Set Up in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone

Choose your business activity
Identify the specific business activities you want to conduct. This determines the license type you need.
Select your package
Choose between flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated office options based on your needs and budget.
Submit your application
Provide required documents including passport copies, business plan, and completed application forms.
Pay fees and receive your license
Once approved, pay the applicable fees and receive your trade license — typically within 7-10 business days.
Apply for visas
Use your trade license to apply for investor and employee visas through the free zone authority.
Open a bank account
Use your incorporation documents to open a corporate bank account with a UAE or international bank.

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone