Abu Dhabi company setup
twofour54 has created a thriving destination, where people are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and create. Our vibrant community includes some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment industry. With 0% corporate and income tax, 100% business ownership, and fully waived licence and registration fees (for the first 2 years), not only do we provide attractive economic benefits, we offer unmatched operational advantages and comprehensive support services to help your business succeed. It’s never been a better time to start your business in Abu Dhabi.
We have everything you need so that you can set up your business as easily as possible from day one. Some of the biggest names in the industry already call twofour54 home. Learn how to start your business and join them today!
why you should join us
Abu Dhabi gives you more
centre of the world
Located between East and West and with flights to all major cities, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for business.
makes up 65% of the UAE’s economy
The capital of the UAE with a stable, thriving economy that covers a 24-hour business clock.
ranked no. 1 safest city in the world
Based on Numbeo, Abu Dhabi is the top score on the safety index.
200 nationalities
Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and multicultural capital city where English is the language of business.
twofour54 gives you more
benefits beyond the real estate
100% business ownership, 0% corporate tax, and fully waived licence and registration fees for 2 years.
be part of a community
Network with over 600 international and local companies at our regular networking events to expand your business opportunities.
dedicated business development team
Our business development team is always available to help you set up your business and find the ideal office.
briefs to keep your business busy
Secure more work through our online exclusive tool where you can find briefs from businesses and government entities.
how to start your business in 3 steps:
Start your business in 3 simple steps, guided by our Business Development team who will be there at every one.
submit your business form or plan
sign the required commercial, legal & regulatory documents
provide payments (if applicable), and benefit from waived licensing fees*
Collect your licence and start your business!
*Terms & conditions apply.
we’ll set you up according to your needs
set up a new company
set up a new branch
get a freelancing licence
Want to start a brand new company? We’ll help you set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) whether your business consists of an individual or corporate shareholders or a mixture.
Want to expand your current business? If you have an existing UAE based or foreign business, we’ll help you branch out.
Want to work for yourself and start freelancing independently? Our freelance relations team will connect you with job opportunities so that you can work with some of our regional and international partners as well as government entities.
licence fee by MZA
AED 15,000
(waived in full)
licence fee by MZA
AED 15,000
(waived in full)
licence fee by MZA
6 months AED 2,250
(waived in full)
12 months AED 4,500
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
AED 3,500
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
AED 3,500
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
N/A
office types
serviced office
- Up to 5 activities***
- 3 visas
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
fitted/core and shell office
- 5+ activities***
- Number of employees varies depending on office space**
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
service desk
- 2 activities
- 2 visas
- Starting from AED 25,000 per annum + AED 2,500 security deposit
- Type of activities: Digital/Marcom/Production
hot-desk
- 1 activity
- 2 visas
- Starting from AED 20,000 per annum
- Type of activities: Digital/Marcom
entrepreneurs
- 1 activity
- 1 visa
- Office space is N/A
- Type of activities: Digital
office types
fitted/core and shell office
- 5+ activities***
- Number of employees varies depending on office space**
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
office types
N/A
p.o. box
AED 1,250 + VAT
p.o. box
AED 1,250 + VAT
p.o. box
N/A
no min capital required
no min capital required
no min capital required
set up a new company
Want to start a brand new company? We’ll help you set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) whether your business consists of an individual or corporate shareholders or a mixture.
licence fee by MZA
AED 15,000
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
AED 3,500
(waived in full)
office types
serviced office
- Up to 5 activities***
- 3 visas
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
fitted/core and shell office
- 5+ activities***
- Number of employees varies depending on office space**
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
service desk
- 2 activities
- 2 visas
- Starting from AED 25,000 per annum + AED 2,500 security deposit
- Type of activities: Digital/Marcom/Production
hot-desk
- 1 activity
- 2 visas
- Starting from AED 20,000 per annum
- Type of activities: Digital/Marcom
entrepreneurs
- 1 activity
- 1 visa
- Office space is N/A
- Type of activities: Digital
p.o. box
AED 1,250 + VAT
no min capital required
set up a new branch
Want to expand your current business? If you’re looking to set up an existing UAE-based or foreign business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), we’ll help you branch out.
licence fee by MZA
AED 15,000
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
AED 3,500
(waived in full)
office types
fitted/core and shell office
- 5+ activities***
- Number of employees varies depending on office space**
- Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
p.o. box
AED 1,250 + VAT
no min capital required
get a freelancing licence
Want to work for yourself and start freelancing independently? Our freelance relations team will connect you with job opportunities so that you can work with some of our regional and international partners as well as government entities.
licence fee by MZA
6 months AED 2,250
(waived in full)
12 months AED 4,500
(waived in full)
registration fee (one-time only)
N/A
office types
N/A
p.o. box
N/A
no min capital required
** Maximum visa entitlements are dependent upon the office size
*** Depends on availability of desired office type/size at the time of application
FAQ on business setup in Abu Dhabi
There is no licence fee to set up your business at twofour54, as the licence fees to set up a new company in Abu Dhabi have been waived by the Media Zone Authority for the first two years* (MZA).
Yes, you will need to pay some other fees, including:
| 1 | GM pre-approval | AED 525 |
| 2 | PO Box | AED 1,312.50 |
| 3 | Immigration fees |
Immigration registration fee: AED 755 (every three years) Online registration in immigration system: AED 2,080 |
| 4 | Visa fees (excluding VAT) |
About AED 4,140 per person, excluding health insurance. The health insurance amount depends on cover, age and gender. |
| 5 | Office annual rent (subject to availability) | Depends on the type and space of the office, which can be discussed with your business development manager. |
Yes, we have a full range of offices available for every type and size of media business.
No, if you are registered with the MZA, you must be located inside the media zone.
Yes, all employees must have visas issued by the MZA.
Yes, every company registered under the MZA has to have a registered MZA PO Box.
Yes. As long as you can provide all the required information, you can set up a company from wherever you are located.
The process only takes a few days if all the information is provided.
There is no minimum share capital requirement.
Yes, you can choose to open the bank account before or after the company is incorporated and licensed. If you choose to open the bank account after the company is incorporated, the bank account must be opened prior to the first renewal of the business license.
Yes, subject to approval.
No, you can choose any UAE bank.
Yes, subject to availability and approval.
No, only the general manager and the employees have to reside in the UAE.
Yes, if you have the correct DED licence. Ask us for more information concerning this.
Yes, once your company is incorporated under the Media Zone Authority.
FAQs on business support services
- Government liasion services, such as No Objection Certificates and vehicle services
- Visa services, like employment visa, visas for dependents and visit visas
- Travel services, like tourist visas, holiday packages and cargo transportation
- Support services, such as IT, conference bookings and office cleaning
Yes, if you are a twofour54 partner, you will have online access to do so.
You can pay via a credit or debit card, cash, bank transfer or cheque.
From 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday to Thursday.
No, we can only deal with health insurance for our partners and their dependents.
want to know more?
If you have any questions about the business setup options, please use the below form and someone from our Business Development Team will be in touch shortly.
If you just can’t wait, please phone the number below or come and say hello if you are in the area.
let's get started
Ready to establish your business with twofour54? Click below to connect with our Business Development team who will help you with the setup process, as well as highlighting the exclusive offers and services your business will benefit from.
Grow your business