ICAD - Industrial City Abu Dhabi
Complete guide to registering your company in ICAD (Industrial City Abu Dhabi) Free Zone. Understand requirements, fees, registration process, and annual compliance obligations for heavy manufacturing and industrial businesses.
About ICAD - Industrial City Abu Dhabi
ICAD (Industrial City Abu Dhabi) is one of the UAE's largest industrial free zones, strategically located in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Spanning over 550 square kilometers, ICAD provides comprehensive infrastructure for heavy manufacturing, industrial processing, logistics, and warehousing. With direct access to major ports, airports, and highways, ICAD offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and full profit repatriation for industrial enterprises.
License Types Available
Industrial Manufacturing License
For heavy manufacturing, metal fabrication, machinery production, and industrial assembly.
Processing & Production License
For food processing, chemical production, construction materials, and industrial processing.
Trading & Distribution License
For industrial equipment trading, raw materials distribution, and supply chain operations.
Logistics & Warehousing License
For warehousing services, logistics operations, freight forwarding, and storage facilities.
Registration Requirements
- Passport Copies: Clear copies of passports for all shareholders and directors
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bill or bank statement (within 3 months)
- Business Plan: Detailed description of manufacturing/industrial activities and production capacity
- Technical Documentation: For manufacturing activities, include production process and equipment specifications
- No Objection Certificate: If currently employed in UAE (for UAE residents)
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Choose License Type & Trade Name
Select industrial license category and reserve your company name
Timeline: 1-2 days
Submit Application & Documents
Complete application and submit required documents including technical plans
Timeline: 2-3 days
Initial Approval
ICAD reviews application and issues initial approval letter
Timeline: 5-7 business days
Payment & Facility Allocation
Pay fees and secure factory, warehouse, or industrial plot lease
Timeline: 2-3 days
License Issuance
Receive trade license and industrial facility access
Timeline: 2-3 days
Visa & Bank Account
Apply for residence visas and open corporate bank account
Timeline: 3-4 weeks
ICAD Fee Structure
| Description | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade License Fee (Annual) | 15,000 - 35,000 |
| Registration Fee (One-time) | 8,000 |
| Share Capital (No deposit required) | - |
| Factory/Warehouse (per sqm/year) | 80 - 150 |
| Industrial Plot (per sqm/year) | 30 - 60 |
| Visa Quota (per visa) | 3,500 - 5,000 |
* Fees are subject to change. Contact us for current pricing.
Annual Compliance Requirements
License Renewal
Renew trade license annually before expiry date. Late renewal incurs penalties.
Facility Lease Renewal
Maintain valid lease agreement for factory, warehouse, or industrial plot.
Financial Statements
Submit audited financial statements annually as per ICAD requirements.
Corporate Tax Filing
Register for Corporate Tax and file annual returns. QFZP status may provide 0% CT on qualifying income.
VAT Filing (if applicable)
Register for VAT if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 threshold. File quarterly returns.
Economic Substance Reporting
Submit annual ESR notification and report for relevant activities.
Tax Implications
QFZP Status Benefits
ICAD companies may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and enjoy:
- 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
- 9% on non-qualifying income (mainland transactions)
- De minimis threshold of 5% or AED 5M for non-qualifying revenue
Related Free Zones
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