Abu Dhabi Media Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone for Business Setup?

Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone, also known as twofour54, is a specialised media free zone located in the capital of the UAE, serving as a hub for media and creative companies from around the world. The zone offers attractive infrastructure: production studios, editing facilities, conference rooms, office space, and flexible production capabilities.

Business-friendly conditions in this free zone are 100% foreign ownership, minimal corporate and personal tax burden (subject to regulatory requirements), no import duties and no minimum share capital requirements. Company registration and company licensing are handled through a single option, which reduces bureaucracy and processing times.

About Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone

Twofour54 was established in 2008 as a free economic zone (SEZ) created by the Abu Dhabi government, through the Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company, to form a regional media industry hub and develop a sustainable ecosystem for media and creative industries. It is named after the geographical coordinates of the UAE capital (24°N, 54°E). Twofour54 occupies a strategic position among Abu Dhabi's free zones, providing a comprehensive infrastructure for companies in the film, television, digital media, education and innovation sectors, and is integrated into Abu Dhabi's broader innovation and creative cluster.

Business Activities Allowed in Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone

Twofour54 allows for an exclusively media-oriented range of activities. This includes: content creation and publication (television, digital, print), as well as broadcasting (radio, TV), branding, animation, advertising, content management, PR, marketing communications and post-production. Additionally, it organises exhibitions, events, festivals, training courses, legal media management and information services.

It is possible to choose up to six types of activities within one company (dual licence). Special licences include a ‘general’ licence for a wide range of media activities, such as animation, streaming management, and event management, as well as licences for gaming (game development, e-sports, cybersecurity).

Preliminary approvals from the Media Zone Authority are usually required before obtaining a licence and starting operations.

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

Setting up a company in the Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone (twofour54) is a structured and transparent process designed for international media brands, start-ups and individual creators. The zone offers remote registration, fast licensing and support at every stage, from application to business launch.

Required Documents and Timeline

To register a company in the Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone, you will need a standard set of documents, including:

• a copy of the founder's and/or director's passport (valid for at least 6 months);
• a passport-sized photograph;
• proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months);
• a CV for freelancers or sole traders;
• a business plan for specific or regulated activities;
• a copy of your visa and Emirates ID (if you are already in the UAE);
• an entry permit, issued after submitting an application if a residence visa is required.

If you plan to obtain a residence visa as part of the registration process, you will need to undergo a medical examination and submit your fingerprints to obtain an Emirates ID.

Registration times in twofour54 vary from 5 to 15 working days. Online application and remote document submission make the process as quick as possible. After approval and payment of fees, a licence is issued and lease agreements are concluded (including for a virtual office, if necessary).

Remote Registration Option

The Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone offers a convenient remote registration option, allowing you to set up a company without visiting the UAE in person. This variant is particularly relevant for freelancers, start-ups and international media companies wishing to quickly enter the UAE market while minimising logistics costs.

The process starts with filling out an online form and uploading all the required documents (passport, photo, proof of address, etc.). After a preliminary check, identity verification is carried out via video link, usually through Zoom or similar platforms. This is a mandatory step that replaces personal presence and confirms the authenticity of the applicant.

Next, an authorised licensed agent or local representative of the zone interacts with the regulator on your behalf. They issue licences, rent a virtual office (if this format is chosen), obtain an entry visa and submit documents for an Emirates ID, if necessary.

Thus, the registration and launch of the company can be completed entirely remotely, within 7–15 business days, without the need to cross the UAE border. This increases flexibility and reduces initial costs.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone

In Abu Dhabi's free zone for media companies, there are two main formats for doing business:

• FZ-LLC - a legally independent enterprise wholly owned by foreign or corporate participants. No minimum share capital is required for twofour54. Licences are available for commercial, professional and freelance activities.
• A branch is a subsidiary of a founding company (local or foreign). A branch operates as an extension of the parent company and only requires a registered address in the zone.

All companies in the free zone are exempt from corporate and income tax: a 0% rate applies if the conditions of a ‘qualifying free zone person’ are met. If the conditions are not met, the rate is 9% for unqualified income.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

The Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone offers packages for entrepreneurs and companies that include a flexi-desk and a certain number of visas. The minimum package starts with basic fees: Application fee - AED 500, PO Box - AED 1,312.5, Establishment Card - AED 755, online registration in eChannel - AED 2,080. These costs are mandatory for all business formats.

At the start, the client pays the above fees, and the cost of the licence at twofour54 is waived for the first two years. From the third year onwards, the annual licence fee is AED 12,500. The visa itself and medical insurance are paid for separately.

These provide an extended visa limit, while the fixed fees (PO Box, eChannel, Establishment Card) remain the same, and the total amount increases in proportion to the number of visas and insurance policies.

Thus, the key costs are fixed, and variability arises when calculating visa costs and annual licence renewal.

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Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone is a niche platform created to support creative and media projects. It is ideal for freelancers, digital start-ups and agencies, but is not suitable for all areas of business. Let's take a look at who this zone is suitable for and who would be better off choosing an alternative.

Who is eligible to register a company in the Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone:

• Freelancers and sole traders in the media, design, PR, video production and copywriting sectors.
• Media agencies, creative studios, game developers and digital companies.
• Foreign investors and start-ups wishing to quickly enter the UAE market with remote registration.
• Online platforms operating in the field of video streaming, podcasts, content monetisation.
• Consultants in the field of PR, marketing, branding.

Who is not suitable for a company set up in twofour54:

• Trading companies and distributors of goods. Trading in physical products is not permitted.
• Manufacturers, logistics companies, and delivery services. There is no appropriate infrastructure.
• Those who want to register for VAT. The zone does not provide automatic access to VAT registration.
• Citizens of countries with increased sanction risk. Additional approval is required and refusals are common.
• Those looking for a physical warehouse, showroom or production site. There are no such facilities.

twofour54 is a niche zone, ideal for digital, media and creative projects, but not a universal solution for all types of business.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi Media Free Zone is a specialised free zone that is ideal for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers and media companies looking to operate in one of the most stable and innovative regions in the Middle East. With the support of the Abu Dhabi government, the zone offers a full range of services: from remote registration and flexible licences to comprehensive infrastructure and visa support.

If you are planning to launch your project in the UAE market with minimal administrative barriers, twofour54 is a smart, efficient and future-oriented variant to choose. To make the registration process simpler, we recommend contacting our consultants. They will help you choose the right package, prepare a full package of documents, and avoid unexpected mistakes. Professional support will save you time as well as reduce risks during starting a business in the UAE.