What documents does a Pakistani national need to start a gym & fitness business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Pakistan, attested documents via Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, and a business plan for your gym & fitness venture.

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a gym & fitness company in KIZAD?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Gym & Fitness licence in KIZAD?

The typical processing time for a gym & fitness licence at KIZAD is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Sports Council approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

How much does it cost to set up a Gym & Fitness business in Khalifa Industrial Zone?

The total setup cost for a Gym & Fitness business in KIZAD starts from approximately AED 10,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my KIZAD Gym & Fitness licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from KIZAD, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the tax implications for a Gym & Fitness business in Khalifa Industrial Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in KIZAD may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Gym & Fitness company in KIZAD?

Most of the setup process for a gym & fitness business in KIZAD can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Gym & Fitness in Khalifa Industrial Zone for Pakistani nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Gym & Fitness in KIZAD

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Gym & Fitness

As a Pakistani national looking to establish a Gym & Fitness business in Khalifa Industrial Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Pakistan has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Pakistani professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Abu Dhabi's commercial laws, your Gym & Fitness business will benefit from industrial powerhouse and adjacent to khalifa port. The KIZAD licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 10,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your gym & fitness setup in KIZAD. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why KIZAD for Gym & Fitness?

There are several compelling reasons why Khalifa Industrial Zone continues to attract gym & fitness entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers industrial powerhouse, which is particularly valuable for gym & fitness operations. Additionally, adjacent to khalifa port ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 12,000 per year for a office, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Massive land availability further enhances the appeal of KIZAD for gym & fitness professionals. Furthermore, purpose-built for manufacturing positions your gym & fitness business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, KIZAD remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Pakistani nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

Industrial powerhouse

Adjacent to Khalifa Port

Massive land availability

Purpose-built for manufacturing

Competitive infrastructure costs

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. Once your gym & fitness licence is issued by KIZAD, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your gym & fitness business in KIZAD, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Pakistani business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Pakistan-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for gym & fitness), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to KIZAD.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Sports Council

7Signed application form from KIZAD authority

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Gym & Fitness is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Sports Council is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Office	12,000
Warehouse	25,000
Industrial Plot	50,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your gym & fitness business plan and the best KIZAD licence options for Pakistani nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Pakistan through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the gym & fitness licence application to KIZAD. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official KIZAD trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your gym & fitness business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. KIZAD allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Pakistani nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Gym & Fitness in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750