What documents does a Filipino national need to start a passenger transport business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your passenger transport venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a passenger transport 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.

What are the tax implications for a Passenger Transport 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Passenger Transport business in KIZAD?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by RTA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

How long does it take to get a Passenger Transport licence in KIZAD?

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

What are the annual renewal costs for a Passenger Transport business in Khalifa Industrial Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Passenger Transport KIZAD company costs approximately AED 10,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What business activities can I include on my KIZAD licence?

Your KIZAD licence can include passenger transport as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Passenger Transport in Khalifa Industrial Zone for Filipino nationals

Free ZoneTransportRegulated Activity

Passenger Transport in KIZAD

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Passenger Transport

The UAE continues to attract Filipino entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and KIZAD is one of the most popular jurisdictions for passenger transport operations. Third-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Khalifa Industrial Zone gives your Passenger Transport business access to Abu Dhabi's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as office, warehouse, industrial plot and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from RTA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up passenger transport businesses in Khalifa Industrial Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why KIZAD for Passenger Transport?

Choosing KIZAD for your passenger transport business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers industrial powerhouse, which is particularly valuable for passenger transport 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 passenger transport professionals. Furthermore, purpose-built for manufacturing positions your passenger transport 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 transport enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Industrial powerhouse

Adjacent to Khalifa Port

Massive land availability

Purpose-built for manufacturing

Competitive infrastructure costs

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your passenger transport 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 Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your passenger transport business in KIZAD, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for passenger transport), 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 Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RTA

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Signed application form from KIZAD authority

Regulatory Note: Passenger Transport is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RTA 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 passenger transport business plan and the best KIZAD licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the passenger transport 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. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your passenger transport 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 Filipino nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Passenger Transport in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000