Real Estate Development in Khalifa Industrial Zone for Canadian nationals
Free ZoneReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Development in KIZAD

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Real Estate Development

The UAE continues to attract Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and KIZAD is one of the most popular jurisdictions for real estate development operations. Growing Canadian business community (~40,000), 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 Real Estate Development 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 RERA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up real estate development 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 Real Estate Development?

Choosing KIZAD for your real estate development 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 real estate development 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 real estate development professionals. Furthermore, purpose-built for manufacturing positions your real estate development 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 real estate enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Industrial powerhouse
Adjacent to Khalifa Port
Massive land availability
Purpose-built for manufacturing
Competitive infrastructure costs

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your real estate development 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 Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your real estate development business in KIZAD, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Canadian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Canada-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for real estate development), 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 Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)
7Completed application form for trade licence
8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Real Estate Development is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RERA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee10,000
Visa Package (per visa)4,000
Office12,000
Warehouse25,000
Industrial Plot50,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 26,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your real estate development business plan and the best KIZAD licence options for Canadian nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the real estate development licence application to KIZAD. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

7

Start Operations

Your real estate development 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 Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your real estate development in KIZAD? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionKIZAD
TypeFree Zone
EmirateAbu Dhabi
License FeeAED 10,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code68300

Official Source

www.kizad.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

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