Start Your Business in Abu Dhabi Mainland – Expert-Guided, 100% Foreign-Owned

Set up your company in the UAE capital with full ownership, tax exemptions, and direct access to global and government opportunities.

Planning to register your company in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

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Why Abu Dhabi Mainland is a Top Choice for Entrepreneurs

As the UAE capital and its largest emirate, Abu Dhabi offers more than just oil wealth. With over 143,000 active businesses and 3,000+ approved activities, it has emerged as a modern, diversified economic powerhouse.
Whether you’re in healthcare, energy, education, technology, or manufacturing, Abu Dhabi offers:

Full foreign ownership in most sectors
Streamlined licensing via ADDED (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development)
2-year trade license validity
Access to government contracts and public tenders
Low-cost, flexible setup with no capital requirement

It’s also a global gateway, offering strategic access to MENA, Asia, and Europe, supported by world-class infrastructure.

Key Benefits of Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation

100% Foreign Ownership

No Emirati partner needed (except in restricted activities)

No Capital Requirement

No minimum share capital or annual audit obligation

Tax Exemptions

Zero personal tax and up to USD 100,000 in SME corporate tax relief

2-Year License Validity

Enjoy longer license terms, reducing renewal hassles and cost

Direct Government Access

Bid on and service UAE government projects

Office Flexibility

Choose any commercial location within Abu Dhabi—no zoning restrictions

Industry Proximity

Set up near major sectors like oil & gas, healthcare, and real estate

Need help picking the right license or understanding costs?

Ready to safeguard your privacy and stay compliant?

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Process

Estimated Time: 2–6 Weeks

Choose Business Activity

(from over 3,000 options)
Select Legal Structure

LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Branch
Reserve Trade Name

(1–2 days)
Get Initial Approval

(2–3 days)
Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)

(1–2 days)
Lease Office Space

(1–3 days)
Obtain External Approvals

(2–4 weeks)
Submit Final Application

(3–5 days)
Pay License Fees

(3–5 days)
Receive Trade License

(1–2 days after payment)
Apply for Visas

(for partners and employees)

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Process

Estimated Time: 2–6 Weeks

Choose Business Activity

(from over 3,000 options)
Select Legal Structure

LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Branch
Reserve Trade Name

(1–2 days)
Get Initial Approval

(2–3 days)
Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)

(1–2 days)
Lease Office Space

(1–3 days)
Obtain External Approvals

(2–4 weeks)
Submit Final Application

(3–5 days)
Pay License Fees

(3–5 days)
Receive Trade License

(1–2 days after payment)
Apply for Visas

(for partners and employees)

Types of Abu Dhabi Mainland Licenses

Commercial License

Retail, trading, contracting, healthcare, real estate

Industrial License

Manufacturing, production, and heavy industries

Professional License

Specialized services like consultancy or legal

Occupational License

For skilled individuals based on qualifications

Tourism License

Travel, hospitality, events, and leisure

Freelancer License

For individuals in media, tech, or consulting

Craftsmanship License

For trades like plumbing, carpentry, etc.

Media License

Broadcasting, advertising, and digital content

Transport License

Logistics, fleet management, and delivery services

Educational License

Schools, coaching centers, and training firms

Healthcare License

Clinics, labs, and medical practices

Civil Company License

Professional partnerships (e.g., architects, doctors)

E-Commerce License

Sell online through platforms or websites

Event Management License

Host or organize events and exhibitions

General Maintenance License

Property and facility upkeep

Restaurant & Cafeteria License

Food service and catering

Agricultural License

Farming, fisheries, and livestock

Foreign Branch License

Open a branch of your international company

Documents Required for Company Formation

Depending on your structure (LLC, sole prop, branch), you'll need:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers

Initial approval certificate

Tenancy contract (Ejari)

MoA and trade name approval

Power of Attorney (if applicable)

Financial statements (for branches)

Need help collecting or notarizing documents? We’ll assist every step.

Start Your Business in Abu Dhabi Mainland – Expert-Guided, 100% Foreign-Owned

Get a response within 60 sec!

Why Abu Dhabi Mainland is a Top Choice for Entrepreneurs

Key Benefits of Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation

100% Foreign Ownership

No Capital Requirement

Tax Exemptions

2-Year License Validity

Direct Government Access

Office Flexibility

Industry Proximity

Need help picking the right license or understanding costs?

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Process

Choose Business Activity

Select Legal Structure

Reserve Trade Name

Get Initial Approval

Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Lease Office Space

Obtain External Approvals

Submit Final Application

Pay License Fees

Receive Trade License

Apply for Visas

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Process

Choose Business Activity

Select Legal Structure

Reserve Trade Name

Get Initial Approval

Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Lease Office Space

Obtain External Approvals

Submit Final Application

Pay License Fees

Receive Trade License

Apply for Visas

Types of Abu Dhabi Mainland Licenses

Commercial License

Industrial License

Professional License

Occupational License

Tourism License

Freelancer License

Craftsmanship License

Media License

Transport License

Educational License

Healthcare License

Civil Company License

E-Commerce License

Event Management License

General Maintenance License

Restaurant & Cafeteria License

Agricultural License

Foreign Branch License

Documents Required for Company Formation

Depending on your structure (LLC, sole prop, branch), you'll need:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers

Initial approval certificate

Tenancy contract (Ejari)

MoA and trade name approval

Power of Attorney (if applicable)

Financial statements (for branches)

Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Cost

The starting cost for an Abu Dhabi Mainland license is approx. AED 10,000. Final cost depends on:

Type of license and activity

Number of visas needed

Office space rent

Government approvals

PRO & translation charges (if applicable)

Why Choose Ofin Global?

25+ years of experience across India and the UAE

Personalized assistance for founders, NRIs, and SMEs

Transparent process and pricing—no hidden costs

End-to-end support—from name approval to visas and accounting

Ongoing help with VAT, compliance, payroll & more after setup

Ready to start your business in Abu Dhabi Mainland? Let’s get going.

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