Set Up Your Company in

Abu Dhabi Mainland

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the best places to consider when starting a business. Over the years, the Emirate has become one of the top destinations for entrepreneurs because of its booming economy from oil production, real estate, industrial development, and tourism. One of the reasons why Abu Dhabi has become the top choice of investors and entrepreneurs is the ease of doing business.

According to World Bank’s Doing Business in 2020, Abu Dhabi was regarded to be one of the strongest regional performers when it comes to ease of doing business. With its good location and diverse economy, Abu Dhabi is becoming one of the most favorite destinations for entrepreneurs.

Get in touch

Name

Phone

How can we help?

I consent to Creative Zone collecting my name, email address, and phone number and contacting me using the supplied email address or phone number.
* You agree to Creative Zone's Terms and Privacy Policy by submitting this form.

Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in Abu Dhabi

Low Company Setup Cost

The ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi is one of the factors that attracts entrepreneurs and investors. Companies under the Abu Dhabi Mainland License are not required to have any minimum share capital. They are also exempted from an annual audit. However, there are exceptions to this in some jurisdictions.

Wider Scope of Business

Having an Abu Dhabi Mainland License lets you conduct business activities anywhere in the UAE. This allows a broader reach of consumers and customers across the region. Entering a wider market also lets you maximize your company’s increase in profit and revenue.

Long Term License Validity

Unlike other business locations, Abu Dhabi offers a 2-year validity in commercial licenses. This would minimise costs and effort in annually renewing your licenses.

Affordable Office Spaces

One of the most crucial points of starting a business is selecting your office space. In Abu Dhabi, you can choose to rent or lease a space for a very affordable price.

Tourism Sector Development

Abu Dhabi is known to be one of the most well-known global tourist destinations. It serves as a host for the largest commercial and sporting events which contribute to its increasing tourism sector yearly.

Ability to Work with Government Bodies

Companies with Abu Dhabi Mainland licenses are allowed to work with government contracts. This gives your company the opportunity to bid for different Government funded projects for a higher revenue.

Repatriation of Capital and Profits

Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi have the advantage of repatriating 100% of the profits and capital made by the business without any restrictions. Having an Abu Dhabi Mainland license also entitles you to 100% ownership and exempts you from income taxes. Value Added Tax (VAT) is the only tax imposed on enterprises at a rate of 5%.

Cost of Setting Up Your Company
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

The price for setting up an Abu Dhabi Mainland Company starts from AED 15,000.

Depending on the complexity of your business, and number of visa applications, setting up a company under the Abu Dhabi Mainland license usually ranges from AED 15,000 – AED 30,000.

Creative Zone can offer you different packages tailored to your business needs.

Receive an estimate of your business setup cost now!

Explore Monthly
Payment Plans
with Selected Banks

Convert your transactions into easy and affordable monthly instalments with our selected range of banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card issued from any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.

Steps

*General terms and conditions from the banks will be applicable.

Types of Licenses Offered
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

With Abu Dhabi becoming one of the hottest spots for business and tourism, it is essential to learn what type of business activities you are going to venture. Creative Zone will help you in choosing the best-suited type of activities for your company.

Commercial License

Allows a company to do business activities under public trading, hospitals, clinics, construction, real estate, and other related activities.

Occupational License

Issued for companies who have individuals who use their talent, intelligence, and abilities to render service to clients. This includes law, accounting, and research firms.

Professional License

This license is issued to companies with employees who are providing service for a particular craft. This includes carpentry, steelwork, and other artisanal-related activities.

Industrial License

Issued to companies that plan to open a manufacturing company in Abu Dhabi.

Tourism License

This license is given to entrepreneurs who wish to operate in the travel and tourism sector of the UAE including hotels and travel agencies. The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority issues this license.

Agricultural License

These are issued to companies working in the agricultural, fisheries, and livestock sector.

Types of Business Structures
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Limited Partnership

A Limited Partnership is made up of one or more general partners who are jointly liable for all the partnership’s debts and financial obligations. A limited partner may not take part in the management decisions or have his name included in the partnership’s name.

Branch Office

The Branch Office is an extension of business by a company. One can have a branch office of a foreign company, a branch office of a UAE company in Abu Dhabi. The branch office will function as its headquarters in the region. However, the import of goods is only permissible through a local trading firm.

Public Shareholding Company

A Public Joint Stock Company is a corporate entity with a capital minimum of AED 10,000,000. The share of this company is transferable of equal value, with each shareholder liable only to the extent of their share in the company. During the business incorporation, the business name must not be from any partnering investors.

Private Shareholding Company

A Private Joint Stock Company is formed through a partnership of at least 3 shareholders with a capital minimum of AED 2,000,000. Such legal entities are compatible with all sorts of industrial and commercial activities besides professional businesses.

Joint Venture

Joint Venture in Abu Dhabi is the agreement between 2 or more natural persons or legal entities. Its objectives and terms are governed by the joint venture contract. A joint venture may be carried out only in the own name of one of the UAE national partners.

Limited Partnership

Branch Office

Public Shareholding Company

Steps for Setting Up Your Company in Abu Dhabi Mainland

1 Determine the Nature of Business

The first and one of the most critical steps in setting up business in Abu Dhabi Mainland is choosing the right trade license and company structure. Since there are requirements for each type, it is better to know the business activity and legal structure of your company beforehand. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) is the one responsible for issuing licenses for business registrations in Abu Dhabi.

2 Register Trade Name

Choose the right and appropriate name for your company. There are certain guidelines that you have to follow in choosing a company name. Creative Zone can provide you a comprehensive guide for choosing your trade name.

3 Get Approvals from Authorising Authorities

Once you have selected your business activity, company structure, and trade name, you can now seek preliminary approvals from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

Some of the documents needed for getting a preliminary approval are:

· Approved trade name

· For foreign investors: Approval from the Department of Naturalization and Residence, along with valid passport copies

· Copy of Emirates ID (if applicable)

· No objection certificate

Our team at Creative Zone can assist you in meeting all these requirements for a faster and hassle-free process.

4 Licensing Approvals

Upon submission of all documents, payment must be made. After this, you can now collect your trade license.