Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland - Company Formation
Operate with 100% business ownership, no trade restrictions, and global market access
Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE, is the fastest growing economy in the MENA region known for its rich oil treasures, industrial advancement and thriving tourism. Over the years, the city has also become one of the best places for starting a business. Investors and entrepreneurs from different corners of the world are attracted to its diverse economy and are considering business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland due to the attractive benefits it offers.
If you are also dreaming to bring your business to UAE’s largest Emirate, this could be a life changing decision for you. Dubiz Business Setup stays committed to making your aspirations come true by offering business setup solutions that speak directly to your business concerns. Your business journey starts here!
Meaning of Abu Dhabi Mainland
Abu Dhabi’s mainland refers to the geographical area that falls under the direct governance of Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi (ADDED), outside the freezone areas. ADDED is responsible for regulation and licensing of all the companies operating within the Abu Dhabi mainland. It also develops the trade and industrial policies, plans the budgets, and leads economic initiatives to ensure a constant and sustainable economic growth in the Emirate.
Business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland refers to a company or enterprise that is registered and operates in the mainland of Abu Dhabi. Mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi lets you conduct business within the city as well as the rest of UAE.
Benefits of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland
There are several advantages of starting a business in Abu Dhabi which is why it has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs in recent years. In fact, today Abu Dhabi stands as the smartest city in the Middle East and hosts thousands of innovative and forward-thinking companies. Here are the reasons why investors are choosing mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi:
Affordable business setup cost:
The ease and affordability of business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland is what makes it so attractive to entrepreneurs.
Broad scope of business:
Businesses can choose from a wide range of activities and trade anywhere across the UAE, allowing better reach.
No trade restrictions:
Abu Dhabi mainland businesses are free to conduct business anywhere within the UAE as well as internationally.
Complete ownership scope:
Businesses now enjoy complete ownership for many commercial activities without needing a local sponsor.
Longer license validity:
Abu Dhabi mainland offers commercial licenses with a 2-year validity, eliminating the hassle of yearly renewals.
Access to government contracts:
Businesses in Abu Dhabi mainland can work directly with the government on contracts and projects.
No minimum capital requirement:
The absence of a minimum capital requirement makes business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland accessible to startups.
High connectivity:
The developed business communities filled with top brands and MNCs provide networking opportunities.
Repatriation of capital and profits:
Businesses operating on Abu Dhabi mainland can transfer 100% of their capital and profits abroad.
Low import duties:
Low import duties encourage international business operations, improving global reach.
Affordable office space:
Businesses can rent office spaces at reasonable costs, helping them save more money.
Easy visa procedures:
Entrepreneurs can easily apply for visas for themselves and their staff through streamlined processes.
Cost of Starting Business in Abu Dhabi Mainland
There are many factors that go into determining the total cost of Abu Dhabi mainland company formation. Abu Dhabi mainland license cost starts from around AED 5,500* and the total business setup amount will be influenced by the complexity of your business, type of activity, number of visa applications, etc.
At Dubiz Business Setup, we offer affordable business setup packages that can be customized based on your specific business requirements.
Get in touch with us now to receive cost estimation for your Abu Dhabi mainland company formation.
Business Licenses Offered in Abu Dhabi Mainland
Choose From Multiple Options!
Based on the desired activities of your business, you must choose the right type of business license. Abu Dhabi, a hot spot for businesses of all types, offers the following main categories of trade license on mainland:
Commercial license:
Allows businesses to trade, buy, sell products and services inside as well as outside UAE. This also includes importing, exporting, retailing and wholesaling activities.
Professional license:
Businesses and individuals offering services based on their expertise, skills and qualification in specialized area need professional license, such as accountants, legal experts, healthcare providers.
Industrial license:
With this license, businesses can conduct industrial and manufacturing activities. Includes production and assembling of raw material, food, textile and other products.
Tourism license:
Tourism license is available for businesses operating in tourism industry such as hotels, travel agencies, tour guiding, etc.
Tajer Abu Dhabi:
A special type of license which is designed for e-commerce businesses in Abu Dhabi who sell the products online through platforms such as social media, website, online marketplaces.
List of Documents Needed for Abu Dhabi Mainland License
Please note that the list may vary and there may be additional documents asked by the ADDED. You can ensure accurate documentation by partnering up with Dubiz experts who can handle everything on your behalf and relieve you of the paperwork burden.
Process to Setup Business in Abu Dhabi Mainland
A structural, step-by-step process ensures your business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland is hassle free and error free. Our experts at Dubiz Business Setup can accompany you throughout the entire process to make things fast and easier for you. Here are the simple eight steps towards your business in Abu Dhabi mainland:
Choose your business activity:
Choose legal structure:
Reserve a trade name:
Acquire initial approval:
Secure office space:
Get external approvals:
Obtain trade license:
Visa and business bank account:
Types of Legal Entities Permitted on Abu Dhabi Mainland
Choosing the right type of legal structure for your business in Abu Dhabi mainland is very crucial as it directly impacts its operational flexibility, tax liabilities and control mechanism. Here are some popular legal structure options available for business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland:
Sole proprietorship:
Single person owned business. The solo entrepreneur remains responsible for all its risks and owns all the profits generated.
Partnership:
Two or more individuals enter into partnership contract and start business while they adhere to pre decided partnership terms and conditions.
Limited liability company:
A company having minimum of 2 and maximum of 50 shareholders whose liability is limited to the stake they own in company.
Joint stock company:
Company where capital is divided into shares and the shareholders holding them own the company. Can be public or private JSC.
Civil company:
Professionals from same field come together and start a business in partnership sharing the profits and losses as mutually decided.
Branch/representative office:
Extension of a local, foreign or GCC company to the mainland in Abu Dhabi.
Holding company:
A company that holds shares or other assets in other companies that are its subsidiaries.
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