At Dubiz, we understand the complexities & challenges of establishing a business in UAE’s evolving landscape. Our suite of expert business setup services is specially designed to support your venture at every stage, from inception to expansion.
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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!
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.
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:
The ease and affordability of business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland is what makes it so attractive to entrepreneurs.
Businesses can choose from a wide range of activities and trade anywhere across the UAE, allowing better reach.
Abu Dhabi mainland businesses are free to conduct business anywhere within the UAE as well as internationally.
Businesses now enjoy complete ownership for many commercial activities without needing a local sponsor.
Abu Dhabi mainland offers commercial licenses with a 2-year validity, eliminating the hassle of yearly renewals.
Businesses in Abu Dhabi mainland can work directly with the government on contracts and projects.
The absence of a minimum capital requirement makes business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland accessible to startups.
The developed business communities filled with top brands and MNCs provide networking opportunities.
Businesses operating on Abu Dhabi mainland can transfer 100% of their capital and profits abroad.
Low import duties encourage international business operations, improving global reach.
Businesses can rent office spaces at reasonable costs, helping them save more money.
Entrepreneurs can easily apply for visas for themselves and their staff through streamlined processes.
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.
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:
To get your trade license in Abu Dhabi, you must be diligent with your paperwork so that there are no issues and delays. Here are the general requirements for starting a business in Abu Dhabi mainland:
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.
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:
Determine the business activities to be carried out. It will decide the type of business license you would need.
Decide if you want to establish a solely owned business, joint venture, limited partnership, LLC, civil company, joint stock company, branch, or any other type.
Choose and register a suitable and lawful name with the Department of Economic Development of the Emirate.
Seek preliminary approval for your business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland from the Department of Economic Development.
Based on your business’s nature and required license type, look for a suitable physical office space and secure a tenancy contract. No physical office is needed for Tajer license.
For certain types of activities, such as healthcare, special permission is needed from some additional government bodies such as specific Ministries and departments.
Gather all your documents and apply for the right type of business license with the ADDED. Fill out the application form carefully and pay the necessary fees. Once approved, your license will be successfully issued.
Secure the necessary visas for yourself and your staff as needed. Additionally, open a business bank account with a suitable bank in Abu Dhabi.
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:
Single person owned business. The solo entrepreneur remains responsible for all its risks and owns all the profits generated.
Two or more individuals enter into partnership contract and start business while they adhere to pre decided partnership terms and conditions.
A company having minimum of 2 and maximum of 50 shareholders whose liability is limited to the stake they own in company.
Company where capital is divided into shares and the shareholders holding them own the company. Can be public or private JSC.
Professionals from same field come together and start a business in partnership sharing the profits and losses as mutually decided.
Extension of a local, foreign or GCC company to the mainland in Abu Dhabi.
A company that holds shares or other assets in other companies that are its subsidiaries.
Abu Dhabi promises a bright, fortunate and growing business for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Emirate opens up the doors for those who want to make something big of their own in the world’s one of the richest economies, UAE.
You can fasten up your business setup in Abu Dhabi’s mainland with our expert knowledge. Our pack of professionals bring expertise across various industries, so whatever your niche may be, we will understand it better than anyone else. Dubiz Business Setup’s comprehensive suite of business setup services in UAE will answer all your business needs:
Business licenses in Abu Dhabi mainland is issued by the Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi (ADDED).
Not necessarily. For example, e-commerce license called as Tajer license, does not require you to have physical premises. However, it is always better to check with ADDED or experts for latest legal requirements.
It may take few days to few weeks to get business license in Abu Dhabi. However, the actual time may vary based on your business nature and specific requirements.
A mainland business in Abu Dhabi means a business that is established and operates in the mainland jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi. Such businesses have the freedom to carry out business activities anywhere across the UAE as well as internationally.
Yes, foreign investors and entrepreneurs can now own their businesses completely in Abu Dhabi for many commercial activities. However, for some strategic industries, a local sponsor or agent may still be needed.
