Affordable business setup cost
The ease and affordability of business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland is what makes it so attractive to entrepreneurs.
Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland
Start your Abu Dhabi Mainland business with 100% ownership and no trade restrictions. Get expert support for licensing, company formation, visas, and more.
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:
Broad scope of business
Businesses can choose from wide range of activities and trade anywhere across the UAE which lets them enjoy better reach.
No trade restrictions
Abu Dhabi mainland business setup is free to conduct business anywhere within the UAE as well as outside the nation.
Complete ownership scope
Businesses now can enjoy complete business ownership for many commercial activities without being dependent on local sponsor.
Longer license validity
Abu Dhabi mainland offers commercial license with validity of 2 years which frees you from hassle of renewing it every year.
Access to government contracts
Businesses in mainland Abu Dhabi can work directly for the government contracts and projects.
No minimum capital requirement
Absence of minimum capital requirement for setting up business on Abu Dhabi mainland makes it accessible to startups.
High connectivity
The information and communication infrastructure of Abu Dhabi is very sound which ensures smooth business operations.
Repatriation of capital and profits
Businesses operating on mainland in Abu Dhabi can transfer 100% capital and profits to their home countries.
Low import duties
Low import duties encourage more international business operations, thus better global reach.
Affordable office space
Office space for businesses can be rented at very reasonable costs which helps save more money.
Easy visa procedures
Entrepreneurs can easily apply for visas for themselves and 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:
Allows businesses to trade, buy, sell products and services inside as well as outside UAE. This also includes importing, exporting, retailing and wholesaling activities.
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.
With this license, businesses can conduct industrial and manufacturing activities. Includes production and assembling of raw material, food, textile and other products.
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
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:
Here is why you should choose Dubiz:
Filled application form
Trade name reservation
Passport and visa copies of all shareholders
Bank letter
Tenancy contract, if applicable
Initial approval receipt
No objection certificate from local sponsor, if applicable
Additional government permits, if needed
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:
01.
Choose your business activity
Determine the business activities to be carried out. It will decide the type of business license you would need.
02.
Choose legal structure
Decide if you want to establish a solely owned business, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability company, civil company, joint stock company, branch, or any other type.
03.
Reserve a trade name
Choose and register a suitable and lawful name with the Department of Economic Development of the Emirate.
04.
Acquire initial approval
Seek preliminary approval for your business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland from the Department of Economic Development.
05.
Secure office space
Based on your business’s nature and required license type, look for a suitable physical office space and secure tenancy contract. No physical office is needed for Tajer license.
06.
Get external approvals
For certain type of activities, such as healthcare, special permission is needed from some additional government bodies such as specific Ministries, departments.
07.
Obtain trade license
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 application is approved, license will be successfully issued.
08.
Visa and business bank account
Secure the necessary visas for yourself and staff as may be needed. Additionally, open business bank account with a suitable bank in Abu Dhabi.
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.
Dubiz for Business Setup in UAE
Start Your Abu Dhabi Business with the Right Guidance!
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:
- 9+ years of industry experience
- 7000+ successfully established businesses
- Abu Dhabi business registration
- Trade licensing and visa processing
- Government approvals
- PRO and document clearance
- Tax registration and accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
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.