Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland - Company Formation
                     BUSINESS SETUP IN
ABU DHABI MAINLAND
Company Formation
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:
01 02 03
Affordable business setup Broad scope of business No trade restrictions
cost
The ease and affordability of Businesses can choose from Abu Dhabi mainland
business setup in Abu Dhabi a wide range of activities and businesses are free to
mainland is what makes it so trade anywhere across the conduct business anywhere
attractive to entrepreneurs. UAE, allowing better reach. within the UAE as well as
internationally.
04 05 06 07 08
Complete ownership Longer license validity Access to government No minimum capital High connectivity:
scope contracts requirement:
Businesses now enjoy Abu Dhabi mainland offers Businesses in Abu Dhabi The absence of a minimum The developed business
complete ownership for commercial licenses with a 2- mainland can work directly capital requirement makes communities filled with top
many commercial activities year validity, eliminating the with the government on business setup in Abu Dhabi brands and MNCs provide
without needing a local hassle of yearly renewals. contracts and projects. mainland accessible to networking opportunities.
sponsor. startups.
09 10 11 12
Repatriation of capital Low import duties Affordable office space Easy visa procedures
and profits
Businesses operating on Abu Low import duties encourage Businesses can rent office Entrepreneurs can easily
Dhabi mainland can transfer international business spaces at reasonable costs, apply for visas for
100% of their capital and operations, improving global helping them save more themselves and their staff
profits abroad. reach. money. 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
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 Professional license
01 Allows businesses to trade, buy, sell 02 Businesses and individuals offering
products and services inside as well as services based on their expertise, skills,
outside UAE. This also includes importing, and qualifications in specialized areas
exporting, retailing, and wholesaling need a professional license, such as
activities. accountants, legal experts, and healthcare
providers.
 Industrial license  Tourism license
03 With this license, businesses can conduct 04 Tourism license is available for businesses
industrial and manufacturing activities. operating in the tourism industry such as
Includes production and assembling of hotels, travel agencies, tour guiding, etc.
raw material, food, textile, and other
products.
 Tajer Abu Dhabi
05 A special type of license designed for e-
commerce businesses in Abu Dhabi who
sell products online through platforms
such as social media, websites, and 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:
Filled application form
 Trade name reservation
 Passport and visa copies of all shareholders
 Bank letter
 Tenancy contract, if applicable
 Attested Memorandum of Association
 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:
Step 1 : Choose your Step 2 : Choose legal
business activity structure
Determine the business Decide if you want to establish
activities to be carried out. a solely owned business, joint
It will decide the type of venture, limited partnership,
business license you would LLC, civil company, joint stock
need. company, branch, or any other
type.
Step 3 : Reserve a trade Step 4 : Acquire initial
name approval
Choose and register a Seek preliminary approval for
suitable and lawful name your business setup in Abu
with the Department of Dhabi mainland from the
Economic Development of Department of Economic
the Emirate. Development.
Step 5 : Secure office space Step 6 : Get external approvals
Based on your business’s nature For certain types of activities, such
and required license type, look as healthcare, special permission is
for a suitable physical office needed from some additional
space and secure a tenancy government bodies such as specific
contract. No physical office is Ministries and departments.
needed for Tajer license.
Step 7 : Obtain trade license: Step 8 : Visa and business bank
account
Gather all your documents and Secure the necessary visas for
apply for the right type of business yourself and your staff as needed.
license with the ADDED. Fill out the Additionally, open a business bank
application form carefully and pay account with a suitable bank in Abu
the necessary fees. Once approved, Dhabi.
your license will be successfully
issued.
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 Invest In Organic Channels
Single person owned business. The solo Two or more individuals enter into
entrepreneur remains responsible for all its partnership contract and start business
risks and owns all the profits generated. while they adhere to pre decided
partnership terms and conditions.
Limited liability company Joint stock company
A company having minimum of  and Company where capital is divided into2
maximum of  shareholders whose liability shares and the shareholders holding them50
is limited to the stake they own in company own the company. Can be public or private.
JSC.
Civil company Branch/representative office
Professionals from same field come together Extension of a local, foreign or GCC
and start a business in partnership sharing company to the mainland in Abu
the profits and losses as mutually decided. 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:
 7+ years of industry experience
 4000+ successfully established businesses
 Abu Dhabi business registration
 Trade licensing and visa processing
 Government approvals
 PRO and document clearance
 Tax registration and accounting
CONTACT US
+971 563695485
dubiz.co
[email protected]
Office number 2908, Al Manara Tower,
Business Bay Dubai.