Abu Dhabi Mainland is an ideal location for starting a business, offering full foreign ownership in many sectors and access to the entire UAE market. Unlike free zones, businesses here can operate across the Emirates and work directly with local and government clients, including big government contracts.
With easy registration, profit repatriation, and low taxes, Abu Dhabi Mainland is a strong choice for both new and experienced business owners.
Begin by selecting the primary business activity, as it will define licensing requirements. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) categorizes activities into commercial, industrial, and professional. Ensure that your chosen activity aligns with ADDED guidelines and permissible locations within Abu Dhabi.
Select an appropriate legal structure for your company, such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch office. LLCs are common for foreign investors due to limited liability and flexibility, but some structures, like partnerships, are limited to UAE nationals.
Choose and register a trade name that reflects your business activity. The trade name must be unique and comply with UAE regulations (e.g., no religious terms or names of countries). Submit this name for approval to the ADDED, ensuring it meets the required standards.
Apply for initial approval from ADDED, allowing you to proceed with additional setup steps. Initial approval requires:
If your business structure requires a local sponsor (e.g., for foreign-owned LLCs in certain sectors), identify a UAE national or locally-owned entity to hold 51% ownership. Sponsors typically provide support in meeting local legal requirements but do not engage in company operations.
To complete licensing, lease an office space in a commercial area and register the tenancy contract through Ejari to confirm the business location. Office space is mandatory, as virtual or shared spaces are not permitted for mainland companies.
Prepare and notarize the MoA with all shareholders, detailing capital contributions, profit distribution, and management roles. This document formalizes company ownership and operational agreements, especially for LLCs and partnerships.
Certain business activities, such as healthcare or construction, require approvals from specialized government departments (e.g., Department of Health for medical establishments). Ensure these sector-specific approvals are secured before proceeding.
Submit all finalized documents, including the MoA, tenancy contract, and required approvals, to ADDED to receive the business license. Pay the license fees, which vary depending on business activity and structure, and await the issuance of the license.
Once licensed, open a local bank account to manage business finances. Bank requirements may vary, but common documents include the trade license, MoA, and proof of residency.
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Check your license expiry to renew on time and avoid penalties.
Ensure your tenancy contract is valid for at least three months after the renewal date and is registered with Ejari.
Prepare these documents: current trade license, passport copies of partners, Emirates IDs, Ejari tenancy contract, and a filled BR/1 form. Check with DED for any additional needed documents.
Choose to renew either online through the TAMM Platform or in-person at a DED Service Center.
After submitting documents, pay using the payment voucher from DED and keep proof of payment.
Download your renewed license from TAMM (for online applications) or collect it at DED (for in-person applications). Processing takes about 10-15 days.
Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.
We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!
The cost of a professional license in Abu Dhabi generally starts from AED 10,000, varying by activity and approvals.
The “Tajer Abu Dhabi” license starts from AED 1,000 and allows certain businesses to operate without an office.
The license cost in the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone starts around AED 15,000, depending on activity and office space.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in many sectors under recent UAE reforms.
Annual audits are generally not mandatory for mainland companies unless required by specific regulatory authorities.
Setting up a mainland business in Abu Dhabi typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, subject to approvals.
Yes, foreigners can start businesses in Abu Dhabi with options for full ownership in many sectors.
A commercial license in Abu Dhabi Mainland is valid for one year, renewable annually.
There is no corporate tax, but a 5% VAT applies to certain goods and services.
