Abu Dhabi Mainland

Set Up Your Company in

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the best places to consider when starting a business. Over the years, the Emirate has become one of the top destinations for entrepreneurs because of its booming economy from oil production, real estate, industrial development, and tourism. One of the reasons why Abu Dhabi has become the top choice of investors and entrepreneurs is the ease of doing business.

According to World Bank’s Doing Business in 2020, Abu Dhabi was regarded to be one of the strongest regional performers when it comes to ease of doing business. With its good location and diverse economy, Abu Dhabi is becoming one of the most favorite destinations for entrepreneurs.

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Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in Abu Dhabi

Low Company Setup Cost

The ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi is one of the factors that attracts entrepreneurs and investors. Companies under the Abu Dhabi Mainland License are not required to have any minimum share capital. They are also exempted from an annual audit. However, there are exceptions to this in some jurisdictions.

Wider Scope of Business

Having an Abu Dhabi Mainland License lets you conduct business activities anywhere in the UAE. This allows a broader reach of consumers and customers across the region. Entering a wider market also lets you maximize your company’s increase in profit and revenue.

Long Term License Validity

Unlike other business locations, Abu Dhabi offers a 2-year validity in commercial licenses. This would minimise costs and effort in annually renewing your licenses.

Affordable Office Spaces

One of the most crucial points of starting a business is selecting your office space. In Abu Dhabi, you can choose to rent or lease a space for a very affordable price.

Tourism Sector Development

Abu Dhabi is known to be one of the most well-known global tourist destinations. It serves as a host for the largest commercial and sporting events which contribute to its increasing tourism sector yearly.

Ability to Work with Government Bodies

Companies with Abu Dhabi Mainland licenses are allowed to work with government contracts. This gives your company the opportunity to bid for different Government funded projects for a higher revenue.

Cost of Setting Up Your Company
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

The price for setting up an Abu Dhabi Mainland Company starts from AED 15,000.

Biz HQ Consultants business package starts at  This already includes: Depending on the complexity of your business, and number of visa applications, setting up a company under the Abu Dhabi Mainland license usually ranges from AED 15,000 – AED 30,000.

Types of Licenses Offered
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

With Abu Dhabi becoming one of the hottest spots for business and tourism, it is essential to learn what type of business activities you are going to venture. Biz HQ Consultants will help you in choosing the best-suited type of activities for your company.

Commercial License

Allows a company to do business activities under public trading, hospitals, clinics, construction, real estate, and other related activities.

Occupational License

Issued for companies who have individuals who use their talent, intelligence, and abilities to render service to clients. This includes law, accounting, and research firms.

Professional License

This license is issued to companies with employees who are providing service for a particular craft. This includes carpentry, steelwork, and other artisanal-related activities.

Industrial License

Issued to companies that plan to open a manufacturing company in Abu Dhabi.

Tourism License

This license is given to entrepreneurs who wish to operate in the travel and tourism sector of the UAE including hotels and travel agencies. The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority issues this license.

Agricultural License

These are issued to companies working in the agricultural, fisheries, and livestock sector.

Types of Business Structures
in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Civil Company

A Civil Company is essentially a partnership business for conducting service-related or professional activities. A Civil Company can have partners of any nationality, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed if the partnership doesn’t include UAE or GCC nationals. Civil Companies are jointly liable for any losses or debts that arise out of the civil partnership.

Single-Person LLC

A Single-Person LLC is a business structure set up and owned by an individual or a corporate body.

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is composed of 2-50 shareholders. An LLC is the most convenient legal structure for expatriate residents and foreigners to establish a new company in the UAE. Foreign investors are entitled to 100% LLC ownership on selected business activities.

Sole Proprietorship

Foreign nationals can retain 100% foreign ownership in the business
A Local Service Agent (LSA) is required for owners who are not UAE nationals. The LSA supervises license requirements and other government-related matters for the business.
The company can legally practice professional services anywhere in the UAE

Branch Office of Local & Foreign Companies

Companies registered in the UAE or in other countries can establish a branch on the Dubai Mainland. The branch must carry out more than one activity listed on the parent company’s license.

Steps for Setting Up Your Company in Abu Dhabi Mainland

1

Choose Your Business Activity and Structure

The first and most important thing to do before setting up a company in Dubai is to choose the right category and nature where your business activity falls. You can choose from over 1,500 business activities in the UAE. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is the Governing body that regulates all the legal activities of businesses in Dubai.

2

Register Your Company’s Name with DED

Choose a unique name for your company. Ensure that the chosen name does not match any other companies in Dubai. Once you have selected a name and received approval, register it with the DED. Typically, the registration process takes around three days.

3

Apply for Mainland Trade License

After registering your company name, it’s now time to apply for your mainland trade license. There are a few commercial activities that are not permissible according to the DED law. DED is the accountable body to decide, regulate, classify, permit, and license all economic activities. Several documents are required as part of a trade license application. Biz HQ Consultants can assist you with this.

4

Get an Office Space or Coworking Space

In the UAE, office spaces are usually owned by third parties. The packages and inclusions can be customised depending on your needs. It is essential to note that the tenancy agreement, Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA) documents, and EJARI need to be submitted, following with the initial approval that is granted by the DED. An office space is often not mandatory and Biz HQ Consultants provides options of coworking spaces which is much more cost-effective.

5

Prepare the Necessary Documents Like Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Article of Association (AoA)

The Memorandum of Association (MoA) is one of the most important documents in setting up a company in Dubai. This document states the information on share of limitations and liberty every partner has within the company. This document should be drafted carefully. The legal experts from Biz HQ Consultants can help you in preparing this document.

6

Pay Fees and Collect the License

After completing documentation and approvals, pay fees and collect your business license, marking official recognition and allowing legal operation in Dubai mainland.

7

Open Your Business Bank Account

After obtaining the trade license, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Modern digital banking has streamlined this process, often taking only a few days. Our team of banking experts will assist you throughout the process.

Set Up Your Company in