Mainland Company Registration in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest emirate, occupying 84% of the UAE’s landmass, with 200 islands and a coastline stretching over 700 km. Before 1958, the emirate’s main industry was the export of pearls. Since the discovery of oil, Abu Dhabi has been one of the world’s leading energy producers, with daily production volumes at approximately 3.5 million barrels of crude oil and 10.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The emirate is also a pioneer in the global alternative and renewable energy industry.

Setting up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi offers numerous advantages, including access to a thriving business ecosystem, lucrative opportunities, and a strategic location. However, the registration process can be complex and time-consuming without the right knowledge and guidance how to streamline the mainland company registration process in Abu Dhabi, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

• 100% foreign ownership;
• 2-year validity of a commercial license;
• 1 year to submit a tenancy contract of the established business to the DED;
• Fully digital company formation process;
• Paid-up share capital not required;
• Can operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally;
• More than 2,000 activities for all the industries;
• A broad spectrum of company legal structures;
• Can rent/purchase office space in all areas in Abu Dhabi without restrictions;
• Can open a multi-currency account with any of the local banks;
• The number of visas is only limited by the size of a rented/purchased premises;
• Can participate in government tenders/projects and bid for contracts in the respective emirate;
• Excellent infrastructure and business environment;
• Low corporate tax rate compared to other countries;
• No withholding tax on earnings.

• The shareholder is required to be in the UAE for the company registration and immigration card issuance.
• The company can only be registered against the real office (min size 20 sqm).
• Mainland companies require annual financial audit to renew the license.
• Commercial and professional activities cannot be mixed on one license.
• Foreign trading companies cannot open their branches in the UAE.
• Some activities are subject to additional approvals of the respective regulatory authority either before the license is issued or after.

The common legal forms of a mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi include:

• General Partnership;
• Limited Partnership;
• Limited Liability Company;
• Public Joint Stock Company;
• Private Joint Stock Company;
• Civil Company;
• Local Company Branch;
• GCC Company Branch;
• Foreign Company Branch;
• Free Zone Company Branch;
• Sole Establishment;
• Holding Company.

There are five main types of mainland business licenses in Abu Dhabi Mainland:

1. Commercial license – issued to businesses engaged in trading activities;
2. Industrial license – granted to businesses involved in manufacturing or processing;
3. Professional license – designed for service-based businesses, such as accounting, legal, or consulting firms;
4. Tourism license – covers all activities connected to hospitality and tourism;
5. Service license – granted to individuals who would like to provide services like cleaning, maintenance, and security.

Registration authority: Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi.

Required documents and incorporation steps for the setup of a mainland company in Abu Dhabi:

1. The client to provide:
   – Company name (3 options);
   – Company legal structure (LLC, Civil Company, Sole Establishment);
   – Corporate structure (shareholders, directors, manager);
   – Activities – some activities require approval of the relevant regulatory authority;
   – Office/Warehouse rental agreement.
2. Required documents (individual shareholder):
   – Passport copy (valid for 6 months min);
   – Copy of the passport page with the entry stamp;
   – UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID copies (if applicable);
   – Scan of a 3.5 x 4.5 white background passport type photo;
   – Personal details: telephone number, email address, residential address, country of residence, parent’s names, marital status, religion;
   – Valid UAE Pass account: UAE Pass digital signature (required only for L.L.C.).
   For the corporate shareholder, a set of the company’s registration documents to be provided (notarized and attested).
3. The documents and information are submitted through the local service centres.
4. The following documents will be issued by the authority upon successful registration:
   – Business License;
   – Chamber of Commerce Registration;
   – Memorandum of Association.
5. Once the license is issued the company has to be registered with the Immigration Authority and the Ministry of Labour.
6. Visas can be applied for the investor, partners and employees and their family members or house help.
7. Personal and corporate bank account opening applications.

Contact us, if you have any questions regarding the mainland company registration in Abu Dhabi, e.g. How much does it cost to get a mainland company in Abu Dhabi? Can a company be set up in Abu Dhabi mainland without a sponsor?