Abu Dhabi mainland company setup
Set up in the UAE capital with unrestricted UAE trade, access to government contracts and a wide range of licence types.
Abu Dhabi mainland
What is a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
Abu Dhabi mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Trade names and many applications run through the TAMM government portal, and you can operate anywhere in the emirate and the wider UAE.
It suits businesses that plan to invest long term, serve government and large corporate clients, or build a presence in the capital's construction, real estate, logistics and consultancy sectors.
- Unrestricted trade across the UAE and abroad
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Eligible for government contracts and tenders
- Wide range of commercial, professional and industrial activities
- Option to hire staff and open branches
Why mainland
Benefits of a mainland licence
Trade across the UAE
Sell to anyone in all seven emirates and abroad, with no zone boundary limiting your market.
Up to 100% ownership
Most activities no longer need a local partner. We confirm the rules for your activity.
Government contracts
Mainland companies can bid for government and semi-government work.
Choose your location
Place your office where your customers and team are, anywhere in the emirate.
Scalable hiring
Your visa quota grows with your office space as the business grows.
Wide activity range
Commercial, professional and industrial activities under one licensing framework.
Why Abu Dhabi?
- Home to major government and corporate buyers
- Modern trade infrastructure and strong investor support
- Easy air and sea access to the wider region
Compare
mainland or free zone?
Both routes give you a UAE company. The right one depends on where your customers are and how you plan to operate.
| Feature | mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | All emirates and international markets | Within the zone and export; UAE sales usually via a distributor |
| Government contracts | Eligible to bid | Generally not eligible |
| Office | Physical premises and registered tenancy | Flexi-desk or virtual often possible |
| Ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% foreign ownership |
| Corporate tax | 9% on profit above AED 375,000 | Qualifying Free Zone Persons may pay 0% on qualifying income |
| Visa quota | Linked to office size | Linked to the zone package |
Licence types
Licences in Abu Dhabi
Issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The licence has to match your actual activity.
Standard licence
The general trade licence covering all legal forms of business.
Trader licence
Issued electronically for specific commercial activities.
Freelancer licence
For individuals working remotely in specific fields, with no physical office requirement.
Virtual licence
For people living outside the UAE who want to start an Abu Dhabi company.
Dual licence
Lets certain free zone companies also trade in the mainland.
Popular sectors
Set-up process
8 steps to your Abu Dhabi licence
Choose activity and legal structure
We match your business to the right licence and structure, such as an LLC, sole establishment or branch.
Reserve your trade name
We check availability and reserve a compliant name with the economic authority.
Get initial approval
We file your application so the authority can approve your activity and shareholders.
Lease and register your office
We help you find suitable premises and register the tenancy with the right authority.
Prepare and notarise documents
We draft the Memorandum of Association and gather all shareholder documents.
Secure external approvals
Regulated activities such as healthcare, education or transport need extra clearances. We handle them.
Pay fees and receive your licence
We submit the final application, pay the fees and collect your trade licence.
Bank, visas and tax registration
We open your corporate account, process visas and register you for corporate tax and VAT.
Office requirements
Abu Dhabi requires premises registered through the Tawtheeq system. Formats range from conventional offices and business centres to flexi-desks, depending on your activity and headcount.
Corporate tax and VAT
Corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Below that, 0%.
VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. We handle corporate tax and VAT registration and ongoing filings. Rules can change, so we confirm current thresholds when you apply.
Pricing
Abu Dhabi mainland costs
Indicative pricing only. Government fees and final costs may vary.
Standard licences AED 10,000 – 50,000 a year
| Cost component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Trade licence | AED 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Trade name | AED 620 |
| Initial approvals | AED 1,000 |
| Office (Tawtheeq) | AED 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Visa charges | AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
Documents
What you need to provide
We prepare, translate and submit everything. This is what we'll ask you for.
- Completed application form
- Passport copies for all shareholders and managers
- Approved trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Notarised Memorandum of Association (where applicable)
- Tawtheeq for your premises
- External approvals for regulated activities
- NOC from your current UAE employer, if employed
Other emirates
Compare mainland locations
Abu Dhabi mainland FAQ
Typically 1–4 weeks. The full process, including premises, visas and a bank account, usually takes longer. We give you a timeline once we know your activity.
For most activities you can own up to 100% of the company. Certain strategic or regulated sectors may still need a local partner or service agent, and we confirm this for your activity.
Yes. A mainland licence lets you trade across all emirates and internationally, subject to your licensed activity and any local permits.
Physical office with Tawtheeq. Abu Dhabi requires premises registered through the Tawtheeq system. Formats range from conventional offices and business centres to flexi-desks, depending on your activity and headcount.
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. VAT of 5% applies once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Cost depends on your activity, office, visa count and any external approvals. After a short consultation we send a written quote with every government fee itemised.
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