Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation
An Abu Dhabi mainland licence gives you direct access to the capital’s government, energy and infrastructure market, with the freedom to trade across the UAE.
- ADDEDAuthority
- 100% for most activitiesOwnership
- AED 14,999Packages from
- Government and energyMarket
About Abu Dhabi Mainland
Abu Dhabi mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development through the TAMM platform. The emirate is the seat of federal government and home to major energy, utilities and infrastructure buyers, many of whom expect suppliers to be locally licensed and ICV certified.
As with Dubai, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership. Abu Dhabi offers virtual and instant licences for some activities, which can lower the entry cost.
Authority
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
Best suited to
Suppliers to government and energy companies; Construction and facilities management; Professional services in the capital.
Benefits of Abu Dhabi Mainland
Capital market access
Close to federal and emirate government buyers.
Trade UAE wide
No geographic restriction.
Digital licensing
Applications through TAMM.
ICV opportunities
Local presence helps tender scores.
Ownership
100% for most activities.
Visas
Investor and employee residency.
Licence types available
Professional licence
Consultancy and professional services.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing and production.
Tourism licence
Hospitality and travel.
Commercial licence
General and specialised trading.
Occupational licence
Craft and occupational activities.
Agricultural licence
Farming and agricultural activities.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Limited Liability Company, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, Branch office |
| Visa allocation | Visa allocation depends on office space and activity. |
| Office | Registered tenancy (Tawtheeq) required. |
How setup works
Activity and legal form
Choose activities and legal form with the economic department.
Trade name and initial approval
Reserve the name and obtain initial approval.
Office and Ejari
Lease an office or flexi desk and register the tenancy.
Memorandum and licence
Sign the memorandum of association and pay licence fees.
Visas and registrations
Establishment card, visas, corporate tax and VAT.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport photographs and Emirates ID or visa copy for residents
- Proposed trade names (three options)
- Selected business activities
- Tenancy contract and Ejari for the office (after initial approval)
- No objection letter from a current sponsor, where applicable
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
Abu Dhabi Mainland packages
Commercial Starter, 0 visa
AED 14,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Professional Growth, 1 visa
AED 18,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Local service agent coordination, where required
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Industrial Premium, 2 visas
AED 24,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Mainland companies pay corporate tax at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. Small Business Relief is available for revenue up to AED 3 million for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
Abu Dhabi Mainland questions
Is Abu Dhabi more expensive than Dubai for setup?
Costs are broadly comparable and depend on activity and office. Some Abu Dhabi licence types have lower entry costs.
What is Tawtheeq?
Abu Dhabi's tenancy registration system, the equivalent of Dubai's Ejari.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities since the Commercial Companies Law was amended in 2021. A small list of strategic activities still needs Emirati participation.
Do I need a physical office?
Mainland licences need a registered office with Ejari. A business centre or flexi desk is accepted for many activities and sets your visa quota.
Speak to our setup manager about Abu Dhabi Mainland
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.