Setup Your Company in Abu Dhabi

As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a premier business hub and strategic location that offers seamless access to key government entities and global markets fostering business growth. Its supportive regulatory environment and attractive incentives create a flourishing entrepreneurial landscape. Recognized as one of the world's safest cities, the emirate offers an exceptional quality of life, with vibrant cultural scenes, outstanding recreational facilities, and top-tier healthcare and education. This makes it an excellent destination for thriving businesses and a fulfilling lifestyle.

The issuance of licenses and permits in Abu Dhabi is managed by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. (TAMM)

License Categories

Commercial License

Industrial License

Professional License

Tourism License

Legal Forms in Abu Dhabi

Limited Partnership

A company formed of one or more general partners who have joint and separate liability, or one or more limited partners who have limited liability proportional to their capital shares.

Private Joint Stock Company

A company of this type has up to 200 shareholders with an equal division of capital into nominal value shares. It can be established and owned by one legal person (company), and its shares cannot be publicly offered.

Public Joint Stock Company

A company with capital divided into equal negotiable shares, where the founders subscribe to a portion of such shares, while the remainder is offered to the public through a public offering.

Branch office

A branch office is an extension of a foreign or local company, allowing it to operate in the UAE under its existing name and structure. The parent company is fully responsible for the branch’s liabilities

Represnetative office

Similar to a branch, but focused on promoting the parent company’s products and services rather than conducting direct commercial activities.

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License Type	Description	Office or Facility
Standard	Covers all types of business structures and activities	Required
Dual Licence	Enables businesses based in UAE Free Zones to open a branch in Abu Dhabi	May be required based on the activity
Tajer Abu Dhabi	License for specific commercial activities that does not require physical premises to start.	Required after 3 years of establishments
Freelancer	License to conduct consultancy and professional services.	-
Virtual	Enables investors and entrepreneurs to obtain license while outside the UAE	-

Steps for Setting Up Your Company in Abu Dhabi Mainland

1. Choose the right license

Choose the right license (industrial, commercial, professional, etc.) and legal structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.).

2. Trade name reservation

Business name registration and securing the necessary approvals for investors.

3. Receive your business licence

Prepare and draft incorporation documents, including resolutions, Articles of Association, and the Memorandum of Association (MOA).

4. Identifying business location

Identifying business location and tenancy contract exaction

5. Secure any necessary approvals

Secure any necessary approvals (if applicable) from relevant authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Municipality or Department of Health.