Business setup ABU DHABI
How to Begin Your Business Setup In Abu Dhabi?
Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Business Setup Abu Dhabi
Key Benefits of Business In Abu Dhabi
Business Activities for business setup companies in abu dhabi
Types of legal forms in Abu Dhabi Mainland
Establishment
Limited Liability Company
Sole Proprietorship Company L.L.C
Sole Proprietorship Company PJSC
Private Joint Stock Company
Public Joint Stock Company
Partnership Company
Limited Partnership Company
Essential Documents for setting up a business in Abu dhabi
Passport Copies Required for Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
Visa and ID Requirements for Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
- Types of Visa Required: UAE Residence Visa: An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the current sponsor or employer is mandatory.
- Tourist Visa: A clear copy of the visit visa is necessary for verification.
- Cancelled Visa: Submit a copy of the cancelled visa to validate the status change.
- On-Arrival Visa: For nationals from countries such as the USA, UK, and other eligible nations, a copy of the on-arrival visa is required.
- Golden Visa: Only a copy of the Golden Visa is needed, and no NOC is required.
NOC Requirement and Company Name Guidelines for Abu Dhabi Business Setup
- Choose a unique company name that complies with the Abu Dhabi government regulations.
- Ensure the proposed name is not already registered and aligns with legal naming conventions.
- Submit the selected name for approval by the relevant authorities to avoid registration delays.
Three (3) proposed names for Trade License (by order of preference)
- Business Plan Requirements:
- A business plan may not be mandatory for all business activities. However, it is required for specific sectors, particularly those regulated by authorities such as the Ministry of Health or KHDA (Dubai Health Authority). For instance, setting up a pharmacy, educational institute, or other related activities necessitates a comprehensive business plan.
- Supporting Documentation:
- Certain business activities may require additional documents for trade license approval, including:
- Goods Standard Certificate, Resume, Personal Profile, and Education Certificate:
- Military Trade: Requires a Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate.
- Educational Institute Setup: Requires a Resume and Education Certificate.
- Chemical Activity: Requires a Goods Standard Certificate and Personal Profile.
- Sports Academy Setup: Requires a Resume and Personal Profile. Providing accurate and properly formatted documents expedites the trade license approval process, allowing for a smooth business setup in Abu Dhabi.
Cost of Business Setup In Abu Dhabi
Our Business setup in Abu Dhabi include:
Comprehensive business setup in Abu Dhabi: trade license, PRO liaison, legal documentation, and LLC company formation, all fully compliant.
Whether you’re winding up an LLC company formation in Abu Dhabi or cancelling your Abu Dhabi trade license, we handle every step: DED deregistration, Free Zone license cancellation, shareholder resolution, and corporate bank account closure. In collaboration with top business setup companies in Abu Dhabi, we prepare winding-up documentation, file final accounts, and ensure compliant exit procedures across ADGM, KEZAD, mainland, or Freezone entities, making your business in Abu Dhabi seamless.
After business setup in Abu Dhabi, maintain full financial compliance with our accounting and bookkeeping services. We manage VAT registration and returns, corporate tax filings, audit-ready financial statements, and bank reconciliations. Working alongside leading business setup companies in Abu Dhabi, we keep accurate ledgers and FTA-compliant records for your LLC company formation in Abu Dhabi, empowering data-driven decisions and sustainable growth across mainland, ADGM, and KEZAD.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Setup In Abu Dhabi
Select your activity (commercial, professional or industrial) and legal form—e.g., LLC company formation in Abu Dhabi.
Reserve your trade name with Abu Dhabi DED or a Free Zone authority (ADGM, KEZAD Group, Masdar City, Twofour54).
Obtain your Abu Dhabi trade license and complete trade license issuance steps.
Secure office space: mainland requires a physical or residential address; free zones offer flex-desk or warehouse solutions.
Open a corporate bank account under UAE KYC/AML rules.
Apply for visas (shareholders, employees).
Register for VAT (5 %) and/or corporate tax with the FTA if turnover thresholds apply.
Typical business setup costs range from AED 6,000 to AED 25,000, influenced by:
License type (commercial vs. professional vs. industrial vs. Freezone)
Office space (Abu Dhabi Business Center vs. ADGM vs. Masdar City vs. KEZAD)
Number of visas and employee quotas
Government fees (DED vs. Freezone authorities)
Optional share capital for sectors like tourism or real estate.
Commercial License: trading, import/export, distribution
Professional License: consultancy, service-based activities
Industrial License: manufacturing, assembly, oil & gas maintenance
Free Zone License: ADGM, KEZAD Group, Masdar City Free Zone, Twofour54 Media Zone, Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD)
Each comes with specific visa quotas, office requirements, and 0 % corporate tax benefits (plus 5 % VAT).
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Up to 100 % foreign (selected sectors) or 51 % local sponsor | 100 % foreign ownership |
| Office | Physical office or residential address | Flex desks, warehouses, or private offices |
| Market Access | Full UAE domestic market | Free-zone exports only |
| Visa Quota | Based on office area | Zone-specific packages |
| Authority | Department of Economic Development (DED) | ADGM, KEZAD Group, ZonesCorp, Masdar City |
| Tax Benefits | 0 % corporate tax (5 % VAT) | 0 % corporate tax (5 % VAT) |
Free Zone entities: No local sponsor required.
Mainland LLCs: Traditionally 51 % local sponsor (UAE national) acting as silent partner via side agreement.
Reforms now allow 100 % foreign ownership in many commercial activities without a sponsor.
Free Zone license: 3–5 business days (trade name, initial approvals, license issuance).
Mainland LLC formation: 7–14 days (DED approvals, office lease, license).
Bank account & visas: +7–10 days.
Plan 2–4 weeks for a fully operational business in Abu Dhabi.
Mainland: ~2–3 visas per 200 sq ft of office space.
Free Zones: Varies by zone—e.g., ADGM unlimited with private office; KEZAD quotas by package.
Passport copies of shareholders & managers
Proof of address (utility bill)
6 months’ bank statements
No Objection Certificate (if on UAE residence visa)
MOA/AOA for LLC formation
Completed DED or Free Zone application and KYC form
