Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the top oil-producing areas with thriving real estate, tourism, and retail industries. A robust and stable economy coupled with the government’s strong support makes Abu Dhabi an ideal location for setting up a business. Mainland business setup in the emirate is regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Leverage ample benefits offered by the UAE’s economic powerhouse.
3 simple steps for mainland business setup in Abu Dhabi:
Receive our customized quote and consultation.
Have your company incorporated.
Receive your Abu Dhabi mainland business license and get started.
Customized pricing tailored to your unique business requirements.
Here’s the complete process for your Abu Dhabi mainland company setup and visa issuance:
Company Formation
Trade name reservation
We will complete the trade name reservation process at Abu Dhabi’s regulatory authority for mainland company formation – the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Initial approval
We will request for an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs. Once obtained, we will request for an initial approval from the ADDED.
MoA and LSA agreement preparation
We will prepare a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement depending on what is relevant to your company’s corporate structure.
Rental agreement issuance
A rental agreement must be obtained from the Abu Dhabi City Municipality.
External approvals
Your business activity may need you to acquire additional approvals from the relevant government authorities.
Document submission
The following documents must be submitted to the ADDED for the issuance of a mainland business license:
License issuance
Your mainland business license will be issued by the ADDED.
Visa Issuance
Establishment card application and issuance
Once your company has been set up, we will apply for your company establishment card. A company establishment card is a pre-requisite for the company formation process.
E-channel registration
We will complete the e-channel registration for your company.
E-visa application and issuance
We will process the application for your e-visa and send it to you once issued.
UAE entry or in-country change of status
If you are outside the UAE, you will be required to enter the UAE using the e-visa that we provide you. Your e-visa will be stamped at the airport, and this stamped copy needs to be shared with us. If you are already present in the UAE, we will process a change of status for you. However, please note that depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be required to exit and re-enter the UAE, and this will be determined by the immigration authorities on a case-by-case basis.
Medical test
You will be required to undergo a medical test that includes a chest x-ray and blood test. You will have our comprehensive assistance for this procedure.
Biometrics
You will be required to submit your fingerprints, photographs, and signatures at a government center. We will assist you with this procedure as well.
Health insurance
We will arrange a basic health insurance package for you. Alternatively, you may arrange an insurance plan on your own.
Visa approval
Your visa application will be reviewed by the immigration authorities and approved within a few working days.
Emirates ID issuance
Your Emirates ID will be issued.
The following documents must be submitted along with your license application:
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) issues three (3) types of mainland licenses.
With a commercial license, you can trade in goods (import/export or trading within the UAE), and also offer specific services.
An individual or a business is granted a professional license to provide certain services as per their educational background or intellectual talent.
An industrial license is necessary for engaging in activities such as manufacturing, refining, packaging, or any other activity of an industrial nature.
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We work closely with the following banks for opening bank accounts for our clients.
to the Abu Dhabi government’s streamlined procedures, I could set up my business with great ease.
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about business setup in Abu Dhabi mainland.
We can help you with the processes in the following government departments.
