Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation

What is Mainland Company Formation in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi mainland company formation means registering your business under the Department of Economic Development, giving you the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE not just inside a free zone. Unlike free zones, which confine activities to a designated area, the mainland opens the door to government contracts, unlimited visa quotas and the ability to operate across all Emirates. Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, so entrepreneurs maintain full control without a local partner. This structure appeals to companies that want unrestricted access to the UAE market, flexibility in office location and long term credibility.

Benefits of Company Formation in Abu Dhabi

Here’s why investors from across the world choose the capital

Total foreign ownership

New regulations allow expatriates to own 100 % of companies in most sectors, eliminating the historical need for an Emirati partner.

Affordable and long-term licences

Trade licences issued by ADDED are valid for two years, reducing renewal frequency and costs. There’s also no mandatory minimum share capital, making entry more affordable.

Unrestricted scope of operations

Mainland companies can trade locally and internationally without geographic restrictions and can open branches across the Emirates.

Full profit repatriation

Investors may remit 100 % of their profits and capital abroad without currency controls, providing financial flexibility and security.

Low taxation

Corporate tax applies at a flat 9 % only on profits exceeding AED 375,000; there is no personal income tax and VAT remains at 5 %.

Access to government contracts

Mainland companies are eligible to participate in federal and emirate-level tenders, a privilege that free-zone companies typically cannot access.

Flexible visa quotas

There is no cap on the number of employment visas you can obtain, provided you meet the space requirements for each visa.

Simplified compliance

Many small and medium enterprises are exempt from annual audit requirements, and government procedures continue to modernise, making renewals quick and user-friendly.

Freedom to choose office space

Unlike free zones that mandate specific office locations, the mainland lets you rent anywhere in Abu Dhabi, from cost-efficient virtual office & Ejari solutions to premium commercial towers.

Mainland Business Activities

Abu Dhabi actively encourages diversification covering a wide range of activities, each offering unique opportunities:

Types of Legal Structures / Entities

Choosing your legal structure sets the framework for liability, ownership and compliance. Your choice depends on your sector, desired ownership ratio, capital and risk appetite.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The go-to choice for most commercial and industrial activities. An LLC limits shareholder liability to their stake, provides flexibility to hire unlimited employees and, in many cases, allows 100 % foreign ownership.

Sole Proprietorship (Civil Company)

Suitable for professionals such as consultants, engineers or freelancers who want total control. The owner holds 100 % of profits but assumes full liability.

Public Shareholding Company (PJSC)

Designed for larger enterprises seeking to raise capital through public share offerings. Minimum share capital can exceed AED 10 million, and shares are freely transferable.

Private Shareholding Company (PrJSC)

Similar to a PJSC but with privately held shares and a lower capital requirement (usually around AED 2 million).

Branch Office

A foreign company may establish a branch to conduct its parent’s activities in Abu Dhabi. The branch doesn’t have a separate legal personality; the parent assumes liability.

Limited Partnership & Joint Venture

These structures mix general partners (with unlimited liability) and limited partners (whose liability is capped by contribution), often used for specialist projects.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

From start to finish, our consultants keep you informed and ensure the process flows smoothly.

1. Define your activity and structure

Start by choosing the business activity and legal entity that match your objectives.

2. Reserve your trade name

Submit preferred names to ADDED, ensuring they comply with naming conventions.

3. Obtain initial approval

ADDED issues a no-objection certificate confirming your proposed business is acceptable.

4. Draft legal documents

We prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA), articles of association (AoA) and, if needed, a local service agent agreement.

5. Secure office space

Mainland businesses must have a physical address; our team can arrange cost-effective solutions or assist with conventional leases.

6. Get external approvals

Certain activities require clearance from additional authorities.

7. Submit documentation & pay fees

We submit all paperwork, approvals and payments to ADDED and follow up.

8. Collect your licence and start operating

Once approved, you receive your trade licence, immigration card and establishment card.

Documents Required

Prepare the following paperwork to avoid delays:

Passport copies and visas
of all shareholders, managers and authorised signatories.
Emirates ID or UAE entry stamp
for residents and onshore partners.
Reserved trade name certificate
issued by ADDED.
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
signed and notarised.

Initial approval certificate
from ADDED confirming your activity is permissible.
Tenancy contract or Ejari
to prove your registered office address.
Shareholders’ proof of address
(utility bill or bank statement).
Business plan
detailing your proposed activities, capital investment and financial projections.

Authorities may request additional documents such as feasibility studies or NOCs depending on your sector.

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey — from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison

Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals

Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation

Workspace & Ejari Tenancy Solutions

Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup

Visa & Immigration Processing

PRO & Legal Documentation Services

Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates:

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

FAQs – Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

The total cost depends on your business activity, number of visas and office size. Licences typically start around AED 15,000–30,000, with additional costs for visas, legal documents, office rent and optional services such as virtual office & Ejari or business support packages.

Most sectors now allow 100 % foreign ownership. Only strategic industries (e.g., defence, oil & gas, certain professional services) require an Emirati partner or service agent. If your activity falls into the latter category, we offer reliable local-sponsor arrangements.

Yes. With the right documentation and compliance checks, we help you open corporate and personal accounts with reputable banks in Abu Dhabi.

Mainland formation is efficient. Provided all documents are in order, you can receive your licence within one to two weeks. Additional approvals for specialised activities may extend the timeline.

Absolutely. Mainland companies enjoy unlimited visa quotas—subject to office size and immigration approvals—allowing you to sponsor employees and dependants. We also guide you through UAE residency & investor visa procedures.

Yes. ADDED requires a physical address; however, the size can be modest. Virtual office & Ejari packages satisfy the requirement for certain light-services activities.

Corporate tax is 9 % on profits above AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax; VAT is 5 %. Certain sectors may benefit from special exemptions.

You must renew your trade licence annually, maintain valid immigration and establishment cards, file VAT returns if registered, and comply with anti-money-laundering regulations. Our business support services include compliance management so you don’t have to worry about deadlines or penalties.