Abu Dhabi Mainland

Establishing a Mainland company in Abu Dhabi follows a structure similar to that of Dubai Mainland, governed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Below are the essential requirements and steps for setting up an Abu Dhabi Mainland company:

1. Selection of Business Activities

The initial step involves selecting the business activities the company will pursue. Abu Dhabi provides various licenses based on the type of business:

Commercial License: For trading and commercial operations.
Professional License: For businesses focused on providing services.
Industrial License: For manufacturing and industrial processes.

2. Ownership Structure

As of June 2021, many business activities in Abu Dhabi Mainland permit 100% foreign ownership. However, certain sectors, including oil and gas, banking, and insurance, may still require a UAE national to act as a local service agent or partner.

3. Legal Structure Of TheBusiness

Choose the legal form according to the business type and the involved shareholders. Common structures include:

Limited Liability Company (LLC): Allows for 100% foreign ownership in most cases.
Sole
Establishment: Appropriate for individuals running a business in professional or service-oriented fields.
Civil Company: Designed for partnerships in specific professions such as legal, medical, or engineering.
Branch of a
Foreign Company: Enables foreign entities to operate in Abu Dhabi as an extension of their parent company.

4. Office Space Requirement

A physical office is mandatory for Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi. The size and type of office will depend on the business activities and the number of visas needed. An Ejari (tenancy contract) or Tawtheeq (tenancy registration in Abu Dhabi) is required to confirm a valid office lease.

5. Trade Name Registration

Select a distinct trade name that adheres to the guidelines set by ADDED. The name must not contravene public morals or mimic existing company names.

6. Initial Approval

Apply for initial approval from ADDED, confirming that the government has no objections to the establishment of your company. This approval is necessary to proceed with the registration process.

7. Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Draft a Memorandum of Association (MoA) detailing the company’s capital, ownership structure, and the rights and responsibilities of shareholders or partners. The MoA must be notarized by a public notary and submitted to ADDED.

8. Issuance of Business License

After receiving initial approval and submitting all required documents, apply for the business license. Once ADDED approves all submissions, the business license will be issued, granting legal permission to operate in Abu Dhabi Mainland.

9. Visa Application Application

Following the company’s registration, the business owner can apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas is determined by the office size and business type.

10. Additional Approvals (If Necessary)

Certain business activities may require additional approvals from other authorities, such as:

Abu Dhabi Municipality for construction-related activities.
Abu Dhabi Health Authority for healthcare-related businesses.
Ministry of Interior or Police for security-related activities.

Required Documents:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor if the shareholder is already a UAE resident.
Trade name reservation certificate from ADDED.
Initial approval certificate from ADDED.
Ejari or Tawtheeq (tenancy contract) for office space.
Memorandum of Association (MoA) for LLCs.
Additional documents specific to the business activity (if needed).

Key Advantages of Forming an Abu Dhabi Mainland Company:

No restrictions on conducting business with the local Abu Dhabi market or government entities.
Full access to government contracts and tenders.
Flexibility in visa issuance, allowing the company to hire and sponsor employees.
Ability to expand operations across the UAE without restrictions.
100% foreign ownership in many sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor in most industries.