Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Setup
Abu Dhabi mainland companies are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and regulated under both federal and emirate-level legislation. The emirate operates a unified digital portal, Tamm, which consolidates licensing, visa, and government service applications into a single interface.
Foreign investors benefit from the same 100% ownership provisions introduced under the 2020 Federal Commercial Companies Law, with ADDED maintaining a positive list of activities eligible for full foreign ownership.
Available Corporate Structures
| Structure | Key Feature | Foreign Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Limited liability, 1-75 shareholders | Up to 100% |
| Sole Establishment | Single owner | UAE/GCC nationals only |
| Civil Company | Partnership model | Professional activities |
| Branch Office | Extension of foreign parent | 100% (parent entity) |
| Public Joint Stock Company | Publicly traded | Subject to SCA rules |
The LLC structure is the primary vehicle for foreign investors seeking full operational access to the Abu Dhabi mainland market. Branch offices serve as an alternative for multinational corporations requiring a local presence without forming a new legal entity.
Formation Process via Tamm
Step 1: Trade Name Reservation Reserve a company name through the Tamm portal. The system performs an automated check against existing registrations. Arabic and English names must be reserved. Processing is typically completed within 24 hours.
Step 2: Activity Selection Choose from ADDED’s classified activity list. Activities are categorised as commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism. Each category carries specific licensing requirements and fee structures.
Step 3: Initial Approval Submit the application for initial approval through Tamm. This stage confirms activity eligibility, ownership structure, and any sector-specific approvals required from other government entities.
Step 4: Legal Documentation Prepare and notarise the Memorandum of Association at an Abu Dhabi notary public. Single-shareholder LLCs require a simplified establishment contract rather than a full MOA.
Step 5: Office Lease and Tawtheeq Secure a registered office space and obtain a Tawtheeq tenancy contract. Abu Dhabi requires all commercial leases to be registered through the Tawtheeq system for legal validity.
Step 6: License Issuance Upon completion of all requirements, ADDED issues the trade license. The license is valid for one year with annual renewal.
Cost Structure
| Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 500-1,000 |
| Initial Approval | 1,000 |
| ADDED Trade License | 10,000-15,000 |
| MOA Notarisation | 2,000-4,000 |
| Tawtheeq Registration | 500-1,000 |
| Office Lease (Virtual/Flexi) | 6,000-12,000/year |
| Office Lease (Physical) | 20,000-60,000/year |
| Establishment Card | 1,500-2,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | AED 22,000-100,000 |
Abu Dhabi’s cost structure is generally comparable to Dubai, with slightly lower office rental costs across most commercial areas outside Abu Dhabi Island.
Key Advantages
Abu Dhabi mainland entities benefit from proximity to federal government headquarters, eligibility for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and government procurement contracts, and access to the emirate’s growing industrial and technology clusters in Khalifa Industrial Zone and Masdar City.
Processing Timeline
Standard formation timelines range from three to five weeks, with the Tamm portal streamlining approvals. Companies requiring additional regulatory clearances from entities such as the Department of Health or Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority should allow additional processing time.