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Mainland · Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) company setup

Mainland license in the capital. Good for government-facing businesses and the Abu Dhabi market.

Key facts

License starting fromAED 13,000
First year with 1 visa (indicative)from AED 35,375
Residence visa (each, approx.)AED 5,200
Establishment cardAED 1,500
Typical setup time10–20 working days
OfficeOffice tenancy (Tawtheeq) required
Trade on UAE mainlandYes
Government contractsYes
AuthorityAbu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

Best for

Government suppliers, oil & gas services, contracting, consultancy in Abu Dhabi

Advantages and things to consider

Advantages

  • Direct access to Abu Dhabi government contracts
  • Trade UAE-wide
  • Strong support programmes for SMEs

Consider

  • Office tenancy (Tawtheeq) required
  • Processing can take longer

Example first-year cost — 1 shareholder, 1 visa

Indicative, from our current price list. Your own estimate is calculated from your answers in the online setup.

Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) — trade license & registrationAED 13,000
Establishment / immigration cardAED 1,500
Residence visas × 1 (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID)AED 5,200
Office / Ejari (first year, indicative)AED 12,000
Professional service fee (end-to-end setup, PRO & document handling)AED 3,500
VAT 5% (on our services only)AED 175
Estimated totalAED 35,375

Documents you’ll need

Documents are checked automatically the moment you upload them in the online setup.

How to set up in Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) with NexFounder

  1. Answer a few questions online — about 15 minutes.
  2. Get your recommendation and an itemised estimate by email.
  3. Upload passports and photos — checked instantly.
  4. A consultant calls you, then you pay securely.
  5. We handle the trade name, approvals, license, establishment card and visas while you track every step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)?

The Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) license starts from AED 13,000. With one residence visa, the establishment card, an office and our service fee, a typical first year starts from about AED 35,375 (indicative). Your exact total is calculated in the online setup and confirmed in your estimate.

How long does Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) company setup take?

Typically 10–20 working days, depending on your business activity and how quickly documents are provided.

Can a Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) company trade with customers in the UAE mainland?

Yes — this license allows you to trade directly across the UAE.

How many residence visas can a Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) company get?

The visa quota depends on your office space. Each visa costs about AED 5,200 including entry permit, medical and Emirates ID.

What documents are needed for Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)?

Passport copy (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo. UAE residents also provide their Emirates ID. The online setup shows exactly what each shareholder needs.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED) company?

Since 2021 most mainland business activities allow 100% foreign ownership; a few strategic activities have extra requirements. We check this for your activity.

Set up in Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)

Get a personal recommendation and your estimate in about 15 minutes.

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Prices are indicative starting fees in AED from our current price list and may change; government fees are charged at actual cost. Last updated 2026-09-27.