United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Emirate of Abu Dhabi — Department of Economic Development

Formation Time

5–7 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum

Corporate Tax

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Abu Dhabi is the UAE's capital and wealthiest emirate, holding over 90% of the country's oil reserves. A mainland company registered with Abu Dhabi DED provides unrestricted access to the emirate's vast government contract opportunities, real estate projects, and the broader UAE market. Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in economic diversification through tourism (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island), finance (ADGM), industry (KEZAD), and technology (Hub71). Formation costs are often slightly lower than Dubai while offering access to the same federal UAE market.

UAE capital

Lower costs than Dubai

Government contracts

100% ownership

Why Choose Abu Dhabi Mainland

UAE capital — access to government contracts and sovereign wealth

Lower setup and renewal costs than Dubai

Same 100% foreign ownership and 0% income tax

ADGM and Hub71 ecosystem for finance and tech

Massive infrastructure investment and diversification

Gateway to Abu Dhabi's AED 1.5 trillion economy

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
LLC	100%	1	No minimum	9% corporate tax	Government contracting, oil & gas services, construction, trading
Branch Office	100%	1	None	9%	Foreign companies needing Abu Dhabi presence

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Trade Name Reservation

1–2 days

Reserve your company name with Abu Dhabi DED.

Initial Approval

1–2 days

Obtain initial approval for your business activities.

Document Preparation

2–3 days

Prepare MOA and all corporate documents.

Office & Ejari

1–3 days

Secure office space and register tenancy.

Licence Issuance

1–2 days

DED issues your trade licence.

Bank Account & Visas

2–4 weeks

Open corporate bank account and process visas.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 10,000 – 20,000
Our Service Fee	USD 5,000+
Annual Renewal	AED 8,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Abu Dhabi is home to the UAE's largest bank — First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Corporate banking is straightforward for mainland companies.

Account Opening Time

2–4 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

First Abu Dhabi BankADCBAbu Dhabi Islamic BankEmirates NBDMashreq

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

9% on net profits exceeding AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

Capital Gains Tax

Included in 9% CIT

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Visa & Residency

Investor Visa

2–3 years

For company shareholders

Employee Visa

2–3 years

For company staff

Golden Visa

10 years

For investors with AED 2M+ investment

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abu Dhabi cheaper than Dubai for mainland company formation?

Generally yes. Abu Dhabi DED fees and office rents are typically 10-20% lower than equivalent Dubai mainland costs, while providing access to the same UAE-wide market.

Can an Abu Dhabi mainland company trade in Dubai?

Yes. A UAE mainland company can trade freely across all seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and beyond — without any additional licences or permits.