- 14+years in UAE company formation
- 500+businesses set up
- 1named adviser from call to licence
- Itemisedwritten quote before you pay
DIAC has 14 years of experience in UAE company formation and handles both routes end to end: activity selection, licensing, premises, visas, bank-account support and ongoing compliance.
Abu Dhabi Mainland or Free Zone? Quick Comparison
| Abu Dhabi mainland (ADDED) | Abu Dhabi free zone (ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar, twofour54) | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% |
| Sell to UAE customers | Directly, within licensed activities | Through a distributor or mainland arrangement |
| Government and ADNOC-linked work | Eligibility depends on each tender | Eligibility depends on each tender |
| Office | Required for premises-based licences; some routes need none | Flexi-desk available |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income | 0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person; 9% otherwise |
| Indicative cost | approx. AED 15,000 to 90,000 a year depending on route | approx. AED 15,000 to 40,000 a year |
| Best for | UAE consumers, tenders, premises-based businesses | International clients, holding, fintech, industrial hubs |
Indicative planning figures; confirm current fees before budgeting.
Choose Your Abu Dhabi Route
Abu Dhabi mainland company
Choose mainland if you will serve customers in the UAE directly, tender for Abu Dhabi government contracts or work in ADNOC supply chains. ADDED offers Standard, Trader (Tajer), Freelancer and Virtual licence routes. Read the full guide: Abu Dhabi mainland company setup.
Abu Dhabi free zone company
Choose a free zone if you mainly serve international clients, want a holding or fintech structure, or need industrial and logistics facilities. Read the full guide: Abu Dhabi free zone company registration.
Which free zone?
- ADGM: financial services, asset management and holding structures under common-law courts.
- KEZAD: industrial, logistics and trading with port access.
- Masdar City: clean energy, sustainability and technology.
- twofour54: media, content and creative businesses.
Still deciding between the emirates? Read Dubai vs Abu Dhabi business setup and Abu Dhabi free zone vs Dubai free zone.
Not sure which route fits your activity?
Send your activity and get a written recommendation with costs, itemised.
How Abu Dhabi Company Formation Works
Get a written quote- Choose your activity and route. The activity code decides the licence route, ownership eligibility and any extra approvals.
- Choose a legal structure. Most businesses use an LLC; see LLC company formation in Abu Dhabi.
- Reserve a trade name and get initial approval from ADDED or your free zone authority.
- Arrange premises where required. Mainland tenancies are registered through Tawtheeq.
- Sign the MOA and obtain the licence.
- Process investor and employee visas, Emirates ID, and apply for a corporate bank account.
- Register for tax (corporate tax and, if required, VAT) and set up bookkeeping.
Popular Abu Dhabi Business Guides
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Estimate your costs with our free cost calculator.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, for most activities. Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 allows up to 100% foreign ownership on the mainland for most activities, and free zones allow 100% foreign ownership. Strategic-impact and certain regulated sectors need extra approvals.
Is it better to set up in Abu Dhabi mainland or a free zone?
Mainland is better for selling directly in the UAE and for government or ADNOC-linked work. A free zone is better for international clients, holding structures, fintech and industrial hubs.
How much does it cost to start a company in Abu Dhabi?
Indicatively, a mainland licence costs approximately AED 10,000 to 25,000 a year, with a first-year total of approximately AED 35,000 to 90,000 for a premises-based single-shareholder LLC with one visa. Free zone packages are typically approximately AED 15,000 to 40,000 a year. Costs vary by activity, route and visas; request an itemised quote.
How long does it take to register a company in Abu Dhabi?
It depends on the licence route, activity, premises and approvals. Some online routes are quick, while premises-based or regulated activities take longer. We give an estimate after reviewing your application.
Can I register an Abu Dhabi company without visiting the UAE?
Much of the process can start remotely, including name reservation and document preparation. Notarisation, medical tests and Emirates ID biometrics need either a visit or properly attested documents.
Which Abu Dhabi route do I need for a restaurant, baqala or clinic?
Premises-based activities such as restaurants, baqalas and clinics normally need a mainland licence plus sector approvals (for example the Department of Health for clinics). See our activity guides above.
Want the real number for your case?
We reply with an itemised quote: government fees, our fee and renewals shown separately.
Official sources
Check current fees, rules and forms with the issuing authority before you apply. Each link opens the authority’s own website.
Compare other routes and services
Not sure which structure fits? Get a written recommendation before you pay a fee.
Tell us your activity, partners and where your customers are. A consultant replies with the route, the costs and the documents, itemised.