Abu Dhabi Mainland

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Abu Dhabi mosque

Mainland Company Formation in Abu Dhabi

A Mainland Company in Abu Dhabi is a business entity that is registered under the Department of Economic Development (DED) and is permitted to conduct business operations in any part of the UAE, including free zones.

Types of Licenses

Adepts Chartered Accountants can guide you through the process of securing the appropriate license for your company. Here are the main types of licenses available in Abu Dhabi:

  • Commercial License
  • Professional License
  • Industrial License
  • Tourism License
  • Agricultural License
  • Construction License

Procedure For A Mainland Company

Procedure for a Mainland Company
Abu Dhabi, as the capital of the UAE, offers numerous opportunities for businesses across a variety of sectors. The process of mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi involves several steps, supervised by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Determining the Legal Form of Your Business
Depending on your business activities and requirements, you can choose from various legal forms such as a Sole Proprietorship, Civil Company, or a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Business Activity Selection
The DED in Abu Dhabi allows a wide range of business activities. Your selected activities will dictate the rules and regulations your company must adhere to.
Trade Name Reservation  
You’ll need to reserve a trade name for your business. This should align with the nature of your business activity.
business planning
Initial Approval
Once the trade name is reserved, you must obtain initial approval from the DED to establish the company.
Preparing Legal Documents
You will need to draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with your local sponsor and have it notarized by a notary public in the DED.
Office Space
Companies must have a physical address in Abu Dhabi. Once you’ve secured an office or retail space, a tenancy contract should be signed and Ejari must be obtained.
Final Submission
Submit all the prepared documents along with the required fees to the DED. Once reviewed and approved, you will receive your business license.

Our Mainland Company Formation Services In Abu Dhabi

Business Planning and Consultation

Our team of experts provides a comprehensive consultation, understanding your business requirements, and advising on the optimal business structure, suitable licensing options, and the most strategic location for your mainland company.
Local Sponsorship Assistance
As part of our services, we assist in finding trustworthy and reliable local sponsors (if needed), for your mainland company in Abu Dhabi, ensuring complete legal compliance and business security.
Licensing and Regulatory Approvals
We facilitate the entire licensing process, acquiring the necessary trade licenses and regulatory approvals required for your specific business activities.
Documentation and Legal Formalities
We manage all the documentation, from drafting the Memorandum of Association to liaising with the necessary government departments for notarization and attestation.
Office Setup and Visa Processing
We can assist with the sourcing of physical office space to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, we also facilitate the entire visa processing for your team.

Benefits of Setting Up a Mainland Company in Abu Dhabi

foreign Employees
Strategic Location

Abu Dhabi, being the capital city of the UAE, offers strategic advantages in terms of connectivity to other major markets. Its robust infrastructure, international airports, and ports enhance trade activities with global markets.

Access to Government Projects

Mainland companies can take part in local and federal government tenders and projects.

Ease of Doing Business
The government of Abu Dhabi has continually made efforts to facilitate the ease of doing business, offering streamlined and efficient business setup processes.
Ability to Hire Foreign Employees
Mainland companies have the liberty to recruit a diverse and international workforce, enhancing the skillset within the company.

frequently asked questions

The key difference is the area of operation. A Free Zone company is allowed to operate only within the specific free zone and outside the UAE, while a Mainland Company can operate anywhere in the UAE. Moreover, Free Zone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership, while Mainland Companies typically require a local sponsor with 51% ownership.

The most common forms of mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi include Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Joint Stock Companies (Public and Private), and Sole Proprietorships.

Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi can carry out a wide range of commercial, professional, and industrial activities. However, certain sectors like oil and gas, water and electricity provision require additional approvals.

The process generally takes around 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of license and approvals required.

Yes, a physical office is required to establish a mainland company in Abu Dhabi. The size and nature of the office depend on the type of business activity and the number of employees.

Yes, it is possible to convert a mainland company into a free zone one. However, the process involves deregistration from the mainland jurisdiction and applying afresh in the free zone, which Adepts Chartered Accountants can assist with.

Why Choose Adepts

Business professional standing in front of iconic Dubai landmarks, representing corporate accounting services in Dubai, UAE
Expertise and Experience
At Adepts Chartered Accountants, our team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in managing complex regulatory and accounting standards. We are proficient in both local and international regulations, ensuring our services are accurate and fully compliant.
Tailored Solutions
Recognizing the unique nature of each Business, we offer customizable services designed to align with your specific needs and business objectives. We collaborate closely with you to understand your requirements and deliver solutions that achieve optimal results.
Time and Cost Efficiency
By choosing our services, you benefit from significant savings in time and resources. Our solutions are engineered to be cost-effective, providing high-quality support without the need for substantial internal investment.
Accuracy and Compliance
We prioritize accuracy and compliance in every aspect of our service. Our meticulous approach and rigorous procedures ensure precision and adherence to standards, reducing the risk of errors and the potential for non-compliance penalties.
Dependable Service
Dedicated to delivering reliable and consistent services, we aim to build long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.