Abu Dhabi Mainland

Company formation-UAE, Saudi, QATAR , KUWAIT , BAHRAIN & OMAN

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Setting up a Mainland company in Abu Dhabi follows a similar structure to Dubai Mainland but is governed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Below are the key requirements and steps for establishing an Abu Dhabi Mainland company:

1.Business Activity Selection

The first step is to select the business activities the company will engage in. Abu Dhabi offers a variety of licenses based on the business type:
1. Commercial License: For trading and commercial activities.
2. Professional License: For service-oriented businesses.
3. Industrial License: For manufacturing and industrial activities.

2. Company Ownership

As of June 2021, 100% foreign ownership is allowed for many business activities in Abu Dhabi Mainland. However, some specific sectors (like oil and gas, banking, insurance, etc.) still require a UAE national as a local service agent or partner for certain regulated sectors.

3. Legal Structure of the Company

Choose the legal form based on the type of business and shareholders involved. Common structures include:
1. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Allows for 100% foreign ownership in most cases.
2. Sole Establishment: Suitable for individuals operating a business in professional or service sectors.
3. Civil Company: For partnerships in certain professions like legal, medical, or engineering.
4. Branch of Foreign Company: Allows foreign companies to operate in Abu Dhabi as an extension of their parent company.

4. Office Space Requirement

A physical office is required for a Mainland company in Abu Dhabi. The size and type of office depend on the business activity and the number of visas the company will apply for. An Ejari (tenancy contract) or Tawtheeq (tenancy registration in Abu Dhabi) is required to prove the company has a valid office lease.

5. Trade Name Registration

Choose a unique trade name that complies with the guidelines set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The name must not violate public morals or resemble any existing company names.

6. Initial Approval

Apply for initial approval from ADDED, which confirms that the government has no objection to the company formation. This approval is necessary to proceed with the further steps of company registration.

7. Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Draft a Memorandum of Association (MoA), outlining the company's capital, ownership structure, and the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders or partners. The MoA must be notarized by a public notary and submitted to ADDED.

8. Business License Issuance

After obtaining the initial approval and submitting the required documents, apply for the business license. Once all documents are approved, ADDED will issue the business license, allowing the company to legally operate in Abu Dhabi Mainland.

9. Visa Application

After the company is formed, the business owner can apply for residency visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. The number of visas is linked to the size of the office space and business type.

10. Additional Approvals (If Required)

Certain business activities require approvals from additional authorities such as:
1. Abu Dhabi Municipality for construction-related activities.
2. Abu Dhabi Health Authority for healthcare-related businesses.
3. Ministry of Interior or Police for security-related activities.

Required Documents:

Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor, if the shareholder is already a UAE resident.
Trade name reservation certificate from ADDED.
Initial approval certificate from ADDED.
Ejari or Tawtheeq (tenancy contract) for office space.
Memorandum of Association (MoA) for LLCs.
Other documents specific to the business activity (if required).

Key Benefits of Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation:

No limitations on conducting business with the local Abu Dhabi market or government entities.
Full access to government contracts and tenders.
Visa flexibility, allowing the company to hire and sponsor employees.
Ability to expand across the UAE without restrictions.
100% foreign ownership in many sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor in most industries.

Common Sectors for Abu Dhabi Mainland Companies:

Construction and Real Estate
Healthcare
Education
Retail and Hospitality
Technology and Innovation
Oil and Gas (with local partner)
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