UAE Market Access
Mainland companies can operate across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, subject to their licensed activities.
Business setup in Abu Dhabi
A strong base for ambitious businesses
Abu Dhabi offers a strong environment for entrepreneurs, investors and established companies. Depending on your activities, target market, ownership preferences and operational needs, you can choose between a mainland company and one of Abu Dhabi's specialised free zones.
Nexo Services supports you with activity selection, licensing, approvals, documentation, office requirements and ongoing corporate support.
FinanceTechnologyEnergyLogisticsManufacturingTourism
100%foreign ownership for many activities
UAE-widemainland market access
ADDEDmainland licensing authority
Why Abu Dhabi
Advantages that support long-term growth
Modern infrastructure, global connectivity and a growing economy make Abu Dhabi a practical home for businesses across major sectors.
Ownership Options
Many activities and company structures allow 100% foreign ownership.
Flexible Jurisdictions
Choose mainland or a specialised free zone based on your business model and customers.
Strong Infrastructure
Access advanced offices, transport links, industrial facilities and digital services.
Multiple Licences
Commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, agricultural and occupational options are available.
Growth Sectors
Explore opportunities in finance, technology, energy, logistics, manufacturing, tourism and services.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Choose the licence that matches your activity
A mainland company is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). It is suitable for companies that want to operate across the UAE market and work directly with customers and organisations.
Commercial Licence
For trading, contracting and other approved commercial activities.
Professional Licence
For consulting, technical, professional and service-based activities.
Industrial Licence
For approved manufacturing, production and industrial operations.
Tourism Licence
For eligible travel, hospitality and tourism-related businesses.
Agricultural Licence
For approved agricultural, farming and related activities.
Occupational Licence
For eligible craft, skill and occupation-based activities.
Start with the right activity
ADDED requires the correct business activity to be identified first. This shapes the licence, approvals, premises and supporting documents your company will need.
Abu Dhabi free zones
Specialised environments for focused businesses
Each free zone serves different industries, company types and operational needs.
ADGM
Suitable for financial services, professional firms, holding companies, technology businesses, headquarters and special purpose vehicles.
Masdar City
Designed for technology, sustainability, consulting, innovation and knowledge-based companies.
KEZAD
Supports industrial, manufacturing, logistics, trading and distribution activities.
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone
Suitable for aviation-linked businesses, logistics, warehousing and related services.
✓ 100% foreign ownership
✓ Profit repatriation
✓ Specialised infrastructure
✓ Streamlined setup
✓ Sector-focused communities
✓ Flexible workspace options
Mainland or free zone?
Choose the structure that fits how you plan to operate
Mainland may suit you if
- You want broad access to the UAE market
- You plan to work directly with local customers and organisations
- Your activity requires mainland premises or approvals
- You want flexibility to expand across the UAE
A free zone may suit you if
- You want a specialised business ecosystem
- Your work is international, digital or sector focused
- You value streamlined setup and flexible offices
- You need a structure tailored to a specific industry
Setup process
From activity selection to licence issuance
The exact sequence depends on your activity and jurisdiction, but most Abu Dhabi business setups follow these steps.
Select the activity
Confirm the business activity or activity group that accurately reflects your operations.
Choose the structure
Select the legal form and jurisdiction that suit ownership and operating needs.
Reserve the trade name
Choose and reserve an approved name for your Abu Dhabi company.
Obtain initial approval
Secure the preliminary approval required to continue the application.
Prepare company documents
Complete the MOA, incorporation documents and shareholder paperwork where applicable.
Arrange premises
Select a compliant office, workspace, warehouse or industrial facility if required.
Complete approvals
Obtain external approvals for regulated or specialist activities.
Receive the licence
Complete the final requirements and receive your business licence.
ADDED economic licences
Flexible licence routes for different business models
Eligibility, activities and requirements vary. Nexo helps you identify the appropriate route before you apply.
Standard Licence
The regular mainland route for businesses operating from Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Trader
An option for eligible commercial activities under current authority rules.
Freelancer Licence
For eligible individuals offering approved professional services.
Virtual Licence
Available to non-UAE residents for eligible businesses, subject to authority criteria.
Dual Licence
Allows qualifying Abu Dhabi free-zone businesses to conduct approved activities outside the free zone.
Specialised Licences
Additional sector-specific options may apply depending on the business activity.
Planning essentials
Cost factors and documents
Your setup plan should account for the licence, immigration, workspace and approval requirements together.
What affects the setup cost?
- Business activity and jurisdiction
- Licence type and legal structure
- Number of shareholders and visas
- Office, workspace or facility requirements
- External approvals
- Establishment and immigration requirements
- Other applicable government and authority fees
Nexo Services prepares a custom estimate based on your intended setup.
Common documents required
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copies, where applicable
- Passport photos
- Proposed trade names and activity details
- Shareholder and manager information
- Parent-company incorporation documents, if applicable
- Office or tenancy documents and external approvals
ADGM requirements vary between financial, non-financial and retail businesses.
Corporate Tax
Free-zone status does not automatically exempt all income
A qualifying free-zone company may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, while taxable non-qualifying income may be subject to 9%. The result depends on activities, transactions and ongoing compliance.
Tax treatment depends on current UAE legislation and each company's circumstances. Professional tax advice is recommended.
Qualifying income
May apply when the company meets the conditions for qualifying free-zone treatment.
Non-qualifying income
May apply to taxable income that does not meet qualifying free-zone conditions.
Nexo Services
Practical support before and after setup
Our team coordinates the company formation process and the ongoing services that keep your business moving.
Business activity selection
Jurisdiction comparison
Trade name reservation
Licence application
Incorporation documents
External approvals
Establishment and immigration files
Investor and employee visas
Workspace assistance
PRO services
Tax and VAT support
Accounting and compliance
Plan with confidence
Planning to start a business in Abu Dhabi?
Speak with Nexo Services for practical guidance on mainland and free-zone options, licensing, visas, office requirements and ongoing corporate support.