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Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Setup
Open a company in the UAE capital and position your business close to government entities, major corporates and the energy and investment sectors.
Setting up on the Abu Dhabi mainland
Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with most services delivered through the TAMM platform. A mainland licence lets you trade across the UAE and work directly with Abu Dhabi government and semi-government clients.
Abu Dhabi suits businesses targeting the energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education and investment sectors. For some tenders, a local presence and registration with supplier programmes such as ICV certification is a real advantage.
At a glance
- Licensing authority: ADDED
- Applications through TAMM
- Access to government and semi-government clients
- Full foreign ownership for most activities
- Option to add branches in other emirates
What we take care of in Abu Dhabi
- Activity selection and ownership check
- Legal structure advice
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
- Memorandum of association and notarisation
- Office or premises and tenancy registration
- External approvals where required
- Licence issuance
- Establishment card and immigration file
- Investor, partner and employee visas
- Corporate bank account support
- VAT and corporate tax registration
Why set up with Emna Capital
01
One point of contact
A single advisor manages your file from the first call to the day your licence, visas and bank account are ready.
02
The right jurisdiction
We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options against your activity, clients and budget before you commit.
03
Paperwork done properly
Applications, attestations and translations are prepared and checked by our team to avoid rejections and delays.
04
Support after setup
Accounting, VAT, corporate tax, renewals and PRO work continue with the same team once you are trading.
How a Abu Dhabi mainland setup works
Step 1
Activity and structure
We confirm the activity codes, ownership rules and the most suitable legal form.
Step 2
Name and initial approval
The trade name is reserved and initial approval obtained from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Step 3
Documents and premises
The MOA is prepared and notarised and your premises registered under a tenancy contract.
Step 4
Licence issuance
Any external approvals are secured, fees paid and the trade licence issued.
Step 5
Immigration file
The establishment card is issued so the company can sponsor visas.
Step 6
Visas and banking
Residence visas are processed and the corporate bank account application prepared.
Documents you will need
Exact requirements depend on the authority, the activity and the shareholders involved. We confirm the final list with you before anything is submitted.
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Passport size photographs
- Visa copy or entry stamp
- Proposed trade names
- Tenancy contract for the premises
- Attested documents for corporate shareholders
Frequently asked questions
Abu Dhabi is the natural base if your clients are Abu Dhabi government bodies, energy companies or large local groups. Many tenders favour suppliers with a local licence and ICV certificate.
Much of the process is digital through TAMM, and we can act on your behalf for most steps. Some stages such as visa medicals and biometrics require you to be in the UAE.
Yes, a registered tenancy is required for a mainland licence. Smaller businesses can start in a business centre where permitted for the activity.
Yes. Once the company is trading we can support you with the In-Country Value certification process.
Talk to an Emna Capital advisor
Tell us what you are planning and we will map out the route, the paperwork and the timeline. The first consultation is free.