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Abu Dhabi mainland company setup
- Licensing authority: the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with services on the TAMM platform
- Cost: a mainland license usually costs about AED 10,000 to 25,000 a year, depending on the activity and office
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities
- Best for: selling to customers across the UAE and working with Abu Dhabi government entities
Browse activities in our Abu Dhabi activity list.
Abu Dhabi free zones compared
| Free zone | Best for | Entry from about |
|---|---|---|
| ADGM | Finance, holding and professional firms (common law courts) | AED 15,000 (non-regulated) |
| KEZAD | Industry, logistics and trading | Varies by facility |
| Masdar City | Clean tech, sustainability and technology | AED 12,000 |
| twofour54 | Media, gaming and creative production | Varies by package |
| Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone | Aviation, logistics and general trading | AED 10,000 |
Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
| If you need | Choose |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi government clients, energy or finance | Abu Dhabi |
| The lowest possible license cost | A Sharjah, Ajman or RAK free zone (see our comparison) |
| A Dubai address for retail, trading or services | Dubai mainland or a Dubai free zone |
How to set up a company in Abu Dhabi
- Choose mainland or a free zone and your activities.
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approval.
- Sign the memorandum of association and the office lease.
- License issued, then the establishment card and visas.
- Bank account (see our bank account guide).
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Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We will compare Abu Dhabi mainland and free zone options for you.
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General information, not legal advice. Costs are market starting figures gathered in September 2026 and depend on the activity, office and visas. Licensing rules are set by ADDED and each free zone. We confirm the current position before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a business in Abu Dhabi?
A mainland license usually costs about AED 10,000 to 25,000 a year. Free zones start from about AED 10,000 to 15,000 depending on the zone.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities on the mainland, and in all Abu Dhabi free zones.
What are the free zones in Abu Dhabi?
The main ones are ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City, twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone.
Who issues business licenses in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) for the mainland, with services on TAMM. Each free zone licenses its own companies.
Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai better for business setup?
Abu Dhabi suits government, energy and finance work. Dubai suits retail, trading and services. The Northern Emirates are cheapest.
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