Abu Dhabi Mainland Setup:
ADDED Licence, TAMM and Visas
An Abu Dhabi mainland company is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with applications running online through the TAMM platform. Most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and the licence lets you trade across the UAE. Maven& handles the application, approvals, visas and bank account.
- ADDED licence through TAMM
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Abu Dhabi mainland partner
Foreign ownership for most activities
Strategic impact activities are the exception.
Common Abu Dhabi structures
LLC, sole establishment or civil company, and branch.
Team from start to launch
One consultant handles your application, approvals, visas and bank account introductions.
- Who it suits
Businesses that suit an Abu Dhabi mainland licence
Government and large-contract suppliers
Suppliers to federal and Abu Dhabi government bodies and large local groups.
Industrial and energy-linked businesses
Industrial, engineering and energy-related service providers.
Professional and consulting firms
Consultants and service firms that want an Abu Dhabi presence.
Businesses with capital-region customers
Companies whose customers are in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Which Abu Dhabi rules and approvals apply to a mainland company?
Abu Dhabi follows the federal ownership rules and runs licensing through its own platform.
- Licensing authority: the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) issues Abu Dhabi mainland licences.
- Online process: applications run through TAMM, the Abu Dhabi government services platform.
- Ownership: most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, with strategic impact activities as the exception.
- Premises: a Tawtheeq-registered tenancy is generally required for the licensed address.
- Approvals: regulated activities need approval from the relevant authority as well as ADDED.
- Abu Dhabi vs Dubai
Abu Dhabi mainland vs Dubai mainland
Both give direct UAE market access. The choice usually follows where your customers and team are.
| Feature | Abu Dhabi mainland | Dubai mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | ADDED | DET |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% for most activities |
| Premises | Tawtheeq-registered tenancy | Ejari-registered tenancy |
| Market access | Direct across the UAE | Direct across the UAE |
| Best for | Government and capital-region clients | Dubai customers and brand presence |
- Company structures
Three Abu Dhabi mainland company structures
Company
For most businesses
- Limited liability for shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Two or more shareholders possible
- Common choice for trading and services
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
or Civil Company
For individuals and professionals
- Owned by one natural person or by professionals
- Suited to professional and service activities
- Sole establishment owners carry personal liability
- A local service agent may apply, depending on the activity
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
an Existing Company
For companies already trading abroad
- Extends your existing company into the UAE
- Parent company documents need attestation
- The parent company carries the liability
- No local service agent needed since 2021
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does Abu Dhabi mainland setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every government and service fee before you commit.
- Licence and activity fees
- Premises or tenancy costs, where required
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Extra approvals, if your activity needs them
- Annual renewal and accounting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up an Abu Dhabi mainland company in 5 steps
Choose your activity and structure
We confirm the activity code, your ownership options and the legal structure that fits your plans.
Reserve your trade name
We reserve a compliant trade name and prepare the initial approval application.
Secure premises and approvals
You lease a suitable office and register the tenancy, while we manage any extra approvals your activity needs.
Sign the MoA and receive your licence
Your Memorandum of Association is signed, fees are paid and the authority issues the trade licence.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up PRO and accounting support.
Documents required for Abu Dhabi mainland setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your activity.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are in the UAE
- Three proposed trade names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Registered tenancy contract for your office
- Regulated activities: approval documents from the relevant authority
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Abu Dhabi mainland setup
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right activity, structure and authority
Rules differ by activity and authority. We check your activity, structure and approvals before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- FAQs
Abu Dhabi mainland setup: frequently asked questions
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) licenses mainland companies in Abu Dhabi, and applications run online through the TAMM platform.
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities, following the federal rules. Strategic impact activities need Emirati participation or approval. See local service agent and sponsorship.
TAMM is the Abu Dhabi government services platform, where trade names, approvals and licence applications are submitted online.
Tawtheeq is the Abu Dhabi system for registering tenancy contracts, and a Tawtheeq-registered tenancy is generally needed for the licensed address.
Yes. A mainland licence allows trading across the UAE, although some activities need local approvals. We confirm this for your activity.
A mainland licence lets you trade across the UAE, while a free zone licence, such as in KIZAD or ADGM, is issued by the zone and has its own rules. Read the free zone vs mainland guide.
The common structures are an LLC, a sole establishment or civil company, and a branch of an existing company. The right one depends on your owners, liability and activity.
The cost depends on your activity, premises, visas and approvals, so there is no single price. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
The timeline depends on your activity, authority, documents and approvals, and visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. We confirm your activity and structure, prepare the application, manage approvals and follow the process through to licence, visas and bank account. Final approvals are always the authority\u2019s decision. Contact us for an itemised quote.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to start with Abu Dhabi mainland setup?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a plan built around your business. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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