WhatsApp quoteThis guide from GoldenKey explains the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland in plain language, with the costs, papers and timelines you should expect in 2026. GoldenKey's consultants wrote this guide to the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland based on the files we process every week, not on theory.
Key takeaways
- Confirm the exact activity code so the licence matches what you actually do.
- Gather passports, photographs and any sector approvals before applying.
- Decide the visa package now; upgrading later is possible but costs more than choosing correctly.
- Book the bank meeting as soon as the licence is issued.
Background
Businesses that benefit most from Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland licensing include oil and gas services, contracting, engineering, healthcare and education, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Among the strengths of an Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland licence are access to ADNOC and government supply chains and Tajer licence with no office for 2 years, and for that reason local service businesses gravitate here. Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland licences are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which currently processes most standard files in around 5 business days.
What to do, in order
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and obtains sector approvals where needed. We keep a written record of this step so your file for the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In short, the Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland.
Documents you will need
Keep these ready before you start:
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport photographs on a white background
Costs
Prices for the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing before you pay. For most clients, government fees change from time to time; the figures on this page update automatically when they do.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland no longer requires a local partner. Importantly, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland and makes international pricing simple.
How GoldenKey helps
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through the checklist for an import & export licence in Abu Dhabi Mainland step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland company?
On the ground, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How long does Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland company formation take?
With papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) normally issues the licence within 5 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
What is the difference between Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland and a free zone?
In short, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Import & Export Licence Checklist for Abu Dhabi Mainland mainland company?
Crucially, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
