WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, al Maryah Island is the ADGM financial free zone district, and it is one of the locations founders ask GoldenKey about most when planning an Abu Dhabi mainland company. GoldenKey arranges the licence, tenancy registration and visas for companies locating in Al Maryah Island, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area. Put simply, setting up a business in Al Maryah Island means an Abu Dhabi mainland licence from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), an office or shop registered in the district and the approvals your activity needs.
Who sets up in Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island attracts contractors, engineering firms, oil and gas suppliers and clinics. Rents, footfall and parking differ from street to street, so we advise viewing two or three units before signing.
Licensing steps for Al Maryah Island
The licence is issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). GoldenKey reserves the name, obtains initial approval, registers your tenancy contract for the Al Maryah Island unit and submits the file; municipality and civil defence approvals follow for shops and food outlets.
Costs
Licence packages for Abu Dhabi mainland start from AED 13,500, plus rent for your Al Maryah Island premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for setting up a business in Al Maryah Island.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for setting up a business in Al Maryah Island.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Al Maryah Island mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Abu Dhabi mainland pricing
- 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 GoldenKey
We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for setting up a business in Al Maryah Island. After your Al Maryah Island licence is granted, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through setting up a business in Al Maryah Island step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Al Maryah Island mainland company?
From day one, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Al Maryah Island mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How much office space do I need for a Al Maryah Island mainland licence?
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Can a Al Maryah Island mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Are Al Maryah Island mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes — Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
