WhatsApp quoteImportantly, abu Dhabi is the capital — government contracts, energy supply chains and the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. To be clear, choosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Just as important, typical examples of this activity include equipment supply, inspection services, engineering support and chemicals trading, which can usually sit together on one Abu Dhabi licence. The most common businesses Austrians open through GoldenKey are in engineering, hospitality, construction technology and trading, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity.
Why Abu Dhabi
Day to day, among the strengths of an Abu Dhabi mainland licence are access to ADNOC and government supply chains and Tajer licence with no office for 2 years, and that is why local service businesses gravitate here. In practice, abu Dhabi mainland licences are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which currently processes most standard files in around 5 business days.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
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, in most cases a LLC or a sole establishment. Nothing is submitted for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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
As a rule, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). For opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Abu Dhabi mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
On the ground, for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Educational certificates attested by the Austria authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
Pricing
To be clear, all prices for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Just as important, the figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
In our experience, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. For most clients, we speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Austrian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) as a rule issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Abu Dhabi mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Which licence type covers oil & gas services?
As we tell every client, oil & Gas Services is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Can a Austrian citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Austrians can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
