A mainland company in Abu Dhabi can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Day to day, choosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Croatian hospitality and nautical expertise is increasingly present in the UAE, which gives Croatian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Abu Dhabi licence is issued. On the ground, oil & Gas Services in Abu Dhabi means equipment supply, inspection, maintenance and consultancy for energy companies, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Abu Dhabi
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, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. Businesses that benefit most from Abu Dhabi mainland licensing include oil and gas services, contracting, engineering, healthcare and education, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
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, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder in real time.
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
Your Abu Dhabi mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. If the authority raises a query on opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Educational certificates attested by the Croatia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Company profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. The figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder for international founders. Crucially, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, 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 a Croatian 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 a Croatian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Just as important, ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
With papers 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.
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.
Are Abu Dhabi 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.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Croatians can own 100% of an oil and gas services company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Abu Dhabi for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
How long does the process take for Croatian applicants?
Processing for Croatians follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Croatia that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.


