WhatsApp quoteChoosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. The most common businesses Icelanders open through GoldenKey are in seafood exports, aviation, geothermal technology and software, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity. Put simply, icelanders are a very small community, mostly in aviation, seafood and technology, so the Abu Dhabi authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Icelandic applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Abu Dhabi
Put simply, abu Dhabi mainland licences are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which currently processes most standard files in around 5 working days. In practice, 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, so local service businesses gravitate here.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), together with any external approvals the activity requires. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
Documents required
Gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Iceland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport issued by Iceland with at least six months' validity
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
For most clients, the figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder predictable. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
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 Icelandic founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Most of our Abu Dhabi customers come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
In practice, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
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) nine times out of ten issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
What is the difference between Abu Dhabi mainland and a free zone?
Put simply, 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.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Icelanders 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.
What approvals does oil & gas services need?
ADNOC or operator vendor registration; ICV certification. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
