As a rule, choosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. GoldenKey helps founders compare Abu Dhabi mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. As a rule, latvians are a small community in logistics, IT and timber trading, so the Abu Dhabi authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Latvian applications every day and process them without hesitation. As a rule, 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.
Why Abu Dhabi
Government and semi-government tenders in Abu Dhabi require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. On the ground, popular districts for an Abu Dhabi mainland office include Al Reem Island, Khalifa City, Mussafah, Al Maryah Island and Corniche, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder in real time.
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
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full file with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Nothing is submitted for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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.
Documents required
Put simply, for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder the licensing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the Latvia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
The figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the 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 a Latvian 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
Put simply, 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 Latvian founder for international company owners. Put simply, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
Day to day, we will tell you plainly if Abu Dhabi is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. In short, we speak the languages our clients 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 a Latvian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Latvian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Abu Dhabi 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.
How much office space do I need for a Abu Dhabi 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 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 Latvians need a UAE visa before applying for Abu Dhabi?
No. You can apply for the licence from Latvia with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Latvians 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.


