Put simply, choosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. On the ground, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. GoldenKey has licensed oil and gas services company businesses for customers in Abu Dhabi and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. The most common businesses Singaporeans open through GoldenKey are in fintech, logistics, trading and technology, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity.
Why Abu Dhabi
To be clear, 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. ADDED processes most licences within 2 to 5 working days (Monday to Friday).
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
From day one, 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.
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 opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
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.
Documents required
Gather these papers and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Singapore if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Educational certificates attested by the Singapore authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A passport issued by Singapore with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Crucially, the figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. For most clients, use the table below to compare packages for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. 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 a Singaporean founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
For most clients, our quotations for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean 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 Singaporean founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay.
In our experience, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Singaporean founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
As a rule, 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.
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?
Day to day, 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.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes — Singaporeans 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.
Can my family from Singapore join me?
On the ground, once your investor visa is granted you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.


