WhatsApp quoteCrucially, choosing Abu Dhabi mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. An Abu Dhabi mainland licence, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Crucially, payments between South Korea and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, South Korean won (KRW) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with South Korean business profiles. On the ground, south Koreans are a community anchored by construction, nuclear energy, electronics and beauty brands, so the Abu Dhabi authority, the banks and the immigration officers see South Korean applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Abu Dhabi
From day one, abu Dhabi holds around 90% of the UAE's oil reserves and most sovereign wealth. An Abu Dhabi mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, 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. For opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean founder in real time.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, 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
Here is what you will need for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A police clearance certificate from South Korea if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Educational certificates attested by the South Korea authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
For most clients, pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean 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
From day one, 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 South Korean founder for international founders. 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 South Korean founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
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 South Korean founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. On the ground, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Abu Dhabi file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the submission sit. 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 South Korean founder happen the same day they are ready.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South Korean founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in most cases issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Abu Dhabi mainland licence?
On the ground, 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.
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. South Koreans 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 a South Korean citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. South Koreans can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
