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. Abu Dhabi is the capital — government contracts, energy supply chains and the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Crucially, for Ukrainian founders, the UAE is around 7 to 9 hours with one stop from Kyiv, the UAE is 1 to 2 hours ahead of Ukraine, and Russian and Ukrainian-speaking advisers are widely available in Dubai. The most common businesses Ukrainians open through GoldenKey are in IT and software, agricultural exports, e-commerce and consulting, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any 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, so local service businesses gravitate here. As we tell every client, 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
Importantly, 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.
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. For opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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
Your Abu Dhabi mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport released by Ukraine with at least six months' validity
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A bank statement from your Ukraine bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
Pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In short, the figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the 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
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 Ukrainian founder no longer requires a local partner. 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 Ukrainian founder for international company owners.
Why GoldenKey
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 Ukrainian founder. Our quotations for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a Ukrainian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. In practice, most of our Abu Dhabi clients come to us through referrals from other founders, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
Day to day, start your Abu Dhabi journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
To be clear, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) typically issues the licence within 5 business 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
Just as important, 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.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Ukrainians 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 Ukraine join me?
Once your investor visa is granted you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.


