1 Visa Package
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
AED 14,850
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 1 visa eligibility
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
MAINLAND · ABU DHABI
Foreign Company Branch in Abu Dhabi
The capital — government contracts, energy supply chains and the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence
5–7 daysSetup time100%OwnershipUp to 3 visasVisas
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- MainlandLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Up to 3 visasVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- From AED 11,000Renewal cost
About Abu Dhabi
Why Abu Dhabi
Put simply, 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. For most clients, mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Just as important, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have.
Just as important, 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. Just as important, 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, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. Just as important, in-Country Value (ICV) certification boosts success in government and ADNOC tenders.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
The figures below for a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Just as important, use the table below to compare packages for a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
2 Visa Package
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 19,800
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 2 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
3 Visa Package
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 24,750
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 3 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
Additional visaAED 3,520
Annual renewalAED 11,000
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Business activities
Explore business activities in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Required documents
Documents required
Here is what you will need for a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- Attested parent-company papers for corporate shareholders
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visaif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
Our process
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
- 1
Activity 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.
- 2
Trade name and initial approval
In our experience, 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 a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
- 4
Licence, 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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Abu Dhabi. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsHow long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
With paperwork 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
Importantly, 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?
Crucially, 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.
What is the difference between Abu Dhabi mainland and a free zone?
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.
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.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Abu Dhabi?
For most clients, if you would like a written quotation for a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Good to know
More about Abu Dhabi
Why the UAE
In short, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi a route to relocation as well as a business decision. In short, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with a foreign company branch in Abu Dhabi, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As a rule, every Abu Dhabi package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Abu Dhabi licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
