As we tell every client, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. In our experience, 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. Lithuanians are a small community of fintech founders, engineers and traders, so the Abu Dhabi authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Lithuanian applications every day and process them without hesitation. The most common businesses Lithuanians open through GoldenKey are in fintech, laser technology, food exports and logistics, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity.
Why Abu Dhabi
Importantly, 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. In practice, 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. For Lithuanians, the practical advantages of Abu Dhabi are the ease of travel between Lithuania and the UAE, English is the business language, and a banking system that processes euro (EUR) transfers daily.
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), including any external approvals your activity needs.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). If the authority raises a query on Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians.
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- 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
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- A police clearance certificate from Lithuania if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Passport photographs on a white background
Pricing
Pricing for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In practice, use the table below to compare packages for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians; 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians no longer requires a local partner. In our experience, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As a rule, after your Abu Dhabi licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. In short, 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.
Tell us about your plans for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Lithuanians and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
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.
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.
Can a Lithuanian citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Lithuanians can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Lithuanians need a UAE visa before applying for Abu Dhabi?
No. You can apply for the licence from Lithuania with scanned papers, and the investor UAE residence visa is completed afterwards.


