WhatsApp quoteAbu 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. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. For most clients, payments between Philippines and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Philippine peso (PHP) transfers settle promptly and UAE banks are familiar with Filipino business profiles. GoldenKey has Filipino clients from Manila, Cebu and Davao, and our consultants understand the supporting documents granted in Philippines and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why Abu Dhabi
Day to day, 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. Crucially, in-Country Value (ICV) certification boosts success in government and ADNOC tenders. For Filipinos, the practical advantages of Abu Dhabi are the ease of travel between Philippines and the UAE, English is an official language of the Philippines and the working language of the UAE, and a banking system that processes Philippine peso (PHP) transfers daily.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
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. If the authority raises a query on Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
In practice, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
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
The document list for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- A bank statement from your Philippines bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- A passport issued by Philippines with at least six months' validity
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
Pricing
All prices for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many entrepreneurs choose it as a base for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Abu Dhabi file, download your papers and pay invoices from your phone. Most of our Abu Dhabi clients come to us through referrals from other founders, and for that reason we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Crucially, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Filipinos step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) usually issues the licence within 5 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
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.
How long does the process take for Filipino applicants?
In our experience, processing for Filipinos follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Philippines that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
Can a Filipino citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Filipinos can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
