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
Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation for Saudi nationals
around 2 hours from Riyadh · the UAE is 1 hour ahead of Saudi Arabia
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
Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. 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. The most common businesses Saudi nationals open through GoldenKey are in trading, real estate, hospitality and investment holding, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity. To be clear, payments between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Saudi riyal (SAR) transfers settle fast and UAE banks are familiar with Saudi business profiles.
From day one, government and semi-government tenders in Abu Dhabi require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. In-Country Value (ICV) certification boosts success in government and ADNOC tenders. Saudi applicants benefit from the fact that Abu Dhabi already has many Saudi shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Saudi Arabia documents and name formats instantly.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment.
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
The document list for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- A bank statement from your Saudi Arabia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Educational certificates attested by the Saudi Arabia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- 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)
- A passport issued by Saudi Arabia with at least six months' validity
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
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and obtains sector approvals where needed. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
- 4
Licence, 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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals.
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?
From day one, with supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) usually issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Are Abu Dhabi mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
It can. 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.
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.
Do Saudi nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Abu Dhabi?
No. You can apply for the licence from Saudi Arabia with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
Can a Saudi citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Absolutely. Saudi nationals can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Abu Dhabi?
In our experience, tell us about your plans for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Good to know
More about Abu Dhabi
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals a route to relocation as well as a business decision. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, so so many entrepreneurs choose it as a base for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. As a rule, our quotations for Abu Dhabi mainland company formation for Saudi nationals list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Abu Dhabi submission, download your paperwork and pay invoices from your phone.
