WhatsApp quoteAn 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. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey has licensed textile trading company businesses for clients in Abu Dhabi and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Typical examples of this activity include fabric wholesale, uniform supply, garment re-export and home textiles, which can usually sit together on one Abu Dhabi licence.
Why Abu Dhabi
In short, 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. For most clients, businesses that benefit most from Abu Dhabi mainland licensing include oil and gas services, contracting, engineering, healthcare and education, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. GoldenKey has licensed textile & garments trading in Abu Dhabi for clients ranging from solo company owners to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity 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.
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. Nothing is submitted for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full file with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
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. Nothing is submitted for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
The document list for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Customs code
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport photographs on a white background
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. In short, pricing for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
To be clear, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland. Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland predictable.
Why GoldenKey
Importantly, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on an Abu Dhabi file. GoldenKey's consultants have handled textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for textile & garments trading on Abu Dhabi mainland.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Abu Dhabi mainland company formation take?
In practice, with supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in most cases issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Which licence type covers textile & garments trading?
Textile & Garments Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Can I combine textile & garments trading with other activities?
In practice, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
