Abu Dhabi Mainland License

20% Off

20% Off

Abu Dhabi Mainland offers 3,000 approved business activities, making it a flexible and reliable option for business setup in the UAE.

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Dynamic picture of a cyclist riding downhill

Build business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.

Build your business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.

/ABOUT BLZ/

/ABOUT BLZ/

/ABOUT BLZ/

/ABOUT BLZ/

At BLZ, we make company setup in Abu Dhabi seamless. For over ten years, we’ve guided entrepreneurs and established businesses through licensing, visas, banking, and growth support. Your success drives our service.

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Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work

Start Your Company Setup in Abu Dhabi

Your Abu Dhabi Mainland license lets you operate an onshore company, conducting business both within the UAE and internationally, with full access to local markets and clients. Strategically situated near government hubs, commercial centers, and key transport links, it ensures a fast and efficient business setup.

Abu Dhabi offers simplified licensing to speed up business setup with its instant online application process. Abu Dhabi Mainland also gives great importance to small traders, startups, and online businesses, with the Tajer License, which allows them to start with just an Emirates ID and no office, valid for up to three years.

Why Choose Abu Dhabi Mainland

Abu Dhabi Mainland licenses suit investors who want unrestricted operations and government contract opportunities.

Key Advantages:

100% Foreign Ownership for selected business activities.

Multi-activity license options

Fewer nationality restrictions

Tax Benefits and Profit Repatriation

No Capital Requirements

Easy Corporate Bank Account Setup

A woman smiling sitting in the office
A woman smiling sitting in the office
A woman smiling sitting in the office
A woman smiling sitting in the office

License Categories Available

Abu Dhabi Mainland provides a variety of license options designed to accommodate diverse business activities and industries.

Each Abu Dhabi Mainland license allows multiple business activities from the DED’s approved list, enabling companies to expand and diversify their operations seamlessly.

/HOW IT WORKS/

Step-by-Step Business Setup Process

The entire process is streamlined with DED’s digital services, allowing most steps to be completed online while minimizing in-person visits.

01

Consultation & License Selection

Select the appropriate form for your business based on your activities and requirements.

02

Reserve Trade Name

Secure a trade name that reflects your business and obtain initial approval from the DED, typically within 1-2 working days.

03

Prepare Documents & Office

Draft your Memorandum of Association, notarize it, and secure a physical office with a valid tenancy contract and Ejari.

04

Submit & Receive License

Submit documents and fees to the DED and get your business license within 3-7 working days.

01

Consultation & License Selection

Select the appropriate form for your business based on your activities and requirements.

02

Reserve Trade Name

Secure a trade name that reflects your business and obtain initial approval from the DED, typically within 1-2 working days.

03

Prepare Documents & Office

Draft your Memorandum of Association, notarize it, and secure a physical office with a valid tenancy contract and Ejari.

04

Submit & Receive License

Submit documents and fees to the DED and get your business license within 3-7 working days.

01

Consultation & License Selection

Select the appropriate form for your business based on your activities and requirements.

02

Reserve Trade Name

Secure a trade name that reflects your business and obtain initial approval from the DED, typically within 1-2 working days.

03

Prepare Documents & Office

Draft your Memorandum of Association, notarize it, and secure a physical office with a valid tenancy contract and Ejari.

04

Submit & Receive License

Submit documents and fees to the DED and get your business license within 3-7 working days.

01

Consultation & License Selection

Select the appropriate form for your business based on your activities and requirements.

02

Reserve Trade Name

Secure a trade name that reflects your business and obtain initial approval from the DED, typically within 1-2 working days.

03

Prepare Documents & Office

Draft your Memorandum of Association, notarize it, and secure a physical office with a valid tenancy contract and Ejari.

04

Submit & Receive License

Submit documents and fees to the DED and get your business license within 3-7 working days.

Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work

Documents Required

Individual and corporate shareholders need to provide different sets of documents.

Individual Shareholders

Passport copies with UAE visa/entry stamp

Employer NOC if on a UAE employment visa

UAE National partner’s Emirates ID

Corporate Shareholders

Attested company documents (AOA, Certificate of Incorporation, MOA)

NOC or approval from Free Zone/Offshore Authority

Board Resolution with notarized Power of Attorney

Additional documents may be requested depending on business activity and ownership structure.

/ABOUT BLZ FACILITIES/

Office and Facility Options

Abu Dhabi Mainland companies are required to have a registered office to complete their business setup. You can choose an office type that fits your business needs and budget.

01

Physical Office

A dedicated office space suitable for most business activities, ensuring full compliance with DED regulations.

02

Co‑working Office

A flexible, cost-effective option for startups and small businesses, approved for certain activities.

03

Virtual Office

Available for select consultancy or trading businesses, providing a registered address without a full office setup.

Visa Options and Eligibility

Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi can apply for UAE residency visas for owners, partners, and employees, with eligibility based on office size and license package. This allows business owners to secure residency for themselves and their families, providing stability while operating in the UAE.

Compared to other setups, mainland companies offer greater flexibility and higher visa quotas, making it easier to support larger teams.

Why Businesses Prefer Abu Dhabi Mainland

Abu Dhabi offers a stable and diversified economy, providing businesses with access to key sectors such as finance, technology, and energy. Its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, international airports, and major ports make it easy to connect with both local and global markets efficiently.

Mainland companies benefit from the ability to participate in government projects and tenders, while also having the flexibility to hire a skilled, international workforce. This combination of opportunities and operational freedom makes Abu Dhabi Mainland an attractive choice for investors and entrepreneurs.

Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about business setup in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about business setup in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about business setup in the UAE.

What’s the difference between mainland and free zone setups?
icon

Unlike a free zone license, it allows for direct dealings with government entities and contracts and is required for full access to the broader UAE market. There are several types of mainland licenses, including industrial, commercial, and professional licenses.

Are there limits on the types of business activities for Abu Dhabi Mainland companies?
icon

Abu Dhabi Mainland companies can operate across most commercial, professional, and industrial sectors. Certain regulated industries, such as oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, and defense-related services, require extra approvals from the relevant authorities.

Do I need a physical office to set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi?
icon

Yes, a physical office is necessary to set up an Abu Dhabi Mainland business. The office’s size and type are determined by your business activity and the number of staff.

Can I upgrade my Abu Dhabi Mainland license later?
icon

Yes, mainland businesses can expand their operations as they grow. You can add new business activities to your license, increase office space, and sponsor additional residency visas for owners and employees, all without interrupting daily operations.

What legal structures can I choose for a business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?
icon

The mainland offers several setup options, each suited for different business needs: Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for most commercial activities and allows 100 percent foreign ownership. Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for individuals offering professional or specialist services. Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing overseas company to operate in Abu Dhabi under its parent entity.

What’s the difference between mainland and free zone setups?
icon

Unlike a free zone license, it allows for direct dealings with government entities and contracts and is required for full access to the broader UAE market. There are several types of mainland licenses, including industrial, commercial, and professional licenses.

Are there limits on the types of business activities for Abu Dhabi Mainland companies?
icon

Abu Dhabi Mainland companies can operate across most commercial, professional, and industrial sectors. Certain regulated industries, such as oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, and defense-related services, require extra approvals from the relevant authorities.

Do I need a physical office to set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi?
icon

Yes, a physical office is necessary to set up an Abu Dhabi Mainland business. The office’s size and type are determined by your business activity and the number of staff.

Can I upgrade my Abu Dhabi Mainland license later?
icon

Yes, mainland businesses can expand their operations as they grow. You can add new business activities to your license, increase office space, and sponsor additional residency visas for owners and employees, all without interrupting daily operations.

What legal structures can I choose for a business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?
icon

The mainland offers several setup options, each suited for different business needs: Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for most commercial activities and allows 100 percent foreign ownership. Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for individuals offering professional or specialist services. Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing overseas company to operate in Abu Dhabi under its parent entity.

What’s the difference between mainland and free zone setups?
icon

Unlike a free zone license, it allows for direct dealings with government entities and contracts and is required for full access to the broader UAE market. There are several types of mainland licenses, including industrial, commercial, and professional licenses.

Are there limits on the types of business activities for Abu Dhabi Mainland companies?
icon

Abu Dhabi Mainland companies can operate across most commercial, professional, and industrial sectors. Certain regulated industries, such as oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, and defense-related services, require extra approvals from the relevant authorities.

Do I need a physical office to set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi?
icon

Yes, a physical office is necessary to set up an Abu Dhabi Mainland business. The office’s size and type are determined by your business activity and the number of staff.

Can I upgrade my Abu Dhabi Mainland license later?
icon

Yes, mainland businesses can expand their operations as they grow. You can add new business activities to your license, increase office space, and sponsor additional residency visas for owners and employees, all without interrupting daily operations.

What legal structures can I choose for a business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?
icon

The mainland offers several setup options, each suited for different business needs: Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for most commercial activities and allows 100 percent foreign ownership. Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for individuals offering professional or specialist services. Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing overseas company to operate in Abu Dhabi under its parent entity.

Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work
Two women laughing at work

Other Mainland Option

Here are strong alternatives if you want to compare options before setting up your business.

Dubai Mainland

Operate anywhere in the UAE

Ideal for trading, retail, professional services, and corporate offices

Fast setup with wide visa flexibility

Get in Touch

Dubai

1402, Level 14 - Boulevard Plaza Tower 1 Downtown Dubai - Dubai

Abu Dhabi

Aldar HQ, Level 3, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi

Simplifying compliance, so you don't have to.

Simplifying compliance, so you don't have to.

We’re your UAE advocates, here to support you every step of the way.

Unparalleled Expertise

Our wealth of experience across diverse industries positions us to anticipate challenges and deliver optimal solutions.

Dedicated Partnership

We are more than consultants; we are your dedicated partners, deeply invested in your triumph.

Proven Track Record

Our legacy of success speaks volumes about our ability to empower businesses to thrive in the UAE.

Client-Centric Approach

Your satisfaction is paramount, and we are committed to exceeding your expectations at every turn.