How To Set Up a Company in Abu Dhabi

There are many options for setting up a company in Abu Dhabi . For a new company located in the mainland, licensure must be sought from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Regulatory pre-approvals from local governmental authorities may be necessary depending on the business activity. There are a multitude of corporate structures available for local companies, including sole proprietorships, civil companies, limited liability companies, private joint-stock companies, limited partnerships, branch offices, and joint ventures.

If you are seeking 100% ownership of your office, you may wish to consider setting up a new company in one of Abu Dhabi ’s numerous free zones. It must be noted that, in order to engage in trade activities outside of the free zone, i.e. mainland Abu Dhabi , the company must execute an agreement with a local service agent. As previously mentioned, regulatory pre-approvals from local governmental authorities may be necessary depending on the business activity.

For investment activity in either the mainland or free zones of Abu Dhabi , you may wish to establish an offshore holding company at JAFZA. JAFZA Offshore companies are legally entitled to own property and act as shareholders in local or free zone companies. The cost is minimal, and is ideal for businesses which operate outside of the UAE. Registration of a JAFZA Offshore company can only be done through a registered local agent.