Thinking of starting a business in Abu Dhabi? This guide is for you. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, Abu Dhabi offers a range of options.
From flexible licensing to operating online, it’s easier than ever to launch your business in the capital of the UAE. In this article, you’ll learn the practical steps for business setup in Abu Dhabi in 2025.
Contact our expert lawyers & legal consultants in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
Steps for Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi is straightforward if you follow the official steps. The Department of Economic Development (ADDED) makes the process clear and accessible.
Choose Your Business Activity
The first step is deciding what your business will do. Your activity will determine the type of license you need. Options include:
- Commercial.
- Industrial.
- Professional.
- Agricultural.
- Tourism.
- Occupational.
Pick a Legal Form
Your business structure affects ownership, responsibility, and regulations. Choose the legal form that suits your plan:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC).
- General Partnership.
- Public Joint Stock Company.
- Other registered forms.
Reserve Your Trade Name and Get Initial Approval
You’ll need to register a trade name for your business in Abu Dhabi. Pick a name that fits your brand and meets the added rules. Make sure it’s not already taken.
After that, apply for initial approval from ADDED. This is not the final license but allows you to move to the next steps.
Prepare Agreements
Depending on your legal form, you may need to prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
These documents outline ownership and service details.
Secure a Business Location
Rent an office or workspace that matches your business needs. You’ll need a tenancy contract. The premises must meet government rules.
If your business doesn’t need a physical office, you can apply for an online license via TAMM.
Apply for Additional Approvals and Get Your Business License
Some activities need special approvals. This depends on what you do and where you operate. Authorities include:
- Abu Dhabi Municipality.
- Department of Health.
- Tourism Authority.
Submit your documents and pay the fees. You’ll get your official license from ADDED if everything is in order.
Flexible Licensing Options
Abu Dhabi offers different license types for different needs:
- Standard License: For all legal forms, including office-based businesses.
- Tajer Abu Dhabi: Start without a rental contract for up to three years.
- Dual License: For free zone companies to work in mainland Abu Dhabi.
- Freelancer License: Work as an individual without office space.
- Mobdea License: For female Emiratis to run creative businesses without a physical HQ.
- Small Producers License: For citizens with private farms or production sites.
- Virtual License: This is for people outside the UAE to do business in Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about the UAE trade license.
Legal Services for Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
Our Advocates & Legal Consultants in Abu Dhabi specialize in legal services that support seamless business establishment in Abu Dhabi, focusing on each step of the setup process.
We provide the following legal services:
- Entity Selection and Licensing Guidance: Our lawyers assess your business objectives and recommend the most suitable licensing option, whether Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting and Notarization: Essential for partnerships, our team drafts and notarizes MOAs to clarify business roles, share structures, and other operational agreements, securing your company’s legal standing.
- Legal Documentation and Permit Acquisition: Our team assists in compiling and submitting mandatory documents for approval, including trade name registration, commercial and specialized licenses, and, if needed, sector-specific permits.
- Employment and Immigration Compliance: For businesses planning to hire, we navigate work permits, visa applications, and compliance with local labor laws, supporting a legal framework that protects both employer and employee rights.
Choosing the right legal support simplifies business setup in Abu Dhabi, ensures compliance, and protects against risks.
With our specialized legal services, you can confidently establish your business and focus on growth in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic market.
FAQs about Abu Dhabi Business Setup
Abu Dhabi offers a clear and supportive path for starting a business. The capital is open for business with options to suit every type of entrepreneur, from startups to freelancers.
By following the steps of business setup in Abu Dhabi and choosing the right license, you can launch your business efficiently and legally in one of the UAE’s most dynamic markets.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
