Emirate guide
Company Setup in Abu Dhabi: Mainland and Free Zones
Company setup in Abu Dhabi means choosing between a mainland licence from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), whose services run through the TAMM government platform, and a free zone such as ADGM or KEZAD. Mainland suits companies selling in the UAE; free zones suit finance, holding, industrial and international businesses.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about Abu Dhabi
- Mainland licensing
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
- Government services platform
- TAMM
- Financial free zone
- ADGM (English common law)
- Industrial and port zone
- KEZAD, beside Khalifa Port
- Healthcare regulator
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most mainland activities
How does company setup in Abu Dhabi work?
Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital and largest emirate, and its economy combines government, energy, finance and heavy industry. For mainland companies, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is the licensing authority, and most business services, including licence enquiries and applications, are delivered through the TAMM platform. The UAE government also lists an instant licence service for eligible Abu Dhabi activities.
The emirate’s free zones are specialised: ADGM is a common-law financial centre, KEZAD is a port-side industrial and logistics zone beside Khalifa Port, and other zones focus on media, clean energy and airport logistics. Sector regulators also differ from Dubai’s, for example the Department of Health licenses healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Free zones and registries
Which free zones are in Abu Dhabi?
Good fit
Who is Abu Dhabi best for?
- Companies selling to Abu Dhabi government and semi-government clients
- Financial and holding structures (ADGM)
- Industrial and port-dependent businesses (KEZAD)
- Energy, healthcare and infrastructure suppliers
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Founders whose clients and team are entirely in Dubai
- Businesses that only need a low-cost desk licence
Process
How to set up a company in Abu Dhabi
-
01
Choose mainland or free zone
Decide where you will sell and how many visas you need.
-
02
Reserve the trade name
Book a compliant name with the licensing authority.
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03
Obtain initial approval and any sector approvals
Some activities need another authority’s approval first.
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04
Secure premises
Register the tenancy or lease the free zone facility.
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05
Issue the licence
Submit documents and pay fees.
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06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in Abu Dhabi.
- 01
Decide whether your customers are onshore (mainland) or international (free zone).
- 02
Check whether your activity is available through Abu Dhabi’s instant licence service.
- 03
Identify sector regulators early, such as the Department of Health for healthcare.
- 04
Prepare to use the TAMM platform for government services.
- 05
Budget for premises, which drive visa capacity.
Frequently asked
Questions about Abu Dhabi
Who issues mainland trade licences in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Its services, including licence enquiries and applications, are available through the TAMM government platform.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an Abu Dhabi mainland company?
Yes, for most activities, following the 2021 federal company-law reform. A short list of strategic-impact activities still requires UAE national participation.
Which free zones are in Abu Dhabi?
They include ADGM (finance), KEZAD (industry and logistics beside Khalifa Port), twofour54 (media), Masdar City Free Zone (clean energy and technology) and Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone.
Is setting up in Abu Dhabi different from Dubai?
Yes. The licensing authority, government platform and sector regulators differ. For example, healthcare facilities are licensed by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi rather than the Dubai Health Authority.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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