In 2025, the company setup in Abu Dhabi is gaining exponential popularity due to investor-friendly policies and favorable amendments like 100% ownership, tax advantages and more. With the faster economic growth of the country, Abu Dhabi has become the most ideal destination for global investors and entrepreneurs to set up their businesses. 

Starting a business in Abu Dhabi needs to complete a few crucial steps efficiently. In this blog, we will have a detailed look at all the key steps to set up your company in the capital city of the UAE.

How to Start a Company in Abu Dhabi?

Business setup in Abu Dhabi involves several steps and considerations. Let’s dive into the key steps to start a company in Abu Dhabi.

STEP 1: Identify the Right Type of Business Activity

First, determine the nature of activities performed by your business. After that, ensure compliance with local regulation before moulding the business structure concerning licensing fees and legal requirements. There are a total of six types of licenses in the UAE: industrial, professional, agricultural, tourism, occupational and commercial.

According to commercial activities, it is Freezone or Mainland depending on the UAEness of where one registers the business.

STEP 2: Decide Ownership Structure 

Business Setup in Abu Dhabi: The second step in this process is to determine the legal structure of your business from several types of ownership, including:

  • General Partnership
  • Limited partnership
  • Limited liability company (LLC)
  • Public joint-stock company (PJSC)
  • Private joint-stock company (PrJSC)
  • Civil company
  • Local company branch
  • GCC company branch
  • Foreign company branch
  • Free zone company branch
  • Sole Establishment
  • Holding companies
STEP 3: Trade Name Registration 

Register your company’s trade name with the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi (ADDED). To choose a distinctive and appropriate trade name, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • The name shouldn’t be in violation of morality or public order.
  • The names or logos of any governmental bodies or religions should not appear in the name.
  • An acronym (the company’s legal form) must come after a unique name.
  • The goal of your business endeavor should be reflected in the name.
  • Verify that no other companies have previously used your trade name.1
STEP 4: Obtaining Initial Approvals

Once you have obtained a trade name certificate, you will receive your initial approvals from the DED for setting up a company in Abu Dhabi. These initial approvals serve as a springboard for applying for a business licence in the UAE.

STEP 5: Apply for the Business Licences

After following the procedures above, obtain your business licence from the regions of the Economic Departments. You can also apply for your business license via their official website, which will require the following documents attached:

  • Receipt of original approvals.
  • Documents previously submitted.
  • Attested copies of lease contract by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
  • Attested Memorandum of Association.
  • All approvals required from other government entities.
  • Duly attested contact details of your local sponsor in the UAE.

Conclusion

Foreign investors, in fact, enjoy owning businesses in Abu Dhabi because the benefits such as tax advantages, a myriad of business undertakings, and easy incorporation are only a few. Everything about the process of setting up a company in Abu Dhabi-from choosing a business activity, ownership structure, and trade name to securing licenses and permits-has been discussed.

How Arabian Business Center Helps You?

With years of experience in offering the best PRO, VAT, local sponsor, and virtual office setup services, we are a top company setup consultancy in the United Arab Emirates.

Hence, if you intend to open a firm in Abu Dhabi in 2025,. By taking care of all the legalities and approval work on Arabian Business Center, you can enjoy a smooth and easy business formation procedure.

To arrange the Setup of your business in Abu Dhabi, speak with one of our knowledgeable business experts.





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