Business setup in Abu Dhabi is done either on the mainland, where the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) issues licenses through the TAMM platform, or in a free zone such as KEZAD, ADGM, twofour54 or Masdar City. Mainland suits companies selling to UAE customers and government. Wordcraft's Abu Dhabi office on Hamdan Street files the license, translates and attests your documents and follows up visas.
Abu Dhabi Mainland vs Free Zones
Most trading, contracting and service companies that want government and local clients go mainland. Free zones make sense for port-based industry (KEZAD), regulated finance and holding structures (ADGM), media (twofour54) and clean-tech start-ups (Masdar City).
| Option | Best for | Legal framework | Office options | Trading on the UAE mainland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland (ADDED via TAMM) | Trading, contracting, maintenance, consultancy, restaurants, government suppliers | UAE federal and Abu Dhabi law | Office, shop or warehouse with a registered tenancy | Yes, directly |
| ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) | Financial services, funds, family offices, holding companies | Its own common-law framework, courts and regulator | Offices on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands | Only within the limits of its license |
| KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) | Industry, logistics and trading near Khalifa Port | Free zone regulations | Land, warehouses, industrial units, offices | Through a distributor, branch or permit |
| twofour54 | Media, gaming and content production | Free zone regulations | Offices and studio facilities | Through a distributor, branch or permit |
| Masdar City Free Zone | Clean energy, technology and research start-ups | Free zone regulations | Offices and shared workspace | Through a distributor, branch or permit |
Regulated financial activities in ADGM go through ADGM's own approval process, which we explain at the quote stage. Compare zones across all emirates in the UAE free zones comparison.
Mainland Company Through TAMM
Most mainland applications in Abu Dhabi now start and finish on TAMM, the emirate's government services platform, signed in with UAE Pass. A mainland company can invoice customers anywhere in the UAE, bid for government and semi-government contracts and open branches in other emirates. Most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership. A short list of strategic activities still carries conditions, and we check yours before anything is filed.
The TAMM Licensing Sequence
- Choose the legal form and the activity codes.
- Reserve the trade name and receive initial approval.
- Sign the MOA (notarized where the legal form requires it) and the office tenancy contract.
- Obtain outside approvals if the activity is regulated, for example in healthcare, education or tourism.
- Settle the government charges and receive the license and commercial registration.
Licenses and Activities We File in Abu Dhabi
ADDED issues commercial, professional and industrial licenses, and sector regulators add their approvals for tourism, healthcare, education and similar activities. The files we see most often from Abu Dhabi clients are general trading, contracting and maintenance, consultancy, IT services, oil and gas support services, restaurants and cafés.
Premises and Visa Numbers
A mainland company registers its tenancy contract with the Abu Dhabi authorities, and the office size usually decides how many employment visas it can apply for. Free zones offer flexi-desks, offices and warehouses, each with its own visa allocation. If you plan to hire in the first year, tell us the number early so the lease fits it.
Visit Our Hamdan Street Office
Our Abu Dhabi branch is at Office 1760, 17th Floor, Al Ghaith Tower, Hamdan Street (call or WhatsApp +971 50 616 0468; Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM) and has 129 Google reviews from Abu Dhabi customers. The team files company formations and PRO transactions in the capital, and the same office provides legal translation in Abu Dhabi by MOJ-certified translators, MOFA attestation in Abu Dhabi and bookings for notary services in Abu Dhabi.
Documents for an Abu Dhabi Company
- Passport of every shareholder and manager; residents add their UAE visa and Emirates ID
- Proposed trade names and the list of activities
- The office tenancy contract once the location is agreed
- For a company shareholder: certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution, attested abroad and at the UAE embassy, then translated into Arabic
- Sector approvals for regulated activities
Corporate Tax for Abu Dhabi Companies
Abu Dhabi mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on taxable profit, in force since June 2023. Free zone companies pay 0% only on qualifying income, and only if they meet the qualifying conditions. Every company registers with the Federal Tax Authority; your registered tax agent handles the registration and returns, as Wordcraft does not provide tax filing.
Official sources: TAMM Abu Dhabi, ADGM and KEZAD. To compare Abu Dhabi with Dubai, Sharjah and RAK, start from the business setup overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities on the mainland and for free zone companies. A small number of strategic activities still have conditions.
Is ADGM the same as other free zones?
No. ADGM is a financial free zone with its own courts, common-law framework and regulator. It mainly suits financial services, funds and holding companies rather than general trading.
Mainland or free zone in Abu Dhabi: which should I choose?
Mainland if your clients are UAE companies, government entities or walk-in customers. A free zone if you trade through a port, work in media or clean tech, or need an ADGM holding structure.
Do I need a physical office in Abu Dhabi?
Mainland companies need a registered office with a tenancy contract. Free zones allow smaller options such as flexi-desks.
Can an Abu Dhabi company work in Dubai?
A mainland company can serve customers across the UAE, but a physical office in another emirate needs a branch license there.
Can I apply through TAMM myself?
Yes, TAMM is open to investors with UAE Pass. Clients use us when the file needs an Arabic MOA, attested parent documents, outside approvals or visas handled at the same time.
How long does company setup in Abu Dhabi take?
It depends on the activity, outside approvals and how quickly foreign documents are attested. Your written quote includes a realistic timeline.
What decides the cost of company setup in Abu Dhabi?
The legal form, the activities, the premises and the number of visas. We confirm every government charge and our fee in writing before work begins.
Last updated: September 2026
