Abu Dhabi Mainland License
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
Abu Dhabi offers the most transparent mainland fee structure in the UAE, with exact per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. As the UAE capital, it provides access to government contracts and a growing tech ecosystem, with office rents significantly lower than Dubai.
1,022
Activities
AED 1,569
Avg DED Fee
2-5 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
Unique per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. Most transparent fee structure in the UAE.
From
AED 100
Up to
AED 6,000
What we like
- Most transparent fees — exact DED fee per activity (AED 100-6,000)
- Generally 30-50% cheaper than Dubai for equivalent activities
- Lower office rents than Dubai
- Capital city — access to government contracts and federal entities
- Growing tech ecosystem (Hub71, ADGM adjacent)
Watch out for
- Smaller business ecosystem than Dubai
- TAMM portal can be complex to navigate
- Fewer international direct flights than Dubai
- Less nightlife and entertainment — affects some service businesses
Top Activities in Abu Dhabi — sorted by fee
Landscape & Gardening works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing · 8130002
AED 100
Land Preparation & Irrigation Systems Works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing · 0161001
AED 200
Plumbing & Sanitary Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4322002
AED 250
Auto Mechanical Repair
Trading & Services · 4520003
AED 250
Auto Oil Change
Trading & Services · 4520010
AED 250
Wholesale of Spice
Trading & Services · 4630122
AED 250
Wholesale of aromatic herbs and plants
Trading & Services · 4630135
AED 250
Spices Trading
Trading & Services · 4721030
AED 250
Blank Cassettes Trading
Trading & Services · 4762001
AED 250
Para Pharmaceutical Products Trading
Trading & Services · 4772004
AED 250
Cafeteria
Accommodation & Food Services · 5610003
AED 250
Sanitary Installation & Pipes Repairing
Construction & Contracting · 4329906
AED 500
Trees Seedlings, Ornamental Plants & Annual Flowers Trading
Trading & Services · 4620105
AED 500
Livestock Trading
Trading & Services · 4620201
AED 500
Trade Energy Drinks- Wholesale
Trading & Services · 4630210
AED 500
Sunglasses and non - medical contact lenses - wholesale
Trading & Services · 4649007
AED 500
Coffee Trading
Trading & Services · 4721012
AED 500
Local Sweets Preparing
Accommodation & Food Services · 5621007
AED 500
Valet Parking Services
Administrative & Support Services · 9609023
AED 500
Metal Tanks & Containers Repairing
Trading & Services · 3311001
AED 750
Compare with Other Emirates
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office required. Abu Dhabi office rents are generally 30-50% lower than Dubai.
Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size. Similar to Dubai.
Considering a free zone in Abu Dhabi?
Compare free zone packages at our sister site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in Abu Dhabi?
Unique per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. Most transparent fee structure in the UAE. Average fee across 1022 activities: AED 1,569.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi?
Typical setup time in Abu Dhabi is 2-5 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Abu Dhabi mainland license?
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in Abu Dhabi?
We track 1022 business activities available for mainland licensing in Abu Dhabi. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in Abu Dhabi
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.