Abu Dhabi Establishment License
About the Abu Dhabi Establishment License
Abu Dhabi Establishment Licenses are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Establishment licenses are suitable for working with the UAE federal government, Abu Dhabi government and quasi government organisations such as ADNOC and Mubadala. Permitted to work throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A wide selection of business activities to choose from.
Overview
✔️ Can work with the UAE federal and Abu Dhabi governments
✔️ Wide selection of business activities
✔️ 100% foreign ownership - individual owner
✔️ Local Service Agent not required
✔️ Abu Dhabi mainland license, operate throughout Abu Dhabi emirate
✔️ Unlimited number of visas
✔️ Corporate banking facilities
✔️ 12 months validity, renewable
Who Can Apply For An Establishment License?
Who is this license suitable for?
✔️ Individuals
✔️ Entrepreneurs
✔️ Solo-preneurs
✔️ Startups (individual owners)
Who is eligible for this license?
✔️ Applicants must be over 18.
✔️ UAE citizens
✔️ GCC nationals (must have previously visited the UAE)
100% Foreign Ownership for GCC nationals
Local Service Agent no longer required
Mainland or Free Zone?
Abu Dhabi Establishment Legal Structure & Ownership
The Abu Dhabi Establishment License is a mainland license, issused by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), enabling the license holder to work throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This is not a free zone license.
Legal Form
An Abu Dhabi Establishment is wholly-owned by one person, who assumes total responsibility for the finances and liabilities associated with the license, in their individual capacity.
Ownership
An Abu Dhabi Establishment is owned 100% by an individual.
If two or more persons are wanting to start a business together, the Establishment company license is not suitable. An alternative license-type should be considered.
Share Capital
Not applicable.
Local Sponsor?
A Local Service Agent is no longer required.
Exisiting Residence Visa
If the business owner is an existing UAE resident, it is not mandatory to change their existing visa; however, they would be entitled to apply for an investor visa.
Abu Dhabi Establishment License Visa
The individual named as the owner on the Establishment license can apply for an investor visas, if required. Once the trade license has been issued, it will be necessary to apply for an Establishment Card, before starting the visa application process. Upon successfully obtaining their own visa, the license holder can then sponsor their family members, providing they meet the requirements.
Quick & Easy to setup
1 week
Abu Dhabi Establishment License Details
Trade License Application
Upon submitting the application for an Abu Dhabi Establishment license, the review, approval and issuance of the trade license usually takes approximately one week.
Trade License Validity
The Establishment License is issued for a period of 12 months.
Trade License Renewal
Establishment licenses need to be renewed annually. Delays in renewing the license will incur fines for the company, which will increase each month the license is not renewed.
License Cancellation
When the Establishment license is no longer required, the company needs to arrange liquidation and cancellation of the license from the official registry. Failure to cancel the license will incur fines accruing and liabilities relating to non-filing of tax returns.
Abu Dhabi Establishment License Visa
License Holder
Type of Visa
Investor Visa
Visa Validity
Two Years. To ensure it remains valid, you must not stay outside of the country for more than six months at a time.
Visa Renewal
The visa needs to be renewed every two years. Delays in renewing your visa will incur fines increase on a daily basis until the visa is either renewed or cancelled.
Visa Cancellation
When the visa is no longer required, it needs to be cancelled, any fines paid, and removed from the immigration system.
Is the Visa Mandatory or Optional?
Applying for a visa under the Abu Dhabi Establishment license is optional.
Who is the sponsor of the visa?
The Establishment license sponsors your visa, which means you have full control, and that is why the license must be issued first. The license needs to be renewed and kept active all the time you want the visa.
Processing Time
Approx. 10-14 working days. However, during the process, it will be necessary for you to arrange your health insurance which may add extra days.
Visa Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all visa holders. It is your responsibility to arrange your health insurance cover. It must be arranged via an Abu Dhabi registered insurance provider or broker. It can only be applied for during the visa application process, which is the time when some of the documents required are created. Delays in arranging or renewing your health insurance incurs fines issued by the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD). Whilst the insurance and visa systems are now linked, occasionally we are still requested to provide a copy of the insurance card (not the certificate of insurance) as proof of an active policy.
We strongly urge all applicants to seek out indicative health insurance costs in advance, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. Insurance premiums are based upon the level of coverage required, age, sex, and pre existing conditions. Applicants are often shocked at how expensive health insurance is.
Visa Medical
All visa applications, new and renewal, require the applicant to have a visa medical, which includes a blood test, screening for HIV, and an Xray, screening for Pulmonary Tuberculosis. If you haven’t previously had an Emirates ID card, you’ll also need a biometrics appointment with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, to provide your fingerprints and an eye scan. If this all sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry, our team will make all of the necessary arrangements and we’ll accompany you to the appointments with all of the paperwork you’ll need. You, literally, just have to turn up.
Requirements
Abu Dhabi Establishment License Only
✔️ Full name
✔️ Residential address
✔️ Mobile number
✔️ Email address
✔️ Source of funds
✔️ UAE Pass App (download on your mobile phone and register)
✔️ UID Number (only for overseas applicants)
✔️ Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
✔️ Visa copy (only UAE citizen and resident applicants)
✔️ Emirates ID copy (only UAE citizen and resident applicants)
✔️ Proof of expertise in the activity being applied for:
University degree (Attested) or
Certificate of experience or accredited accomplishments (Attested)
✔️ No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Arabic addressed to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (only applicants who are currently working in the UAE).
Abu Dhabi Estabishment License & Visa
If you HAVEN'T previously had a UAE visa
✔️ Everything in the Establishment License list PLUS:
✔️ High resolution, passport size, studio photo, white background (soft copy)
✔️ Health insurance
✔️ Marital status
✔️ Mother’s name
✔️ Religion
✔️ Home country residential address
✔️ Home country telephone number
✔️ Tourist visa copy or visa on arrival stamp
If you HAVE previously had a UAE visa
✔️ Everything in the Establishment License list PLUS:
✔️ High resolution, passport size, studio photo, white background (soft copy)
✔️ Health insurance
✔️ Marital status
✔️ Mother’s name
✔️ Religion
✔️ Home country residential address
✔️ Home country telephone number
✔️ UAE residential address
✔️ Previous residence visa copy
✔️ Previous Emirates ID copy
We're making it easier to register your business in Abu Dhabi.
Our website is currently being upgraded.
We're adding all of our services onto our site to provide you the best and easiest experience for setting up your business and applying for visas in Abu Dhabi.
Although this license setup isn't available to buy online yet, don't worry, we can still setup your company right away. Fill out the form below to let us know you want this service and one of our team will contact you.
Delving into the Details: Helpful Information You Need To Know
Business Activities
Abu Dhabi Establishments have over 4,000 business activities to choose from (excl. banking and insurance).
Business activities determine:
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the type of commercial premises, and any specific fit-out required.
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if any special approvals are required from any government departments.
Business Name
The business owner chooses the company name (trade name). The trade name must reflect the nature of the business activity(ies) on the license and not already be in use.
Commercial Premises
Establishments need an Abu Dhabi Tawtheeq lease contract for a commercial premise. (A Tawtheeq contract means the lease is officially registered with the Department of Municipalities & Transport. Without a Tawtheeq lease, a lessee can't open a dispute or claim against the landlord if ever needed.)
Commercial space must be:
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suitable for the activities on the license, e.g. retail activities need to have a shop or warehouse; whilst consultancy activities need office space
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large enough to accommodate the anticipated number of visas
Some business activities have specific fit-out requirements, e.g. training activities require a training centre of 100sqm as a minimum, and have special fit-out instructions which must be adhered to.
Employing Staff
There are no restrictions on the number of visas an Establishment can apply for. However, the Establishment should have a genuine need for the employees and be able to provide a suitable working environment.
The Establishment must first get an E-Channel registration in Immigration and have an Establishment Card, as well as get registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), prior to starting the visa application process for staff employment visas. To employ staff, the expat Establishment license holder is required to have their own visa under the license first.
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Abu Dhabi Establishment visas are issued for two years
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Establishments must employee's salaries via the UAE's federal payroll system, the Wage Protection System (WPS).
State-of-the-art commercial premises throughout Abu Dhabi
Offices, Retail, Industrial, Hospitality
Business Bank Account Opening
Establishments can open business bank accounts and avail business banking facilities. Bear in mind, banks regularly update their account features and conditions to be competitive, reflect their current appetite for risk and to comply with industry regulations.
Exit Strategy
Abu Dhabi Establishments are suitable for these types of exit:
If the company simply intends to stop operations and close. When the time comes, it is simply a case of liquidating the business and cancelling the license.
If the intention is to create a saleable business. When the time comes to sell the company, the sale is conducted by way of a share transfer to the new owner(s).
Financial peace of mind
Limited financial liability for shareholders
UAE Tax Compliance
VAT
All businesses in the UAE need to record their financial transactions and ensure their financial records are up to date.
Mandatory VAT registration - when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED375,000. Voluntary VAT registration - when taxable supplies and imports reach AED187,500. New businesses can register voluntarily if their expenses exceed the voluntary registration threshold.
Corporation Tax
Corporate tax is levied at 9% on taxable income exceeding AED375,000, whilst taxable income below this rate is subject to 0% rate. All businesses are required to register for corporation tax, whether or not their taxable income meets the threshold.
Economic Substance Regulations
The UAE's Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) require UAE mainland and free zone companies, and certain other business forms, that carry out any of the defined 'Relevant Activities' (listed below), to maintain and demonstrate adequate economic presence in the UAE relative to the activities they undertake, and to comply with notification and return filing obligations.
ESR Relevant Activities
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Banking
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Insurance
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Investment Fund Management
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Lease - Finance
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Headquarters
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Shipping
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Holding Company
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Intellectual Property (IP)
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Distribution and Service Centre.
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Why Use Gateway Group
for your business setup in Abu Dhabi
✔️ We are highly experienced in setting up Abu Dhabi Establishments. Our Abu Dhabi business setup team are here to help you through the company registration, from application to license issuance.
✔️ We have the ability to setup your Abu Dhabi Establishment electronically - eliminating the need to complete any paperwork.
✔️ Upon completion of your license registration, you will receive an electronic copy of your Commercial Registration Certificate and Economic License, confirming the existence and validity of your new company.
Strategic Partnership
with Abu Dhabi government
Gateway Group was chosen as preferred partner for business setups by Abu Dhabi Residents Office, part of the Department of Economic Development (DED). This strategic partnership is committed to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Abu Dhabi and supporting foreign companies entering the market to promote the ease of doing business in the emirate.
Connect
Address
Hamdan Street
Abu Dhabi
Conrad Hotel, Dubai