Abu Dhabi Licenses

Abu Dhabi Freelance license is ideal for freelancers, professional individuals, self-employed persons, side hustles and entrepreneurs giving them 100% ownership of their mainland business. No commercial premise is needed. No local sponsor is required. Activities are limited.

Average Processing Time

$400

The Abu Dhabi Trader License (prev. Tajer License) is ideal for startups, micro businesses and small businesses. Over 1,200 business activities. Commercial premises aren't required for the first three years of operations. A local sponsor is required.

Average Processing Time

$600

LLCs with licenses issued by the DED can work throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi; the government and organisations such as ADNOC. LLCs have the widest scope of business activities available. 100% foreign ownership is possible with some activities.

Average Processing Time

$350

Foreign branches with licenses issued by the DED can work throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi; with the government, and with organisations such as ADNOC. Ideal for services and manufacturing companies. Wholly-owned by the overseas parent company.

Average Processing Time

$250

Abu Dhabi Instant Licenses are issued by the DED entitling the company to work throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This license-type can work with the federal and Abu Dhabi governments and organisations such as ADNOC. Activities are restricted. A local sponsor is required.

Average Processing Time

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Abu Dhabi Instant Licenses are issued at time of application, business setup formalities come after. Ideal for Emirati or GCC nationals, as individual owners. Permitted to work throughout Abu Dhabi, with the federal and Abu Dhabi governments and the likes of ADNOC.

Average Processing Time

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Abu Dhabi Establishment Licenses are issued by the DED permitting the license holder to work throughout Abu Dhabi and with the federal and Abu Dhabi governments and ADNOC. Ideal for Emirati and GCC nationals, as individual owners. Wide choice of activities.

Average Processing Time

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