Cost Breakdown – Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup

  • Commercial License 14,000 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Professional License 12,000 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Industrial License 23,000 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

  • Tourism License 19,500 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Cost Breakdown – Dubai Mainland Business Setup

  • Commercial License 15,000 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Professional License 12,500 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Industrial License 25,000 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

  • Tourism License 20,000 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 5,750 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • Service License 8,050 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Trading License 9,200 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 15,500 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Shams vs. Other UAE Free Zones – Which One is Best for You?

Choosing the right free zone depends on your industry, business model, and expansion plans. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Rakez Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 13,500 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 18,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 25,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

RAKEZ vs. Other UAE Free Zones – Which One is Best for You?

Choosing the right free zone depends on your industry, business model, and expansion plans. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Fast Track Your Business Setup

Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup

Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest-growing economic centres in the Middle East, offering a stable environment, excellent infrastructure, and strong government support. A Mainland license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi allows companies to operate anywhere across the UAE and beyond, without restrictions.

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi also provides unmatched access to government contracts, corporate partnerships, and long-term growth opportunities. For entrepreneurs and international investors, this makes it one of the most strategic locations to establish a business.

At Emifast, we make Abu Dhabi Mainland setup simple. From choosing the right license and business structure to handling compliance and securing visas, we manage the entire process on your behalf.

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Dubai Mainland Activity List – Complete Business Setup Solutions

Forming a company in Abu Dhabi Mainland provides businesses with a broad scope of opportunities across multiple industries. Unlike free zones, a mainland company here has no restrictions on geography or trade, allowing you to engage with both government and private sector clients. Abu Dhabi is also a hub for industries such as energy, construction, healthcare, and finance, making it especially attractive for large-scale and long-term projects. The DED offers streamlined services that make incorporation efficient, while still maintaining strong regulatory oversight. At Emifast, we help you identify the best activity type for your business and ensure every detail meets compliance standards.

Company Formation

Most Popular

Tailored setup packages for consultancy, trading, industrial, and e-commerce businesses.

Visa Processing

Fast Track

Investor, partner, and employee residence visas with family sponsorship options.

Banking Solutions

Support for opening accounts with major UAE and global banks.

Office Solutions

Choose from flexi-desks, furnished offices, warehouses, or industrial land.

Legal & Compliance

Guidance with approvals, registrations, and government regulations.

E-Commerce & Digital Licensing

Premium

Licenses designed for modern online business models.

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Get expert guidance from our mainland specialists and discover the best setup option for your business.

 

Nariman Eeckhout

Business Consultant

Meet Your Expert

Get Expert Guidance from Our Mainland Specialists

Starting a business in Abu Dhabi can be a complex process if you are not familiar with local regulations. The requirements for office space, licensing, and compliance can vary depending on the nature of your company. At Emifast, we provide step-by-step guidance to help you navigate these regulations with ease. Our consultants will analyze your business model, recommend the right license category, and prepare the required documentation. We also liaise directly with DED officials, saving you time and ensuring faster approvals. With Emifast, you not only gain efficiency but also peace of mind, knowing your setup is handled by experienced professionals.

1

Direct Abu Dhabi Access

Our presence at UAE headquarters allows us to expedite processes and resolve issues quickly.

2

Personalized Strategy

Every business is unique. We develop tailored strategies based on your specific needs and goals.

3

End-to-End Support

From initial consultation to licensing, visa processing, and banking - we handle every detail.

Simple Process

How to Get Started with Abu Dhabi Mainland

Abu Dhabi Mainland setup involves several steps, but with the right partner it becomes a smooth process. Emifast manages each stage, ensuring your company is registered quickly and correctly. From license applications to visa processing, our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on running your business. Once your license is issued, we assist with office solutions, compliance checks, and ongoing renewals to ensure long-term success.

Free Consultation

Outline your goals with our advisors.

01

Choose Your Activity

02

Retail, consultancy, trading, services, or industrial.

Submit Documentation

03

Passport copies, application forms, tenancy contracts (if required).

DED Approval

04

Mainland applications require extra steps but are managed by our team.

Get Started

05

Receive your license, apply for visas, and open your bank account.

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Start your Shams business setup today with our expert guidance. Free consultation available to discuss your specific requirements.

Transparent Pricing

Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Cost Breakdown

The cost of setting up in Abu Dhabi Mainland varies depending on your activity type, office requirements, and visa needs. While costs can be higher compared to some free zones, the benefits — such as unrestricted UAE market access and government tenders — make it a worthwhile investment. Multi-year licenses are available to save costs, while bundled visa packages provide flexibility for growing teams. Emifast ensures you select the right license that balances affordability and future growth potential.

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Professional License

13,500 AED

1-year license

No visa included

Most Popular

Commercial License

15,500 AED

1-year license

1 visa included

Industrial License

18,500AED

1-year license

1 visa included

Multi-Year License

25,000 AED

3-year license

2 visas included

Why Choose Abu Dhabi Mainland?

Abu Dhabi offers long-term security, government access, and growth opportunities unmatched in the UAE.

Choosing Abu Dhabi Mainland means establishing your business in the political and administrative capital of the UAE. This provides unparalleled access to government entities, regulators, and corporate partners. With recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership for most activities, Abu Dhabi has become even more attractive for global investors. The emirate’s strong economy, abundant resources, and commitment to sustainability make it an ideal base for ambitious companies. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international corporation, Abu Dhabi offers the credibility and support needed for success.

Operate Across the UAE

Access Government Contracts

Unlimited Visa Eligibility

Flexible Office Requirements

0% Corporate Tax

100% Profit Repatriation

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Common Questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Dubai Mainland business setup and our services.

Is Abu Dhabi Mainland better than Dubai Mainland?

Abu Dhabi offers stronger ties to government entities and is particularly attractive for long-term, large-scale projects.

 

Usually between 7–10 working days, depending on the activity and approvals.

Yes, recent reforms allow full foreign ownership for most activities.

 

Energy, finance, construction, healthcare, logistics, and professional services.

We provide direct access to DED officials, faster processing, and ongoing compliance support.

Don’t miss out! Download the Freezone Guide now and unlock the insider strategies for starting your Dubai company the right way.

Don’t miss out! Download the Freezone Guide now and unlock the insider strategies for starting your Dubai company the right way.

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Start Your Business Setup Today

Abu Dhabi is not only the capital of the UAE but also a gateway to long-term growth and government opportunities. By partnering with Emifast, you ensure a seamless setup process, ongoing compliance, and a strong foundation for expansion.

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Email

info@emifast.com

Phone

+971 58 584 4519

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Emifast Headquarters
Dubai South, UAE

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Why Choose Emifast?

  • Free initial consultation
  • 48-72 hour express setup
  • End-to-end support
  • Direct partner access
  • 5-star rated service
  • Transparent pricing
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