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Are you considering starting a business in Abu Dhabi? Good idea. The capital of the UAE is not only a center for oil and finance but also a growing hotspot for entrepreneurs from various industries. But let’s be honest, everyone is asking the same question: how much will it cost?
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the cost of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Mainland Whether you are an expat entrepreneur or a local visionary, this guide will cover it all—fees, costs, hidden expenses, and even tips to avoid spending too much. Let’s go.
A company formation in Abu Dhabi is a company that is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allowed to operate across the UAE. Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can trade freely within the local UAE market and internationally.
If flexibility is your goal, the mainland is where you want to be.
With a mainland setup, you’re free to sell products or services to the UAE’s huge local market without jumping through hoops.
You can move your profits in and out of the country easily. That’s a big win if you deal internationally.
Mainland companies are eligible to bid for lucrative government projects—something free zone companies can’t do.
Now let’s talk numbers. The total cost of setting up your mainland business in Abu Dhabi will depend on several key components.
Getting a license from the Abu Dhabi DED is step one. The cost depends on your business activity.
For trading or retail activities. Expect to pay between AED 10,000–15,000.
For services like consulting or design. These range from AED 7,500–12,000.
If you’re manufacturing or processing goods, costs start at AED 15,000 and go higher.
Mainland companies must have a physical office space. You can’t use a virtual address.
Pro tip: You’ll need roughly 100 sq ft per visa you apply for.
If your business has foreign ownership, you’ll need a local service agent (for professional licenses) or a sponsor (for commercial/industrial setups).
Some businesses negotiate a fixed fee; others give a profit share.
Don’t forget these one-time or recurring charges:
Planning to live in the UAE or hire staff? You’ll need visas.
You’ll also need:
Budget at least AED 5,000–10,000 for these extras.
Technically, there’s no mandatory minimum share capital required to register a mainland company in Abu Dhabi. However, it must be “adequate” to achieve business goals—AED 50,000–300,000 is common in practice.
| Business Type | Common Capital |
| Consulting Firm | AED 50,000 |
| Retail/Trading | AED 100,000 |
| Industrial Setup | AED 250,000–300,000 |
Let’s paint a picture.
Watch out for these common traps:
Jeem Finance specializes in business setup solutions tailored for entrepreneurs like you. We break down the bureaucracy and handle the heavy lifting—from licenses and visas to finding affordable office spaces. We also ensure full compliance so you don’t get caught out by hidden fees or mistakes. Whether you’re just starting or expanding, our expert team makes the process smooth and cost-effective.
What about Register a Company business in Abu Dhabi? The answer to that question is, it differs for everyone. However, there is now a complete breakdown available regarding costs. Even if you’re looking to start with AED 40,000 or AED 100,000+ for an expanded operation, for you everything comes down to smart planning.
Strategize better instead of day dreaming. Remember to look ahead and manage your budget from the start, and you just might become the next business success story from Abu Dhabi.