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Abu Dhabi

Company Registration in Abu Dhabi

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Our office: Indigo Icon Tower Cluster F - Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Features of jurisdiction

Abu Dhabi is one of the most advanced Emirates with excellent infrastructure supporting all types of businesses. Establishing a company in Abu Dhabi comes with numerous advantages, such as a longer duration of the trade license, simple and fast renewals, excellent infrastructure, no annual audits, and much more.

  • In-Demand Business Sectors

    Abu Dhabi is an excellent region for starting a business in any industry, but among them, there are priority sectors: IT, logistics, tourism, real estate.

  • Remote Registration Option

    Remote company registration in Abu Dhabi is not permitted and not possible.

  • Corporate Taxes

    Corporate tax in Abu Dhabi is 0%.

  • Openness to Foreign Investment

    The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is open to foreign investments, making it a sought-after region for foreign entrepreneurs to conduct business.

  • Banking Institutions

    First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Al Hilal Bank, Standard Chartered.

  • Legal Framework

    The legal system of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is based on the English legal system.

Business support in Abu Dhabi's free economic zones

Company Registration Process in Abu Dhabi

The company registration process in Abu Dhabi takes about 2 weeks and includes the following stages:
Initial Consultation
Meeting with representatives of YB Case to clarify client details and requirements. Initiating the company incorporation process in Abu Dhabi (initial consultation can be conducted remotely).
Name Reservation
A free and unique company name needs to be approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED). The name should include the legal form abbreviation.
Submission of Company Registration Application in Abu Dhabi
The company's articles of association and memorandum are drafted and notarized. The applicant signs all necessary documents, which are then submitted for review by the local regulator (DED).
Review by the Regulatory Authority of the Company Registration Application in Abu Dhabi
Review by the Regulatory Authority of the Company Registration Application in Abu Dhabi
After receiving all required documents, the regulator reviews the application and decides on the company's incorporation in Abu Dhabi.
Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
Following the registration of the company in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, founders receive a certificate of incorporation containing the company's registration number. Depending on the type of activity, obtaining a business license may be required. The next necessary step is to open a corporate bank account for the company.

Primary prerequisites

  • Minimum share capital depends on the legal form.
  • Number of business owners depends on the legal form.
  • Registered local address.
  • Number of directors and their residency may depend on the legal form.
  • Annual financial reporting
  • Annual business owners' meeting (optional)
Establishing a Legal Entity in Abu Dhabi

Establishing a Legal Entity in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, a crucial constituent of the United Arab Emirates, holds a pivotal role in the nation's economy due to its substantial reserves of oil and natural gas. The resource base underscores the city's economic significance. In the next decade, the role of the city and its free economic zones will only increase, thanks to participation in the ambitious program of economic diversification Vision 2030. The government plans to reduce the emirate's dependence on oil and transition towards a sustainable diversified economy. This government course creates favorable conditions for the development of science-intensive and high-tech sectors of the economy. And every year, public investment and foreign direct investment in the development of Abu Dhabi will only increase. The diversity of free economic zones in Abu Dhabi forms a favorable investment climate.

Why investors Opt for Abu Dhabi in Foreign Business Registration?

First, this is the reputation of Abu Dhabi as a safe haven. The choice of the UAE for business relocation is due to political and economic stability, a strategically advantageous geographic location, and modern infrastructure. The active development of non-oil sectors of the economy allows investors to open companies in Abu Dhabi.

Benefits of licensing foreign companies in Abu Dhabi:

  • Full ownership for foreign investors who can enjoy 100% ownership of enterprises.
  • Tax Incentives coupled with exemptions from income tax, fostering an enticing business environment.
  • The absence of trade restrictions, foreign exchange controls, or quotas streamlines business operations.
  • An efficient banking system guarantees seamless financial transactions.
  • Tailored free zones designed to attract foreign investment and foster specific industries.

Abu Dhabi aims to become a center of innovation and knowledge-intensive manufacturing and creates an environment for high-tech projects and attracts A-class professionals from all over the world.

Fundamentally, establishing a company in Abu Dhabi means taking an important step towards your business development and growth. Support in obtaining an Abu Dhabi license will make this path smooth and swift. YB Case's legal and business experts calculate the cost of obtaining a license in Abu Dhabi and provide comprehensive support for the incorporation process.

Forms of Registering Foreign Companies in the UAE

Foreign companies seeking incorporation in the UAE, have the option to select from three distinct legal forms, each catering to different applicant needs and imposing varying sets of prerequisites.

Mainland companies, overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development, can exist in the following configurations:

Limited Liability Company (LLC):
This structure necessitates involvement from a local partner (either a UAE citizen or a company) and the transfer of 51% of shares to them. The remaining 49% ownership can be retained by the foreign investor. This form is suitable for enterprises engaged in diverse commercial activities.
Free zone companies
can take shape as either
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC):
These forms allow full foreign ownership and grants access to the advantages offered by Abu Dhabi Free Zones. These benefits encompass tax incentives and streamlined licensing regulations.
Offshore companies
register in offshore jurisdictions and are prohibited from conducting business in the UAE market. Instead, they serve as a means for holding assets, managing investments, and engaging in international trade.

These are the most general characteristics of the legal forms of companies in the UAE. It's essential to bear in mind that each emirate, apart from adhering to general regulations, might have its own regional rules and specific company licensing prerequisites based on the nature of the business.

Abu Dhabi's Diverse Free Zones

The capital of the UAE houses a range of free zones tailored to cater to various sectors of the economy. Each of these zones is specialized in a particular realm of activity, shaping a distinct set of prerequisites for companies seeking licenses to operate in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
positioned as an international financial hub, welcomes enterprises specializing in financial services and cutting-edge FinTech developments.
Masdar City Free Zone
is the nucleus for executing the energy transition strategy at the forefront of scientific and financial innovation. Businesses dedicated to green technologies and renewable energy sources flourish here. A primary objective of this zone is to stimulate research in the realm of sustainable development and green energy.
Twofour54
tailored for the broadcast and entertainment domain, offers licensing provisions that facilitate the integration of broadcasters, production companies, advertising agencies, and marketing firms.
Khalifa Industrial Estate Abu Dhabi (Kizad)
nestled between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, stands as a hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics. It offers investors the fully developed commercial and industrial sites along with an array of warehouses.
Abu Dhabi Industrial City (ICAD)
geared towards manufacturing and heavy industries, boasts well-developed infrastructure and production facilities tailored for the petrochemical and construction sectors.
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
is the center for aviation, aerospace industries, and the associated logistics.
Tawazun Industrial Park
closely aligned with the military sector, security, and defense industries.

Each of these free zones plays a vital role in advancing Abu Dhabi's economic landscape, fostering specialization, innovation, and growth within their respective sectors.

Income Statements, Social Contributions, and Taxation for Foreign Companies in Abu Dhabi

Income Statements:
Foreign companies in Abu Dhabi are required to maintain accurate financial records, including income statements (commonly known as profit and loss statements). These statements summarize revenues, costs, and expenses over a defined period, indicating profitability or losses.
Social Contributions:
Contributions, such as end-of-service gratuity, are obligatory for employees in the UAE. Employers must adhere to regulations governing these contributions.
Taxation:
The tax environment in the UAE entails minimal to zero corporate income tax. Value Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 9% applicable to goods and services. Customs duties apply to imports.

Abu Dhabi's Visa Policy for Foreign Entrepreneurs

The requirements for obtaining a license in Abu Dhabi have a direct impact on the region's visa policy. Foreign entrepreneurs aspiring to establish a business in Abu Dhabi must secure special authorization from the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners (GDRFA). Per legal stipulations, foreign business proprietors are obligated to secure a resident visa, in additional visas for partners and employees.

GDRFA will assess your business proposal, financial documentation, and other details pertaining to your proposed business operations.

The core set of documents needed for registering a company, initiating a bank account with an Abu Dhabi-based bank, as well as obtaining an Abu Dhabi visa encompasses:

  • Application Forms
  • Identification Documents for Individuals
  • Comprehensive Business Plan
  • Financial Documents Validating Reporting, Activities, and Financial Standing
  • Copies of Licenses
  • Any Additional Documents that May be Requested to establishing and operating a business within Abu Dhabi.

Appropriately executed documents are necessary for the successful process of registering a company in Abu Dhabi. In general terms, this process includes the following steps:

  • Developing a Business Idea and Business Plan
  • Choice of Legal Structure
  • Company Name Reservation
  • Obtaining Preliminary Permits from Free Zone Authorities
  • Business Registration
  • Office Rental and Address Registration
  • Applying for a Visa
  • Bank Account Opening
  • Registration for VAT (Value Added Tax)
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