Key takeaways
- Abu Dhabi mainland licenses are issued by the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and you apply on TAMM.
- ADDED sorts activities into six categories: industrial, commercial, professional, tourism, agricultural and occupational.
- The UAE government portal lists five Abu Dhabi free zones: ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone and twofour54.
- ADGM is a financial free zone with a legal framework based on English common law, and it charges registration fees in US dollars.
- ADDED's Dual License lets companies registered in Abu Dhabi's free zones operate outside the free zone.
Mainland or free zone: how the two routes differ
Both routes give you a company and visas. They differ on who licenses you, where you trade and what premises you need.
| Point | Mainland (ADDED) | Abu Dhabi free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | ADDED, through TAMM | The zone's own authority |
| Where you trade | Across the UAE | In the zone; on the mainland via a distributor, a mainland branch or ADDED's Dual License |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for many activities; strategic ones can be restricted | 100% |
| Premises | Tenancy contract, unless you qualify for an online license with no premises | Desk, office, warehouse or land in the zone |
| Staff visas | MOHRE work permit, then an ICP residence visa | Through the zone authority |
New to free zones? Read what is a free zone. Weighing offshore too? See mainland vs free zone vs offshore.
How to get an Abu Dhabi mainland license from ADDED
You apply on TAMM, Abu Dhabi's government services platform. ADDED sets out eight steps:
- 1. Pick your activity. It decides which of ADDED's six activity categories you fall under.
- 2. Choose a legal form, such as a limited liability company or a partnership.
- 3. Reserve a unique trade name with ADDED.
- 4. Get initial approval from ADDED.
- 5. Sign the contracts: a memorandum of association (MOA) or a local service agent agreement, depending on legal form and ownership.
- 6. Find a location and sign a tenancy contract.
- 7. Collect extra approvals, for example from the Abu Dhabi Municipality or the Department of Health.
- 8. Submit documents, pay the fees and receive your license.
ADDED says a business that needs no physical premises can get an online license instantly through TAMM. Its setup pages don't publish a license price, so check the total on TAMM before you sign a lease.
In January 2025, ADDED launched the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) to oversee business registration on the mainland and in non-financial free zones.
We prepare the trade name, contracts and application and follow up with ADDED; see mainland company formation.
ADDED license types and foreign ownership
Separately from its six activity categories, ADDED lists seven license types. These five matter most to founders.
| ADDED license | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Standard | Any legal form, through the traditional setup steps |
| Virtual | People living outside the UAE starting a business in Abu Dhabi |
| Freelancer | Citizens and foreigners in set fields, working remotely without an office |
| Abu Dhabi Trader | UAE citizens and residents, for set commercial activities, issued online |
| Dual | Abu Dhabi free zone companies operating outside their zone |
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, foreigners can own up to 100% of a mainland company, but activities with strategic impact can carry ownership restrictions.
Abu Dhabi free zones compared
Each zone has its own authority, activities and packages. The UAE government portal lists these five; ADDED also names Industrial City of Abu Dhabi.
| Free zone | Focus | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| ADGM | Financial free zone on Al Maryah and Al Reem islands, under English common law | USD 5,800 to register a non-financial company |
| KEZAD | Industry and logistics next to Khalifa Port; free zone and mainland options | AED 0 for a new industrial, trading or service license (up to 5 activities); AED 5,000 to renew after 2 years (general trading AED 15,000). Lease, establishment card and visas extra |
| Masdar City Free Zone | Life sciences, AI and energy; over 1,000 activities | Startup package AED 7,000 + 5% VAT (license and registration, up to 2 activities; activities limited and subject to approval) |
| twofour54 | Media, gaming and entertainment, regulated by the Creative Media Authority | Not published |
| Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone | Aviation, MRO, logistics and trading at Zayed, Al Bateen and Al Ain airports | Not published |
ADGM's Registration Authority licenses non-financial and retail firms; financial firms apply to its Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) first. Companies must keep a physical office address in ADGM. The January 2025 fee overview lists USD 5,800 to register and USD 5,300 a year to renew. Fees at the time of writing; confirm the current schedule with ADGM before you apply.
For packages and documents, see kezad and masdar city free zone.
Visas for owners and staff
For Abu Dhabi visas, the UAE government portal points you to ICP; Dubai visas go through GDRFA Dubai.
On the mainland, you register the company with MOHRE, each employee gets a MOHRE work permit, and the residence visa follows it. In a free zone, the zone authority handles work permits and visas; ADGM, for example, offers a 2-year employee visa.
As an owner, compare the investor visa, the green visa and the golden visa, or read visa options for business owners.
Which route suits your business
- You'll sell across the UAE: an ADDED mainland license.
- You're in financial services: ADGM, where the FSRA regulates financial firms.
- You need port-side land or a factory: KEZAD.
- You're in life sciences, AI or energy: Masdar City Free Zone.
- You work in media or gaming: twofour54.
- You're in aviation or air logistics: Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone.
Compare the yearly total, including rent, visas and renewal. Looking at other emirates? See business setup in Sharjah or how to start a business in Dubai.
Global Sky PRO prepares and submits your application and follows up; ADDED or the zone authority decides. See free zone company formation.
Sources
- ADDED: Establishing your business
- ADDED: Licensing requirements
- u.ae: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- u.ae: Starting a business in a free zone
- ADGM: Setting up FAQs
- Masdar City Free Zone: License and registration
- Abu Dhabi Airports: Free zone services
Official sources checked on 10 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.