How to start a business in Abu Dhabi?

In 2022, UAE has successfully rebounded its economy and has seen an upward recovery in tourism and commercial activities. With entrepreneurs seeking to partake in the fastest growing economy, it makes sense that the capital city of UAE would be their first choice to start a business. As a result, in Abu Dhabi, business owners find unparalleled ease of access to an open and dynamic economy.

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the UAE and contributes to two-thirds of its economy. This makes it an ideal global destination for entrepreneurs and investors to set up their companies. With business-friendly policies and favorable amendments such as 100% ownership, Abu Dhabi is paving the way to commercial success stories in the UAE.

The process to start a business in Abu Dhabi 

UAE, and subsequently, Abu Dhabi act as a central nerve to the global commercial market. Popular as an economic hub, it has become one of the fastest-growing business and industrial centers in the world. It is easy to start your business in Abu Dhabi due to the numerous investor-oriented policies created by the UAE government. The process of starting one’s business in Abu Dhabi has been explained here in detail. 

Identifying the preferred type of business activity 

It is essential to recognize the type of business/commercial activity you want to invest in. Once the nature of the industry is chosen, the legal requirements and licensing fees are adapted accordingly. Companies in the UAE are formed under six types of licenses: industrial, tourism, professional, commercial, agricultural, and occupational.

To start a business in Abu Dhabi, location also plays an integral role. Based on the nature of your commercial practice, one can open their company in Abu Dhabi Mainland or Free Zone.

Determining ownership structure 

In the UAE, business entities are formed under several types of ownership. There are numerous legal forms of business in Abu Dhabi that the corporate management can finalize upon. 

The ownership structure can belong to the following categories: 

General Partnership

Limited Partnership

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Public Joint-Stock Company (PJSC)

Private Joint-Stock Company (PrJSC)

Civil Company

Local Company Branch

GCC Company Branch

Foreign Company Branch

Free Zone Company Branch

Sole Establishment

Holding Companies

Trade Name Registration 

After the above activities are processed, the next step is to register the trade name for your organization. This is essential because once the trade name has been registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), no other company in the country will be eligible to use that particular name. 

Given below are the criteria for trade name approval: 

The proposed name cannot violate public order or public morals. 

The name cannot contain names or logos of any governing authority, religion, or external body. 

Any unique name must be followed by the acronym (legal form of the company) i.e. LLC, PJSC, etc.  

The name must be compatible with the proposed business activity.  

The name must be unique and should not be registered in the past with another business.

The cost of the trade name can vary based on the business type. The payment for the same must be paid in a period of 30 days, during which a payment voucher or a transaction number is issued to the entity. Trademark registration in the UAE is managed by the Ministry of Economy. 

Obtaining initial approval 

Companies require certain permits and approvals apart from their license. After obtaining them, entrepreneurs need to get approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs – Abu Dhabi before actually starting their business. It is always recommended that corporations utilize the services of company formation experts such as Bizgate Business Setup Services to ensure that all legal and administrative processes are conducted effectively.

After all, the fees are paid and all legal requirements are fulfilled, and the business license is issued. All commercial operations are good, to begin with the business license in hand. 

Set up your business in Abu Dhabi, hassle-free and easily

Starting a small business in Abu Dhabi is a simple and effortless process. For ex-pats wanting to establish their commercial presence in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the number one choice. Investors can also boost their business setup process by handing over the legalities of it to Bizgate Business Setup Services.

With a team of dedicated experts, Bizgate will set up your business for you. General and niche services such as government approvals, registrations, licensing, and more are taken care of by us.  To speak to our business expert advisor for free, simply give us a call or WhatsApp at +971 56 220. For email assistance, you can write to us at startups@bizgatebss.com.