Business Setup and Structuring in Abu Dhabi
Setting up in Abu Dhabi starts with choosing the right jurisdiction. Onshore companies are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and can now be fully foreign-owned for most activities. ADGM offers a common-law environment with English-language courts, well suited to holding companies, funds and financial firms. The emirate's free zones, including KEZAD, Masdar City and the media zone twofour54, each target different sectors and cost profiles.
The right structure depends on your activity, where your clients are, your tax position and how you plan to repatriate profits. We advise on jurisdiction selection, licensing, corporate structuring and shareholder arrangements, and we handle incorporation end to end, from name reservation and approvals to bank-account readiness and visa quotas.
What we do
- Jurisdiction selection (onshore, ADGM, free zones)
- ADDED licensing
- ADGM company formation
- Free-zone setup (KEZAD, Masdar City, twofour54)
- Corporate structuring and shareholder agreements
- Foreign-ownership and activity approvals
Frequently asked
Onshore, ADGM or a free zone, which is right for me?
It depends on your activity, clients, tax and repatriation needs. Onshore suits businesses trading in the local market; ADGM suits holding, funds and financial firms; free zones suit specific sectors. We match the structure to your plan.
Can I own 100% of my Abu Dhabi company?
In ADGM and free zones, full foreign ownership is standard. Onshore, most activities now allow full foreign ownership, though some strategic activities still require Emirati participation. We confirm for your activity.
How long does setup take?
It varies by jurisdiction and activity, from a few days in some free zones to a few weeks onshore where approvals are needed. We manage the process and flag the timeline up front.
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