Setting up an Abu Dhabi mainland company is done through TAMM — Abu Dhabi’s integrated government services platform. This guide covers the complete process for 2025.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Abu Dhabi mainland activities are classified under ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classification) codes administered by ADDED (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development). Visit tamm.abudhabi and browse the activity list. Key rule: your activity must match your actual business — activating activities you don’t intend to use can create regulatory issues during renewals.
Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name
Apply for a trade name reservation through TAMM or the ADDED mobile app. Name rules: cannot duplicate an existing registered name, cannot include offensive words, must be in Arabic (or a transliterated version in English). Cost: AED 620 (trade name reservation fee). Processing: 1–3 business days.
Step 3: Select Your Licence Type
Abu Dhabi mainland licence types: Commercial licence (trading activities), Professional licence (service activities, consultancy), Industrial licence (manufacturing), and Tourism licence (hospitality, travel). Fee varies by type: AED 1,000–5,000 for the licence itself. Total setup cost including all government fees: AED 10,000–20,000.
Step 4: Secure Your Business Location
A physical address is required for most Abu Dhabi mainland licences. Options: office space in a commercial building (Ejari-equivalent registration required), business centre (serviced office with required approvals), or flexi desk in a co-working space approved by ADDED. Ensure the tenancy contract is in the company’s name and registered with the relevant authority before submitting the licence application.
Step 5: Submit and Receive Licence
Submit all documents through TAMM: shareholder passports, tenancy contract, trade name reservation certificate, completed application form. Payment of government fees. Licence issued within 5–10 working days after submission and payment. Immediately after licence issuance: apply for Establishment Card (for employee visa sponsorship) and register for VAT/CT if applicable.