Cost, Licences & Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Abu Dhabi for Indian Investors

Cost of setting up Business

Setting up a business involves raising capital investment, paying for licences and employee visas. The cost of setting up a business depends on: The nature of the activity and licence required; whether it is commercial, industrial or service-oriented The legal form of the company; whether it is an establishment, a company, or a branch of a company.

Nationality of partners

The nationality of partners is important to determine what type of business they can set up on the mainland. Only UAE nationals may set up the following types of companies: Joint liability companies (partners must be UAE nationals) Simple commandite companies An industrial or commercial type sole proprietorship Licence for home-based businesses SME licence (in Dubai). People of other nationalitiess (other than those of the other GCC countries) can conduct the other types of businesses. However, they need to involve a UAE national as a sponsor. The UAE national could be: A partner with at least 51 per cent ownership of the business or A local service agent (LSA), with the investor having a 100 per cent ownership of the business

Opening a Branch in Abu Dhabhi

Can after maintaining a certified letter from the parent company and getting the approval of the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.

Few Direction will lead to take a start Business

Step-by-Step Business Setup in Abu Dhabi

Choose Your Business Activity & Legal Form

Decide whether your business is:

  • Trading / import-export
  • Professional services / consultancy
  • Industrial / manufacturing
  • E-commerce

➤ Each type determines required licences and procedures

For More information always Check & Consult https://www.moet.gov.ae/

Register Your Trade Name

Submit and reserve your business name according to UAE rules (no inappropriate or restricted words)

For More information always Check & Consult https://www.moet.gov.ae/

Initial Approval

Get initial approval from relevant authority (ADDED for mainland or respective free zone authority). Foreign investors also need approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before this stage

Obtain Relevant Licence

Depending on the activity:

  • Commercial Licence – trading & import/export
  • Professional Licence – services/expertise
  • Industrial Licence – manufacturing
  • Tourism Licence – travel/tour operators
  • Others – agriculture, vocational

Office / Physical Address

Mainland companies usually require an office and Ejari tenancy contract; free zones often offer flexi-desk or office packages.

Bank Account Setup

Open a corporate bank account with local banks such as FAB, ADCB or Emirates NBD after licence issuance

Investor & Residency Visas

Once you have your licence:

Investor / Partner Visa (valid 2–3 years, renewable)

Employee Visas for staff via company sponsorship

Family Visas for spouse/children

Visa requirements include Medical & Emirates ID procedures via the ICA/ICP portal.

Export-Import: What’s Required

If your business involves international trade:

🇦🇪 Customs Registration

To import/export goods, you must register with Abu Dhabi Customs / UAE Federal Customs to obtain the necessary customs credentials for clearance

Trade / Import-Export Operations

Free zones often provide waivers on duties on goods entering and leaving