How much does it cost to set up a business in the UAE in 2026?

Packages start at AED 9,999 for a UAE free zone company with a zero-visa package. All-inclusive free zone packages begin at AED 15,000, Dubai mainland setup starts at AED 17,500 and Abu Dhabi setup at AED 21,000.

Can I own 100% of my UAE company?

Yes. Free zone and offshore companies are 100% foreign owned, and mainland companies allow 100% foreign ownership across most commercial and industrial activities.

How long does a UAE trade licence take?

Most licences are issued within days of a complete application, and mainland packages include licence approval within 24 hours.

Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?

No. Documents can be signed and submitted remotely for most free zone setups. You need to be in the UAE only for medical testing and Emirates ID when applying for a residence visa.

Abu Dhabi · UAE 2026

Abu Dhabi business setup

Abu Dhabi licenses through ADGM, KIZAD, Masdar and the ADDED mainland — each with different costs, ownership rules and access to government contracts.

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Abu Dhabi business setup in the UAE — Meridian Launch

Starting price

AED 21,000

Government, visa and third-party fees quoted per file

Overview

The capital rewards businesses that trade with government, energy, healthcare and financial institutions. Choosing between an Abu Dhabi free zone such as ADGM and an ADDED mainland licence changes who you can invoice, how many visas you get and what renewal will cost.

We compare the options against your activity and client base, then run the application, the lease and the visa formalities with one consultant holding the file from start to finish.

What's included

Jurisdiction comparison — ADGM, free zone or ADDED mainland
Trade name reservation and initial approval
Trade licence fees for the first year
Shared office or flexi desk for one year
Immigration card and visa quota setup
Bank account opening support

Who it suits

Businesses targeting government and energy clients
Financial, healthcare and professional services firms
Founders who want a capital-city address

Questions, answered

Abu Dhabi business setup: the questions that matter

Ask a consultant

The licence itself is often comparable; the difference sits in renewal and office costs. Abu Dhabi can be cheaper for a small consultancy, while Dubai free zones offer more zone choice. We quote both side by side so the comparison is real.

ADGM is a financial centre with its own English common-law courts — strong for funds, fintech and holding structures. A mainland licence lets you trade directly with any UAE client and is usually the practical choice for trading and services.

No. Most documents can be signed remotely. You need to be in the UAE only for medical testing and Emirates ID when you apply for a residence visa.

Packages that fit

Abu Dhabi Business SetupSet up in the capitalAED 21,000 All-Inclusive UAE Free ZoneOne visa packageAED 15,000

Other services

Free zone company formationFastest route to 100% ownership, from AED 9,999.Mainland company formationTrade anywhere in the UAE, from AED 17,500.Offshore company (Cayman)Tax-neutral holding and investment structure.Bank account openingBank packs built the way compliance wants them.Visa & immigrationInvestor, family and employee visas, end to end.PRO servicesRenewals, attestation and government filings.VAT & tax consultancyRegistration, filing and 0% qualifying income reviews.

07 — Free consultation

Get your setup quoted in one call.

Tell us the activity and how many visas you need. We come back with the right jurisdiction, the inclusions and the all-in cost — in writing.

A consultant replies within one business hour, 9am–7pm GST.
No obligation, no pushy follow-ups, no hidden fees.

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