Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
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Business setup in Abu Dhabi — from choosing a structure to ongoing compliance. Legarithm handles registration in ADGM — an international financial centre on English common law with the FSRA regulator — or on the Abu Dhabi mainland via ADDED, to trade with the local market and bid for government tenders. Both give 100% foreign ownership; corporate tax is 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. After registration we handle accounting, tax and VAT, visas and licence renewals. See the services below, or the UAE company formation hub.
Business Setup in Abu Dhabi: Benefits
Legarithm provides one team for setup, licensing and compliance.
Business Setup Services in Abu Dhabi
The services we provide in the capital — each links to its full page.
Not sure which service you need?
One call helps define the right option and next steps. Setup, licensing and compliance — one team.
Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation
Set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi — full ownership, trade across the UAE, sell locally and bid for government contracts.
Read moreAccounting Services in Abu Dhabi
Outsourced accounting in Abu Dhabi — books, financial statements and reporting kept accurate to what the tax authority now expects.
Read moreADGM Company Formation
Set up in Abu Dhabi's financial centre ADGM — English common law, its own courts and regulator. A trusted base for funds and fintech.
Read moreADGM vs mainland vs offshore
| Route | Best for | Regulator / law | Local market |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADGM (free zone) | Funds, fintech, family offices, holding | FSRA · common law | No |
| Mainland (ADDED) | Local trade, retail, government tenders | ADDED · civil law | Yes |
| Offshore | Pure holding, asset protection | Registry only | No |
*Two main routes in the capital: ADGM for regulated finance and holding, or the Abu Dhabi mainland for the local market and tenders. Pure holding can also use a UAE offshore company. Compare every UAE route on our company formation hub.
Planning business setup in Abu Dhabi?
Tell us what your business does and we’ll confirm the right route, licence and cost — usually within one working day.
Business setup in Abu Dhabi: FAQ
Didn't find your answer?
ADGM or mainland — which should I choose?
ADGM (free zone) suits regulated finance, funds and holding; the mainland suits selling to the UAE market and government tenders. See ADGM company formation or Abu Dhabi mainland company formation.
What is ADGM?
Abu Dhabi Global Market is the MENA region’s largest international financial centre — English common law, its own courts and the FSRA regulator.
What tax will an Abu Dhabi company pay?
0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000 and on qualifying free-zone income, 9% above; VAT 5% over the threshold. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory even at 0%.
Can foreigners own 100% of a business in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi or Dubai — which should I choose?
Abu Dhabi leads on ADGM finance, industry and government proximity; Dubai leads on trade and crypto. It usually follows where your clients, team and banks are — compare every route on our UAE company formation hub.
Get in Touch
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