Abu Dhabi mainland LLC cost.
An Abu Dhabi mainland LLC (licensed by ADDED) is typically 15–30% cheaper than the Dubai equivalent and is the route for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi government contracting. Here is the complete 2026 cost, in AED and USD.
What you actually pay, line by line.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ADDED trade licence + initial approval | AED 10,000 – 25,000 (USD 2,725 – 6,800) | Annual |
| MOA notarisation | AED 2,000 – 4,000 (USD 545 – 1,090) | Year 1 |
| Tawtheeq-registered office | AED 12,000 – 30,000 (USD 3,270 – 8,170) | Mandatory; annual |
| ArxSetup professional fee | AED 12,850 (USD 3,500) | Activity codes, MOA, PRO, bank intro |
| Year-1 all-in | from AED 60,600 (USD 16,500) | |
| Tajer permit (solo founders, no office) | from AED 790 (USD 215) | Lower-cost alternative |
Government fees are pass-through and may be revised by the regulator without notice. AED/USD conversions are indicative. ArxSetup professional fees are fixed and quoted in writing before engagement. Figures current May 2026.
Reviewed by qualified counsel within ArxSetup and our affiliated practices, Neo Legal (UAE) and Cornwalls (Australia). Figures verified against primary regulator sources. Last reviewed: May 2026. Est. 2021 · DDA Licence 107229 · direct registry filing partner. How we review →
Common questions.
The questions clients ask most before committing. Current to 2026, reviewed by counsel.
How much does an Abu Dhabi mainland LLC cost in 2026?
From AED 60,600 (USD 16,500) all-in for year one — ADDED licence and initial approval, MOA notarisation, a mandatory Tawtheeq-registered office, plus the ArxSetup professional fee. It is typically 15–30% cheaper than the Dubai equivalent.
What is the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence?
An ADRA-issued low-cost mainland permit from about AED 790 (USD 215) that lets UAE/GCC residents run selected commercial activities without leasing an office — useful for solo founders before scaling to a full ADDED LLC.
Do I need an Emirati partner for an Abu Dhabi mainland LLC?
No — 1,105 commercial and industrial activities are open to 100% foreign ownership under Federal Decree-Law 32 of 2021. Only strategic-impact activities still require Emirati participation.
Can an Abu Dhabi mainland LLC bid for ADNOC contracts?
Yes — only mainland-licensed entities can directly tender for Abu Dhabi government and ADNOC-related contracts; free-zone (including ADGM) companies must subcontract through a mainland partner. ICV certification is usually required.
Is Abu Dhabi mainland cheaper than Dubai mainland?
Yes — typically 15–30% cheaper, driven by lower ADDED licence fees and significantly cheaper commercial real estate. Dubai often processes licences faster.
This page is general information, reviewed May 2026 — not legal, tax or immigration advice, and it does not create a client relationship. Advice specific to your circumstances is provided only under a signed engagement letter. Government fees are set by the relevant authority and may change without notice. Where local registered agents are required, we coordinate with licensed partners and disclose their role in writing.