Your Easy Guide to Launch a Startup in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a major hub for  startups, driven by a powerful combination of vision, investment, and innovation. The Emirate is attracting global investors through various  government-led initiatives such as Hub71, which provides both strategic support and a strong pipeline of innovative projects. Read this article to know why now is the best time to launch a startup in Abu Dhabi and for details on how to do it.

Benefits of Startup in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is committed to supporting entrepreneurship through several initiatives aimed at   encouraging  investment. There are several benefits of launching a startup in Abu Dhabi. Some of these include:

• Strong financial backing and infrastructure
• Investor-friendly ecosystem
• Strategic global connectivity
• Tax advantages

How to Launch a Startup in Abu Dhabi in 2025?

Now that you know why launching a startup in the Emirate can be advantageous, let’s walk through the steps to launch your startup in 2025.

Here is a step-by-step guide to launch a startup in Abu Dhabi:

Step 1 – Determine your business goals

Start by conducting thorough market research to determine your business activity. Explore viable licensing opportunities, and visa availability. A solid business plan goes a long way when it comes to launching a company. It also sets you up for long-term success.

Step 2 – Choose the right business structure and jurisdiction

This is possibly one of the most important steps when you launch a startup in Abu Dhabi. In this step, you need to choose between the three main jurisdictions the Emirate offers – mainland, free zone, and offshore. Each has its own sets of benefits, legal requirements, and offers distinct business structures. Choosing the right structure dictates many important aspects, such as taxation.

Step 3 – Select the appropriate business license in Abu Dhabi

Depending on the type of business activity you have chosen, your business license in Abu Dhabi varies. The Emirate offers different types of licenses, including commercial license (for trading businesses) and professional license (for professional services).

Step 4 – Register your trade name

Once you have fully determined your business plan, you can register the trade name with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). You must follow the local guidelines when selecting the name for your startup.

Step 5 – Submit documents and apply for the business license

At this stage, you must prepare all the documents required, such as the Memorandum of Association (MoA), passport copies of stakeholders, and Articles of Association (AoA). You can then submit the documents to ADDED to obtain your business license. In some cases, you may be required to have additional approvals from different authorities depending on your business activity and license type.

Step 6 – Open a corporate bank account

Once you receive your trade license, you can apply for a corporate bank account. For this, you will require your company registration number in UAE which is printed on your business license.

Step 7 – Apply for a business visa in Abu Dhabi

To live and work in the UAE, you will require a business visa in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, if you plan on hiring employees, they may also require you to sponsor their visas.

The procedure may have additional steps depending on whether you need an office space or certain additional approvals from authorities. Once you have all the necessary permits in place, you can successfully launch your startup in Abu Dhabi and commence operations.

Abu Dhabi has a large market and robust infrastructure, making it the perfect destination for a startup business idea. Business-friendly regulations, streamlined procedures, and a variety of cost-effective setup options make it ideal to launch a startup in Abu Dhabi. Partner with Commitbiz experts for your business setup in Abu Dhabi. From legal structuring to licensing, we’ll ensure a seamless setup experience tailored to your business goals.