Applying for a trade licence

Businesses setting up in one of Abu Dhabi’s five free zones can take advantage of their hassle-free setup process. Businesses outside of these can apply online for an Instant Licence, which will have your business ready to launch in just a few clicks.

Paying tax or VAT on your business

Abu Dhabi-based companies pay 0% corporation tax, making it an incredibly business-friendly environment.

A five per cent VAT levy is payable on almost all consumer goods and services. However, this is significantly lower than in many other countries.

Registration for VAT is required for businesses with supplies or services valued at more than AED 375,000 over a period of 12 months, or who expect to produce taxable products exceeding that amount in the next 30 days.

Startup Incentives

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) helps domestic and international investors and businesses of all sizes, across all sectors, to establish and grow in Abu Dhabi. Through its Ventures Fund, it supports the growth of startups in Abu Dhabi by increasing access to capital.

Hub71 is a global tech ecosystem that brings together key enablers for startups to succeed.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is Abu Dhabi's award-winning financial centre, which offers a Tech Licence to tech entrepreneurs working in any field in a supportive regulatory environment with access to venture capital.

The Catalyst is the region’s first sustainability-focused accelerator. Supported by Masdar and BP (British Petroleum), it supports early-stage startups working in clean technology through the funding, training and mentorship phases.

Support for R&D and innovation

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) provides packages designed to accelerate innovation in sectors with high growth potential.

Agtech incentives

Among those are agtech (agriculture technology), for which ADIO has introduced a three-year programme with up to AED 1bn in cash and non-cash incentives for innovators working within the sector to find food and water solutions in desert environments, and who are looking to expand their operations in Abu Dhabi.

Incentives for R&D

Abu Dhabi is focused on creating a world-class R&D ecosystem — which is why, over the next five years, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) will allocate up to AED 4 billion in rebates through its Corporate R&D fund to distinguished firms that wish to expand their R&D operations or commit to new projects in Abu Dhabi.

Support for SMEs

Abu Dhabi actively encourages SMEs, and provides accessible financing opportunities through mechanisms such as its SME Growth Loan.

Available through First Abu Dhabi Bank, the SME Growth Loan guarantees up to 75 percent of the loan value provided by the government to Abu Dhabi banks, in case of default.

Investing in Abu Dhabi

Whether it's setting up a business or supporting an ecotourism venture, Abu Dhabi welcomes foreign investment, and offers exciting opportunities in a range of sectors.

ADIO 'Concierge Service'

As well as funding, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) offers a ‘concierge’ service, which provides investors with support and advice.

Getting a visa

Abu Dhabi welcomes talent from all over the world, and offers residence visas to almost every nationality.

Except for GCC nationals, a residence visa is required for everyone wishing to work, invest or live in the UAE.

Among the visas available are student visas, temporary work permits, medical treatment permits, entry permits for exhibitions, and employment residency visas.

Most employment visas last for one to three years, but longer-term (five and ten-year) visas are available to high-net-worth investors and people working in in-demand specialist fields.

Sponsoring family members

Abu Dhabi is an incredibly family-friendly place to live, and dependents of those working here are encouraged to come and take advantage of its world-class education and healthcare — and fantastic lifestyle.

Those with a valid working or investor visa can sponsor the following family members: spouse, children under 18 and parents.

Employment benefits

For expatriates working in Abu Dhabi, an employment contract typically comes with standard benefits such as annual leave.

However, the amount depends on the employer. Some companies also offer assistance with housing, education and flights.

Zero tax

Income earned in Abu Dhabi is tax-free within the UAE, meaning salaries are more competitive than in many of the world’s top financial capitals.

Business events in Abu Dhabi

From fintech and sustainable energy, to hospitality industry and aviation conferences, Abu Dhabi's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) calendar is packed with inspiring events to help you network and grow your business.

Setting up a financial business

Abu Dhabi Global Market is Abu Dhabi's award-winning financial centre, which offers a Tech Licence via its digital application process to tech entrepreneurs working in any field. 

Working at the forefront of innovation, AGDM recently unveiled its Digital Sandbox, a platform that enables financial institutions and startups to connect and share data and ideas. It is also the first IFC in the region to apply Common Law, which is practised through ADGM’s unique, fully digital courts.

Freelancing in Abu Dhabi

twofour54 is Abu Dhabi’s thriving media free zone, which offers licences to freelancers through the Media Zone Authority with waived license and registration fees for their first two years. Whether you’re a marketing strategist, graphic designer, or photographer, freelancing at twofour54 will give you access to a community of 500+ regional and international media partners, as well as government entities and private companies.

There is also a dedicated freelance relations team to help source the briefs to suit your talent, secure your next job and promote your work throughout our community.

Setting up a media business

twofour54 is home to Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment industries. It houses some of the biggest names in the sector, including CNN, Vice Arabia, Red Bee Media, Ubisoft and Sky News Arabia.

Business set-up

twofour54 offers easy licensing and business set-up services and 100% company ownership to businesses of any size. It is also offering fully-waived licence fees for the first two years, as well as 0% corporate and income tax.

Production services

As well as offering a 30% cashback rebate through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, twofour54’s in-house production facilities include studios and a 300,000 sqm backlot with standing sets, vast available land for set construction, and open desert landscape. Its international production services team offers end-to-end support from pre-production to the final edit, and Dolby Vision certified post-production facilities.

Freelance licences and support

twofour54 currently offers licences to freelancers through the Media Zone Authority with waived license and registration fees for their first two years. Whether you’re a marketing strategist, graphic designer, or photographer, freelancing at twofour54 will give you access to a community of 500+ regional and international media partners, as well as government entities and private companies.

There is also a dedicated freelance relations team to help source the briefs to suit your talent, secure your next job and promote your work throughout our community.