Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi is a move that can open many doors - not only to the markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but also to the international business relationships that are established in the region. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is known for its stable political and economic conditions, which provide an attractive environment for businesses looking to succeed in the long term. However, the process of starting a business in Abu Dhabi can be complex, especially for entrepreneurs new to the region. This is where SetupCo Consultancy LLC into play.

Why Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is not only one of the richest cities in the world, but also a fast-growing economic center that attracts international companies. The emirate is investing heavily in diversification strategies to wean its economy off its dependence on oil. Sectors such as renewable energy, technology, healthcare and real estate are at the heart of this transformation and there are numerous incentives for companies looking to invest in these areas. In addition, Abu Dhabi is known for its political stability, excellent infrastructure and foreign ownership of companies, which is permitted at 100 % in many free economic zones.

The role of SetupCo Consultancy LLC

For many entrepreneurs, setting up a company in Abu Dhabi can be overwhelming. The legal framework, bureaucracy and the need to comply with local regulations present a significant challenge. SetupCo Consultancy LLC offers comprehensive support in precisely this area. With years of experience in the UAE and a deep understanding of the regional laws and regulations, SetupCo is the ideal partner to make the incorporation process efficient and legally compliant.

Services from SetupCo for business start-ups

1. Advice on the optimal corporate structureDepending on the business objectives and the industry, it may be advantageous to set up a Free Zone Company or an onshore company. SetupCo works with clients to analyze requirements and help select the best structure, be it a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Branch Office or Representative Office.
2. Legal support and complianceLegal compliance is a particularly sensitive area. The UAE has strict regulations that companies must adhere to, especially if they are run by international investors. SetupCo ensures that all permits, licenses and contracts are processed correctly and on time, so that entrepreneurs can focus on their core business.
3. Communication with authorities and licensingAn essential part of starting a business in Abu Dhabi is dealing with various authorities. This can be both time consuming and confusing. SetupCo handles all communication with the local authorities and ensures that all required documents are submitted on time to avoid delays or additional costs.
4. Real estate and office spaceSetting up a business in Abu Dhabi often involves renting or buying office space. The SetupCo team has extensive contacts in the real estate industry and can help you find the ideal office locations - whether it's a prestigious address in a business tower or smaller premises in a free zone.
5. Opening a bank account and financial adviceOpening a bank account in the UAE is a critical step in the incorporation process, which can also come with its challenges. SetupCo has close ties with leading banks in Abu Dhabi and helps entrepreneurs open accounts for business operations quickly and efficiently.
6. Visa and residence permitsIn addition to the actual founding of the company, the visa process for entrepreneurs and their employees is also an important component. The SetupCo team takes care of the entire process, from the submission of visa applications to the issuing of residence permits.

Advantages of working with SetupCo

Cooperation with SetupCo Consultancy LLC offers numerous advantages. The company understands the regional characteristics and can offer customized solutions that meet the specific needs and requirements of each customer. The time saved by working with an experienced partner is particularly valuable. While SetupCo takes care of the bureaucratic hurdles and legal requirements, entrepreneurs can concentrate fully on building and growing their business.

Another advantage is the strong network that SetupCo has built up in the UAE. Thanks to its long-standing presence in the region and its close ties to government authorities, banks and real estate developers, SetupCo can offer its clients exclusive opportunities that they would not have without local knowledge or contacts.

The foundation process with SetupCo

The path to setting up a company in Abu Dhabi usually starts with a comprehensive consultation. The SetupCo team sits down with the entrepreneur to understand the business objectives and develop the best incorporation strategy. This includes choosing the right legal form, selecting a suitable location and handling all the official formalities.

SetupCo is at the customer's side throughout the entire start-up process - from dealing with the formalities to providing support after the company has been established. Even after the company has been founded, SetupCo offers continuous support, particularly in the areas of accounting, taxes and legal issues, so that the company can be run smoothly.

Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi is an excellent opportunity to establish yourself in one of the world's most dynamic economic markets. But getting there is not without its challenges. With SetupCo Consultancy LLC entrepreneurs have an experienced and reliable partner at their side to make the entire start-up process efficient and stress-free. Thanks to its comprehensive services, local expertise and close contacts in Abu Dhabi, SetupCo offers customized solutions that ensure the success of every company.

Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a variety of benefits that are attractive to both start-ups and established companies. Here are some of the key reasons why the UAE - and Abu Dhabi in particular - is an ideal location for starting a business:

1. strategic position

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE offers businesses access to some of the largest markets in the world. This geographical location makes it possible to quickly establish international trade relations and benefit from proximity to emerging markets such as India, China and the Middle East.

2. tax advantages

A significant advantage of setting up a business in the UAE is the absence of corporate taxes for most industries outside the oil sector. There are also no personal income taxes, making the UAE a tax-friendly environment for both companies and individuals. This helps entrepreneurs to maximize their profits and significantly reduce the financial burden.

3. 100% foreign ownership

In many UAE free zones, including Abu Dhabi, foreigners can own their businesses at 100% without the need for a local partner. This gives international investors full control over their businesses and profits, which is often not the case in many other countries.

4. stable economy and political situation

Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general are known for their political stability and solid economic foundations. Thanks to the government's diversification strategies that focus on areas such as renewable energy, technology, tourism and real estate, the UAE is less dependent on oil and offers a wide range of business opportunities.

5. highly developed infrastructure

The UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, offers a first-class infrastructure. This includes state-of-the-art transportation networks, modern office buildings, first-class communication systems and efficient logistics solutions. This infrastructure makes it easier for companies to offer their services and products efficiently and without major obstacles.

6. access to free trade zones

Abu Dhabi offers several free trade zones specifically designed to provide incentives to businesses. These zones allow companies to benefit from duty exemptions, simplified company formation procedures and easier access to international markets. Free trade zones often also offer specific infrastructure for certain industries, such as technology, trade or manufacturing.

7. diverse business opportunities

The UAE has evolved from an economy heavily reliant on oil to a diversified business location. Companies in various sectors, such as tourism, real estate, finance, technology, healthcare and renewable energies, can benefit from the extensive support programs and investment incentives.

8. simple foundation process

The UAE has minimized the bureaucratic hurdles for starting a business, making the process fast and efficient. With the support of consulting companies such as SetupCo Consultancy LLC companies can start their business activities in just a few weeks. The country has implemented extensive reforms to promote foreign investment and simplify the process of setting up a company.

9. international professionals and expat community

The UAE attracts talent from all over the world and offers companies access to a skilled and diverse labor market. Abu Dhabi in particular has a large expat community that includes highly skilled professionals in areas such as finance, technology, engineering and management. This enables companies to attract top talent to build and operate their business.

10. high quality of life

The quality of life in Abu Dhabi and the UAE is excellent, making it easier for companies to attract talented professionals. The city offers modern housing options, first-class healthcare, excellent educational opportunities and a safe environment, which is attractive for both entrepreneurs and their employees.

11. visa facilitation

The UAE offers various types of visas for entrepreneurs, investors and their families. These include long-term visas for investors, which allow them to settle permanently in the UAE. This not only facilitates the start of the business, but also long-term operation and expansion.

12. flexibility of corporate structures

The UAE offers flexible corporate structures that allow both small and large companies to choose the model that suits them best. Companies in the UAE can choose from a variety of legal forms such as LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), branches or representative offices. This flexibility makes it possible to adapt the company structure optimally to business needs.

Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi or the UAE offers a wealth of benefits that make the country one of the most attractive locations in the world for entrepreneurs. From tax incentives to political stability and first-class infrastructure, the UAE offers everything a company needs to grow and succeed. Especially with the support of SetupCo Consultancy LLC makes the start-up process uncomplicated and efficient, allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on the essentials: building a successful business in one of the world's most dynamic economic regions.

What does a company in Abu Dhabi cost?

Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi is an attractive opportunity for many entrepreneurs and investors to establish themselves in one of the fastest growing business centers in the world. However, before taking this step, it is important to understand the costs associated with setting up and operating a business in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Costs can vary greatly depending on the type of business, the business structure chosen and the location. This article highlights the key cost factors of starting a business in Abu Dhabi to give you a clear idea of what financial obligations you may face.

1. licensing costs

An essential part of starting a business in Abu Dhabi is the cost of the business license. Depending on the type of business and industry, there are different types of licenses, each requiring different fees. The most common licenses include the commercial license, the professional license and the industrial license.

• Trade licenseThis license is required for companies that engage in trading activities, such as the sale of goods or import and export. The cost of a trading license is usually between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000 (approx. EUR 2,700 to EUR 6,800), depending on the scope of the business activity.
• Professional licenseCompanies that offer services, such as consulting firms, law firms or freelancers, require a professional license. The costs for this are similar to those for a commercial license, but are often somewhat lower, in the range of AED 7,000 to AED 20,000 (approx. EUR 1,900 to EUR 5,500).
• Industrial licenseFor companies operating in the manufacturing or industrial sector, an industrial license is required. This license can be more expensive and typically costs between AED 20,000 and AED 40,000 (approx. EUR 5,500 to 11,000).

In addition to the license fees, there are also administrative costs for the submission of documents, approvals and other regulatory requirements. These costs can range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 (approx. EUR 1,350 to EUR 4,100) depending on the complexity of the business.

2. costs for office or business premises

In Abu Dhabi, it is a legal requirement for companies to rent physical office space or business premises. This applies to companies operating in free zones as well as those operating on the mainland. The rental costs depend heavily on the location, size and standard of the premises.

• Small officesFor start-ups or smaller companies, a small office in a business center can be a cost-effective solution. Rents start at around AED 25,000 per year (approx. EUR 6,800) and can go up to AED 70,000 (approx. EUR 19,000) depending on location and facilities.
• Larger officesFor larger companies that require more space or a more prestigious address, rental costs can be significantly higher. Office space in central locations, such as the Corniche skyscrapers, can cost between AED 100,000 and AED 300,000 per year (approx. EUR 27,000 to EUR 82,000).
• Free trade zonesCompanies setting up in a free zone often have the option of renting smaller, cheaper offices. Rental costs in free zones start at around AED 15,000 (approx. EUR 4,100) per year for smaller office units.

3. costs for company registration

The registration of a company in Abu Dhabi also requires certain fees. These vary depending on the type of company and the legal form chosen. Common legal forms include limited liability companies (LLC), branches and representative offices.

• LLC formation costsForming an LLC is one of the most popular options for foreign investors in Abu Dhabi. The formation costs for an LLC usually range between AED 20,000 and AED 30,000 (approx. EUR 5,500 to EUR 8,200), depending on the specific requirements and scope of the business.
• Branch officeWhen a foreign company opens a branch office in Abu Dhabi, the registration costs are generally lower than when setting up a new LLC. The cost of registering a branch office is around AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 (approx. EUR 4,100 to EUR 6,800).
• RepresentationA representative office does not require comprehensive licensing like other corporate structures. The cost of registering a representative office is usually between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000 (approx. EUR 2,700 to 5,500).

4. notary and legal fees

Another cost factor when setting up a company in Abu Dhabi is notary and legal fees. These are required to notarize official documents, such as the articles of association, and to meet the legal requirements of the government.

• Notary feesThe costs for the notarization of documents vary depending on the size of the documents and can range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 (approx. EUR 270 to 820).
• Legal feesDepending on the complexity of the company formation, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer to assist with the process and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Legal fees can range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 (approx. EUR 1,350 to 4,100).

5. employee costs and visas

If a company wants to employ staff, visa and residence permit costs are incurred in addition to the wage costs. Companies must apply for a work visa for each employee working in the UAE.

• Visa costsThe cost of a work visa in Abu Dhabi is around AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per employee (approx. EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,600), depending on the type of visa and the employee's position.
• WagesWage costs in Abu Dhabi depend heavily on the industry and the qualifications of the employees. For administrative positions, salaries start at around AED 5,000 per month (approx. EUR 1,350), while highly skilled professionals or managers can earn significantly higher salaries of AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 (approx. EUR 5,500 to 13,500) or more.

6. other operating costs

In addition to the costs mentioned above, companies in Abu Dhabi have to reckon with other ongoing operating costs, such as

• InsurancesBusiness liability insurance, employment insurance and health insurance for employees are often required by law in Abu Dhabi. The cost of this varies depending on the type of business and the number of employees.
• Marketing and advertisingDepending on the industry and target market, it may be necessary to invest in marketing measures such as websites, online advertising or local advertising campaigns. Spending can vary greatly, from a few thousand AED per year to larger budgets for comprehensive marketing campaigns.

Conclusion

The costs of setting up a company in Abu Dhabi are variable and depend heavily on the type of business, the structure chosen and the specific requirements. Entrepreneurs should expect license costs, rental costs for office space, visa costs and other operational expenses. However, despite the initial investment, the UAE offers significant advantages in terms of tax benefits, economic stability and access to international markets, which can more than justify the costs in the long term.