Last Updated: July 03, 2025
Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates, serves as the economic powerhouse of the region. With a diversified economy driven by oil revenues, financial services, and strategic government investments, Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most business-friendly jurisdictions. The emirate offers 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on profits, and access to over 40 free zones. The government actively supports foreign investment through strategic incentives, world-class infrastructure, and streamlined processes.
Language
Arabic, English
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Business Hubs
Abu Dhabi City, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Masdar City
Unlock growth opportunities in Abu Dhabi with Cerity Global as your trusted partner. We offer end-to-end support for establishing your legal entity, navigating Abu Dhabi’s often complex regulatory landscape with clarity and efficiency.
From company registration to ongoing back-office support, including HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, tax and compliance, Cerity Global simplifies the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Need to hire quickly before your entity is set up? We offer interim EOR services in Abu Dhabi, enabling you to onboard talent fast. Once your entity is established, we ensure a smooth transition of your employees from the EOR structure to your own legal entity, without disrupting payroll or compliance.
Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes to keep your operations aligned with Abu Dhabi’s employment and tax laws, helping you scale confidently and compliantly.
An LLC is the most popular business structure for foreign investors that allows 100% foreign ownership (since 2021). It can have from 2 to 50 shareholders with liability limited to their capital contribution. An LLC provides operational flexibility and is suitable for most business activities in Abu Dhabi.
A PJSC is a structure suitable for large businesses planning to go public or requiring significant capital investment. It is managed by a board of directors and offers shares to the public. Minimum capital requirements and governance structures apply.
A branch is a local extension of a foreign company that conducts the parent company’s business activities and operates under the latter’s liability. A branch requires local representation.
A UAE resident can serve as manager.
A board of directors is required with at least three members. A UAE national must be the chairman, and foreign nationals can be the board of directors.
A local representative with specified powers of attorney from the parent company must be appointed.
In Abu Dhabi, a corporate bank account setup processes vary depending on the entity type and chosen bank, but generally follow the following pattern:
Cerity Global supports companies in their global expansion plans and helps in legal entity setup, registration and ongoing support services. With us, you can quickly set up a legal entity, operate compliantly, and expand globally. The process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
Reasons you should setup legal entity in Abu Dhabi:
Cerity Global ensures your business expansion in Abu Dhabi is fast, compliant, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth while we manage the back-office tasks.
Economic figures are subject to change based on quarterly reports and market conditions.
Cerity Global combines deep local knowledge with proven expertise to make your Abu Dhabi business establishment effortless and compliant. Whether you’re looking for legal entity setup and registration or ongoing support, we’re your trusted partner for sustainable global expansion in Abu Dhabi.
Disclaimer – The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Entity setup requirements, tax rates, and economic data are subject to change and may vary by location.
To discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve a compliant and efficient expansion.