FAQ

Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership on the mainland under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021. ADGM and Free Zones have always offered 100% foreign ownership. ADIO can confirm whether your activity is on the positive list.

Mainland for direct UAE market access. Free Zone for international trade and tax efficiency. ADGM for asset management, holding structures and regulated financial services under English common law.

It depends on the jurisdiction and the activity. Standard activities can often be licensed quickly, and some qualify for an Instant Licence. Activities that need a regulator's approval take longer. ADIO will give you a timeline for your specific case.

We confirm receipt of every enquiry within 1 working day. A specialist then contacts you with the next steps.

Every business needs a trade licence (commercial, professional or industrial). Regulated activities require sector approvals from authorities like the Central Bank, FSRA, DOH or SCA.

Costs depend on your activity, jurisdiction and number of visas. Each authority publishes its own fees: ADGM for ADGM entities, the relevant free zone authority for free zone companies, and ADRA through TAMM for mainland companies. ADIO can give you a free estimate for your project.

No. ADIO’s investor services are provided free as part of the Abu Dhabi government’s investment promotion mandate.

To register a company you will typically need: a trade name certificate, passport copies of all shareholders, a Memorandum of Association, a lease agreement for your office (if required), and approvals from the relevant regulator for regulated activities. Requirements vary by activity and jurisdiction. ADIO will confirm the exact list for your project.

A trade licence entitles the owner and qualifying employees to UAE residency visas, typically valid for 2 to 3 years and renewable, depending on the jurisdiction and the sponsoring company. The Golden Visa, valid for up to 10 years, is available based on investment thresholds.

Yes. The Golden Visa includes dependents with no minimum-stay requirement. ADIO supports schooling and clinic placement.

9% federal corporate tax applies to taxable profit above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0% on qualifying income. Personal income tax remains 0%.

Yes, 5% VAT applies to most goods and services. Some sectors (healthcare, education, exports) are zero-rated or exempt.

No. You need an active trade licence and registered address. ADIO can introduce you to bank relationship managers to expedite once you are licensed.

Yes. The UAE has no foreign exchange controls and no restrictions on profit repatriation.

No. To start, we only need your company name, sector, home country and a short description of your plans. We ask for documents step by step as your project moves forward, and we tell you exactly which ones at each stage.