Market Intelligence
Industries United Arab Emirates Government, Law and Regulation

United Arab Emirates Virtual License for Non-Resident Companies

The a new Abu Dhabi Virtual License business registration option enables U.S. companies to do business in the Emirate prior to proceeding with residence procedures, or from outside the UAE.  Non-resident foreign investors may obtain a license for doing business in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi prior to proceeding with residence procedures, along with the possibility of doing business from outside the United Arab Emirates.

ADDED also improved the commercial licensing services on the TAMM-Abu Dhabi Government Services website so that a commercial license may be obtained online within minutes. 

IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE ABU DHABI VIRTUAL LICENSE: 

  • New rules make it significantly easier to set up a new venture in Abu Dhabi within 13 economic sectors. These sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, repair, contracting, maintenance, installations, retail, transport, services, leasing, health and entertainment.
     
  • A U.S. company can apply for a license in any of these 13 key economic sectors with 100% ownership of either of the two approved legal forms: Limited Liability Company and Sole Proprietorship. 
     
  • Speedy issuance of a commercial license prior to arrival to the Emirate will allow businesses to quickly open bank accounts and begin staff recruitment and hiring in the country.   

Commercial licenses may be obtained through the TAMM-Abu Dhabi Government Services website: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/ 

For more information, please contact Office.AbuDhabi@trade.gov.
 
The U.S. Commercial Service in the UAE offers matchmaking, market research, and other assistance to help U.S. companies looking to enter and expand in the UAE market.