How to start a business in the UAE. Company setup | twofour54

Abu Dhabi company setup


twofour54 has created a thriving destination, where people are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and create. Our vibrant community includes some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment industry. With 0% corporate and income tax, 100% business ownership, and fully waived licence and registration fees (for the first 2 years), not only do we provide attractive economic benefits, we offer unmatched operational advantages and comprehensive support services to help your business succeed. It’s never been a better time to start your business in Abu Dhabi.

We have everything you need so that you can set up your business as easily as possible from day one. Some of the biggest names in the industry already call twofour54 home. Learn how to start your business and join them today!

why you should join us


Abu Dhabi gives you more

Centre of the world

centre of the world

Located between East and West and with flights to all major cities, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for business.

Makes up 65% of the UAE’s economy and 87% of its territory

makes up 65% of the UAE’s economy

The capital of the UAE with a stable, thriving economy that covers a 24-hour business clock.

Ranked no. 1 safest city in the world

ranked no. 1 safest city in the world

Based on Numbeo, Abu Dhabi is the top score on the safety index.

200 Nationalities

200 nationalities

Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and multicultural capital city where English is the language of business.

twofour54 gives you more

Benefits beyond the real estate

benefits beyond the real estate

100% business ownership, 0% corporate tax, and fully waived licence and registration fees for 2 years.

Be part of a community

be part of a community

Network with over 700 international and local companies at our regular networking events to expand your business opportunities.

Dedicated business development team

dedicated business development team

Our business development team is always available to help you set up your business and find the ideal office.

Briefs to keep your business busy

briefs to keep your business busy

Secure more work through our online exclusive tool where you can find briefs from businesses and government entities.

how to start your business in 3 steps:


Start your business in 3 simple steps, guided by our Business Development team who will be there at every one.

submit your business form or plan

sign the required commercial, legal & regulatory documents

provide payments (if applicable), and benefit from waived licensing fees*

Collect your licence and start your business!

*Terms & conditions apply.

we’ll set you up according to your needs


set up a new company


set up a new branch


get a freelancing licence


Want to start a brand new company? We’ll help you set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) whether your business consists of an individual or corporate shareholders or a mixture.

Start your business

Want to expand your current business? If you have an existing UAE based or foreign business, we’ll help you branch out.

Start expanding

Want to work for yourself and start freelancing independently? Our freelance relations team will connect you with job opportunities so that you can work with some of our regional and international partners as well as government entities.

Join the community

licence fee by CMA

AED 15,000
(waived in full)

licence fee by CMA

AED 15,000
(waived in full)

licence fee by CMA

6 months AED 2,250
(waived in full)
12 months AED 4,500
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

AED 3,500
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

AED 3,500
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

N/A

setup types

serviced desk
  • 2 activities
  • 2 visas
  • Starting from AED 25,000 per annum + AED 2,500 security deposit
  • Type of activities: Digital/Marcom/Production
fitted office
  • 5+ activities***
  • Number of employees varies depending on office space**
  • Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
hot desk
  • 1 activity
  • 2 visas
  • Starting from AED 20,000 per annum
  • Type of activities: Digital/Marcom
entrepreneurships
  • 1 activity
  • 1 visa
  • AED 10,000 per annum
  • Coworking space membership (Community Hub)
  • Type of activities: Digital

office types

fitted/core and shell office
  • 5+ activities***
  • Number of employees varies depending on office space**
  • Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**

office types

N/A

p.o. box

AED 1,250 + VAT

p.o. box

AED 1,250 + VAT

p.o. box

N/A

no min capital required

no min capital required

no min capital required

set up a new company


Want to start a brand new company? We’ll help you set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) whether your business consists of an individual or corporate shareholders or a mixture.

Start your business

licence fee by MZA

AED 15,000
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

AED 3,500
(waived in full)

office types

serviced office
  • Up to 5 activities***
  • 3 visas
  • Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
fitted/core and shell office
  • 5+ activities***
  • Number of employees varies depending on office space**
  • Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**
service desk
  • 2 activities
  • 2 visas
  • Starting from AED 25,000 per annum + AED 2,500 security deposit
  • Type of activities: Digital/Marcom/Production
hot-desk
  • 1 activity
  • 2 visas
  • Starting from AED 20,000 per annum
  • Type of activities: Digital/Marcom
entrepreneurs
  • 1 activity
  • 1 visa
  • Office space is N/A
  • Type of activities: Digital

p.o. box

AED 1,250 + VAT

no min capital required

set up a new branch


Want to expand your current business? If you’re looking to set up an existing UAE-based or foreign business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), we’ll help you branch out.

Start expanding

licence fee by MZA

AED 15,000
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

AED 3,500
(waived in full)

office types

fitted/core and shell office
  • 5+ activities***
  • Number of employees varies depending on office space**
  • Starting from AED 50,000 per annum**

p.o. box

AED 1,250 + VAT

no min capital required

get a freelancing licence


Want to work for yourself and start freelancing independently? Our freelance relations team will connect you with job opportunities so that you can work with some of our regional and international partners as well as government entities.

Join the community

licence fee by MZA

6 months AED 2,250
(waived in full)
12 months AED 4,500
(waived in full)

registration fee (one-time only)

N/A

office types

N/A

p.o. box

N/A

no min capital required

** Maximum visa entitlements are dependent upon the office size

*** Depends on availability of desired office type/size at the time of application

FAQ on business setup in Abu Dhabi


You can set up a company and start the process of obtaining your trade license by registering your interest on the twofour54 website. One of our team members will then be in touch to guide you through the process.

Creative freelancers and media, entertainment and gaming companies who are wondering how to start a business in Abu Dhabi can register for their license through twofour54.

A commercial license is the same as a trade license. twofour54 is based on Yas Island in the UAE capital and you can obtain a commerical license through them by visiting the twofour54 website.

Tourist visa overstaying fees have been standardized at AED 50 per day from the first day after expiry. These fees should be settled before starting the residency process or leaving the country.

You can apply for renewal of your residency up to 30 days before its expiry date. Or, if you want to renew it earlier, you must first take special permission and approval from ICP. Failure to renew in time will result in fines. The ICP has standardized overstaying fines in the UAE. According to the new rules, visit, tourist and residence visa overstaying fees are now fixed at AED 50 per day.

Your company will be fined according to the immigration authority’s rules and procedures. Fines are AED 1,155 for the first month and AED 100 for each consecutive month, and you will also need to pay service charges to twofour54.

The Creative Media Authority has waived license and registration fees for new companies for the first two years. The first year alone would normally cost new businesses AED 15,000 in licence fees and AED 3,500 for registration, but currently there are no license fees to pay.

Tawasol will help you apply for your business license and establishment card and officially launch your company. You can also enlist the help of Tawasol when they need to be renewed. Application for your registration channel at the immigration authority must be made through Tawasol as well. This can be done as soon as your business is officially launched, and the Tawasol team will also help you renew it upon expiry.

No, in fact it is very simple.
If you are wondering how to open a business in the UAE, just get in touch with the team at twofour54 and they will guide you through the process.

How do I register a company in Abu Dhabi? To set up a business on Yas Island with twofour54, just follow the process below:

  1. Submit your business form and all the required documents
  2. Complete the process of obtaining your General Manager’s visa
  3. Wait for your business license and establishment card to be issued
  4. Access the self-service portal
  5. Finalize the visa application through the ICA portal
  6. Start the process of obtaining visas for your employees

You can complete your company registration for your new business online via the twofour54 website.

If your company is a registered partner of the twofour54 free zone, you can renew your Abu Dhabi trade license online by using our self-service portal.

How can I check my trade license online in Abu Dhabi? You can verify business licenses in Abu Dhabi by searching the database of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi for trade names or trade license details.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi issues a fine of AED 300 per month for individuals who are not subscribed to a valid health insurance scheme.

Once your Emirates ID has expired, you have a 30-day grace period in which you can renew it without incurring any fines. After that, an AED 20 daily fine will be applied, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. You will also need to pay twofour54 service charges to renew it.

You will be given access details during the onboarding process.

As long as you have a trade license, an establishment card and a valid registration channel at the immigration authority, you can sponsor your employees and secure visas for them. twofour54 will support you and guide you through this process.

Yes. Although license and registration fees have been waived for the first two years, you will still have to pay the following fees:

1 Manager pre-approval fee AED 500
2 Licensing renewal cost after the first 2 years AED 12,500 per year
3 General Manager Residency Cost AED 3,300 – 3,700 (Depending on the residency period, renewed upon expiration)
4 PO Box fee AED 1,312.5 per year
5 Establishment card fee AED 854.55
6 Access to the New Company electronic channel registration at Abu Dhabi immigration office AED 2,180
7 Health insurance Cost varies according to gender, age, chosen plan and coverage required

Depending on the type of business you launch, you may decide to lease an office for yourself and your employees.
twofour54 offers various different types of office spaces at Yas Creative Hub.
Subject to availability, this includes the following:

  • Hot desk (1 activity + 1 visa)

  • Serviced desk (2 activities + 2 visas)

  • Fitted offices (up to 5 activities, number of visas depends on the office area)

No, if you obtain an Abu Dhabi trade license then you must be based inside the Abu Dhabi free zone. The twofour54 team can help you find the right office space that is perfect for you and the new Yas Creative Hub campus on Yas Island offers an array of flexible working spaces that are available for rent. This includes fully-furnished offices for companies of all sizes and vibrant co-working spaces. Yas Creative Hub also boasts an array of production facilities, sound studies and event spaces, and its found just a short walk away from Yas Island’s vast array of restaurants, bars and leisure faciltiies and a 15 minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Yes they do. If you are sponsoring your staff, then it’s your responsibility to secure visas for them from the Creative Media Authority. The criteria that your employees have to meet for each visa is dependent upon their home country. The Tawasol team at twofour54 can help you obtain residents visas, Emirates IDs and health insurance for yourself and all your staff. Tawasol offers end-to-end business support services for all twofour54 partners.

Yes, the PO Box fee is AED 1,312.5 per year and this fee must be paid during the business set up process.

Yes, as long as you can provide all the required documents and information, you can setup a company in Abu Dhabi from anywhere in the world. However, in order to obtain a visa for your General Manager, the General Manager must be inside the country to complete his medical screening appointment.

Within 14 days of their visa activation, or within 14 days from when their status was changed from tourist or visitor to resident of the UAE.

Setting up a company comes with a lot of different tasks. For instance, before you apply for your license, you will need to create a business plan, and start thinking about your unique selling point, business strategy, logo and brand guidelines.

However, the twofour54 team make the process of applying for your business license quick and easy. First we will ask you for a number of documents and your business form and business plan, and then, once you have paid all the required fees, the set up process can be completed.

There is no minimum amount needed to open a company in Abu Dhabi.

Yes, you can. The bank may ask to see your Establishment Card and business license when you open a bank account.

Yes they do. You can obtain visas for your employees through our Tawasol business support department.

Created to offer end-to-end business services for all twofour54 partners, Tawasol makes it easy to apply for visas, permits and residencies.

Offering a fully digitalised, seamless experience, Tawasol is an efficient way of receiving business support, government liaison and travel agency services.

The e-portal allows you to submit all your visa requests online, track the status of your requests, and pay any required fees within minutes. The Tawasol team will also be there to offer help and support throughout every step of the visa application process.

Yes, subject to availability and approval.

No, only the General Manager and employees must reside in UAE.

Yes, if you have the correct DED license. Please get in touch for more information and for help with obtaining this license.

Yes, once you have officially set up and registered your company.

want to know more?


If you have any questions about the business setup options, please use the below form and someone from our Business Development Team will be in touch shortly.

If you just can’t wait, please phone the number below or come and say hello if you are in the area.

Yas Creative Hub:
Yas Island, Opposite Yas Bay Waterfront
Abu Dhabi, UAE

let's get started

Ready to establish your business with twofour54? Click below to connect with our Business Development team who will help you with the setup process, as well as highlighting the exclusive offers and services your business will benefit from.

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