Details of 100% Foreign Ownership in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced the release of the professional license across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, permitting foreign professionals to establish and fully own a professional business company within 604 professional activities following their area of experience and qualifications.

The professional activities company include many fields such as accounting, training, consultancy, beauty centres, computer and internet network companies, and others, as they are fully owned by foreign professional partners.

.@AbuDhabiDED has launched the Professional Licence, permitting 100 per cent foreign ownership of businesses operating across 604 professional services, such as training and consultancy. The move will further support SMEs and enhance ease of doing business in the emirate. pic.twitter.com/54h3TQwhiJ

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 9, 2021

License is preferable to new investors due to its low cost, and the ease of its issuance, especially if the desired activity is "consulting", where the legal form of it is either an individual establishment or group of professionals company, in case there is more than one investor. This type of licenses is easy to set up or adjust, which in turn will streamline business practice across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ADDED indicated that a local services agent is required for most of the companies in case if there is no Emirati partner. The local service agent is responsible for managing the licensing requirements without bearing any liability for any financial obligation towards the company or its activities in Abu Dhabi or any other place.

Along with the possibility of licensing a professional company, ADDED also highlighted that opening a commercial branch without prejudice to the professional license or its features could be possible if the commercial activity is consistent with or complementary to the professional activity. Additionally, existing establishments can benefit from this decision by adjusting their status from a commercial to a professional facility while maintaining their registered number in the commercial and date of incorporation.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here