Cost breakdown
Full cost of the company
| Cost item | Paid at setup | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| License package — entry price (first year) market benchmark; depends on activity set and visa quota | AED 5,880 | — |
| Establishment card 423 packages in the catalog, from this price | AED 5,880 | — |
| Investor visa filing 423 packages in the catalog, from this price | AED 5,880 | — |
| Corporate bank account support 423 packages carry the banking step | On request | — |
| Medical insurance per visa holder depends on the plan and insurer | On request | — |
| Total | AED 5,880 | — |
Figures are market reference points from the September 2026 snapshot — the final quote is itemized on request.
HowTo · 5 steps
How the registration goes
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Consultation and activity confirmation
2–4 daysWe map your business model to the activity group, fix the package type and the visa quota you need, and confirm the exact scope before payment.
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Name reservation and initial approval
3–7 daysWe check the company name against the registry rules, reserve it and submit the application with passport copies of the shareholders.
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Signing and payment
2–5 daysThe license agreement is signed remotely and government fees are paid — no travel to the UAE is required at this stage.
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License issuance and establishment card
5–10 daysThe license is issued, then the establishment card is filed — the document that unlocks residence visas and the corporate bank account.
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Visa filing and corporate bank account
3–7 daysResidence visa applications are submitted for shareholders and staff, and the corporate account application goes to the banks that fit the profile.
Residence visas
Visa options
Residence visas are filed through ADDED: the catalog lists 423 investor visa packages, from AED 5,880*. The visa quota depends on the chosen package and office solution.
Investor / partner visa
On request
- 2 years, renewable
- for shareholders of the company
Employee visa
On request
- 2 years, renewable
- quota depends on the package
Dependent visa (family)
On request
- spouse, children, parents
- requires tenancy and salary proof
Activity group · 195+ registry codes
About the activity
Software Development & IT is one of the largest tracked activity groups on the platform: the September 2026 snapshot lists 359 license combinations across its providers, with a median package from AED 6,875* and entry packages from AED 1,620*.
At Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development this group counts 38 packages with entry prices from AED 5,880*. The authority licenses mainland companies in Abu Dhabi: incorporation is handled remotely, and the same license supports residence visa applications for shareholders and staff.
The cluster spans 195 official activity codes. The catalog lists the full code-by-code breakdown with per-zone availability — the table above shows the license packages.
Included: Company operations under the Software Development & IT activity group, licensed by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; activity codes are combined in one license where the package allows it.
UAE · Abu Dhabi
About ADDED
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) accounts for 423 license combinations in the September 2026 snapshot, spread over 47 of the 52 activity clusters tracked on the platform. The strongest cluster here is Software Development & IT with 38 packages, followed by Equipment Rental & Leasing (37 packages).
- Activity combinations
- 423 47 of 52 clusters
- Median package
- from AED 5,880* market benchmark
- Price range
- AED 5,880 – 5,880* min–max in snapshot
- Setup time
- 11–11 days fastest → slowest filed
Every tracked combination sits at a single price point, AED 5,880*. Filed setup timelines sit at 11 days across the catalog, driven by the activity mix and office option.
ADDED is the Abu Dhabi mainland licensing authority under the Department of Economic Development. This guide breaks the zone down by activity: the strongest clusters below, then the visa, establishment-card and bank-account steps that come bundled with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development licenses — all figures from the same market snapshot.
Jurisdiction facts checked with the provider on Sep 2026. Prices and fees are reviewed monthly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does a software development & it license in ADDED cost?
In the September 2026 snapshot, entry packages at ADDED start from AED 5,880*. The exact figure depends on the activity set, visa quota and office option — the final quote is confirmed before payment.
How long does setup take at ADDED?
Filed packages at ADDED run from 11 to 11 days, fastest to slowest. Most of the timeline is document preparation and government approvals, which we handle remotely.
Can I get a residence visa with this license?
Yes — 423 investor visa packages are listed in the ADDED catalog from AED 5,880*. Employee and dependent visas are filed through the same establishment card.
Can foreigners own 100% of a ADDED company?
ADDED is a mainland authority: most commercial and professional activities are open to 100% foreign ownership, and the license allows trading directly on the UAE market.
Does the package include a corporate bank account?
423 packages in the ADDED catalog carry the banking step, with support from AED 5,880*. We prepare the KYC pack and match the profile to banks that accept mainland companies.
Not sure this package fits your case?
A 15-minute call is enough to match your business model to the right jurisdiction and license.