What documents does an Australian national need to start a building maintenance business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Australia, attested documents via Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a business plan for your building maintenance venture.

How long does it take for an Australian citizen to set up a building maintenance company in Abu Dhabi DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How much does it cost to set up a Building Maintenance business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Building Maintenance business in Abu Dhabi DED starts from approximately AED 10,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

How long does it take to get a Building Maintenance licence in Abu Dhabi DED?

The typical processing time for a building maintenance licence at Abu Dhabi DED is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Building Maintenance company in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including building maintenance. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What documents do I need to set up a Building Maintenance business in Abu Dhabi DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Abu Dhabi DED Building Maintenance licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Abu Dhabi DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Building Maintenance in Abu Dhabi Mainland for Australian nationals

MainlandServices

Building Maintenance in Abu Dhabi DED

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Building Maintenance

As an Australian national looking to establish a Building Maintenance business in Abu Dhabi Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Australia has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Australian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Abu Dhabi's commercial laws, your Building Maintenance business will benefit from capital city strategic advantage and government project access. The Abu Dhabi DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 10,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your building maintenance setup in Abu Dhabi DED. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why Abu Dhabi DED for Building Maintenance?

There are several compelling reasons why Abu Dhabi Mainland continues to attract building maintenance entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers capital city strategic advantage, which is particularly valuable for building maintenance operations. Additionally, government project access ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 6,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in UAE further enhances the appeal of Abu Dhabi DED for building maintenance professionals. Furthermore, growing economic diversification positions your building maintenance business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Abu Dhabi DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Australian nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Australian business community.

Capital city strategic advantage

Government project access

Trade anywhere in UAE

Growing economic diversification

100% foreign ownership

Visa Requirements for Australian Nationals

For Australian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your building maintenance business in Abu Dhabi DED.

Banking for Australian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your building maintenance company in Abu Dhabi DED: Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Commonwealth banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Australian business structures.

Document Attestation for Australian Nationals

Document attestation for Australian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Australia, (2) Attestation by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to building maintenance businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

8Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Ejari Office	12,000
Co-Working	6,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your building maintenance business plan and the best Abu Dhabi DED licence options for Australian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Australia through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the building maintenance licence application to Abu Dhabi DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Abu Dhabi DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your building maintenance business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Australian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including building maintenance.

Building Maintenance in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000