Establishing a salon in Abu Dhabi offers a fantastic opportunity to tap into a sophisticated and growing market. A crucial part of your business plan is understanding the salon license cost in Abu Dhabi. This guide breaks down the various fees set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and other entities to help you budget accurately for 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Initial license costs in Abu Dhabi mainland typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000+.
- Abu Dhabi often has initiatives like packaged deals that can affect the final cost.
- This guide covers government fees; rent, fit-out, and visa costs are major additional expenses.
Abu Dhabi Salon Licenses: An Overview
To run a salon in Abu Dhabi, you'll need a professional license from ADDED. Similar to other emirates, this license allows 100% foreign ownership for many activities, but you will need to appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA) for a mainland business. The costs can be slightly different from other emirates, so it's important to understand the specific fees for Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Salon License Cost Breakdown (Table)
The following table provides an estimated breakdown of fees for 2025. These are approximate and subject to change by the authorities.
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Certificate | 600 - 800 | To reserve your business name |
| Professional License Fee | 7,000 - 12,000 | Core fee for the license itself |
| Chamber of Commerce Fee | ~ 1,400 | Annual membership fee |
| Commercial License Fee | ~ 1,000 | Additional administrative fee |
| Supervision Fee | ~ 100 | Standard administrative charge |
| Establishment Card | ~ 2,000 | Required for visa and immigration processes |
| Immigration Card | ~ 600 | For visa sponsorship |
| Estimated Total | 12,000 - 25,000+ | Excludes rent, LSA, and visa costs |
Other Costs to Consider
The license is just one part of your startup budget. Don't forget:
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Fee: AED 8,000 - 15,000 per year.
- Salon Rent (Tawtheeq): Your lease agreement must be registered, which is a significant cost.
- Approvals & Inspections: Fees for health, safety, and other municipal checks.
- Staff Visas: Costs associated with sponsoring your employees.
For a comparison with Dubai, see our guide to salon license costs in Dubai.
Conclusion
Launching a salon in Abu Dhabi requires careful financial planning. By understanding these estimated costs, you can create a more realistic budget for your new venture. Always verify the latest fees with ADDED or a trusted business advisor to ensure accuracy.