Abu Dhabi offers a dedicated business licence for UAE citizens who want to earn income through farming, agricultural production and related activities.
Known as the Farms and Small Producers Licence, it allows eligible farm owners and leaseholders to carry out approved agricultural and livestock activities without renting a separate commercial office.
The licence covers more than 70 activities, with published basic fees ranging from AED 790 to AED 5,500, depending on the selected activities and legal structure.
However, the licence isn't available to everyone. Eligibility depends on UAE citizenship, qualifying farm ownership or lease arrangements and the activities you intend to undertake.
This guide explains the Small Producers Licence in Abu Dhabi, including who can apply, permitted activities, costs, documents and the application process.
What Is the Small Producers Licence in Abu Dhabi?
The Small Producers Licence is a specialised economic licence issued through Abu Dhabi's business licensing system for eligible UAE citizens who own or lease farms.
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) also refers to it as the Farm Licence or Farms and Small Producers Licence.
It supports commercial activities connected with farming, agricultural production, animal husbandry and related services.
For example, a farm owner who grows vegetables and wants to supply local merchants can explore this licence rather than immediately establishing a separate trading company.
The licence operates within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). It is different from a general trading licence, industrial licence or standard agricultural business registration.
If you're comparing different company structures, Nexture's guide to company formation in Abu Dhabi explains the wider licensing options.
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Who Can Apply for a Small Producers Licence?
The licence has specific eligibility conditions.
- UAE citizenship
The licence is intended for eligible UAE citizens. Foreign residents cannot qualify simply because they live in Abu Dhabi or want to establish an agricultural business.
- Farm ownership or qualifying lease
You must own a private farm or hold an eligible estate lease agreement with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
- Approved economic activity
Your proposed business must fall within the activities permitted under the relevant licensing framework.
- Appropriate legal structure
ADRA identifies three possible legal forms: Establishment, Sole Proprietorship and Limited Liability Company (LLC). The correct structure depends on the applicant and activity.
- Regulatory compliance
Some agricultural, veterinary, food-related or livestock activities may require additional approvals.
What Activities Are Allowed Under the Small Producers Licence?
One of the main advantages of this licence is the range of agricultural activities available to eligible applicants.
ADRA advertises more than 70 activity options, including traditional farming and selected agricultural support services.
These can cover areas such as:
Crop production: Growing and commercially supplying approved agricultural produce.
Animal husbandry: Raising livestock and conducting approved animal production activities.
Sale of farm produce: Supplying agricultural products directly to merchants under an approved activity.
Veterinary consultancy: Providing authorised professional services, subject to applicable qualifications and approvals.
Farmer training: Delivering approved agricultural training services.
The exact activity codes must be confirmed during registration. A farm licence does not automatically authorise every type of agricultural business.
Important 2025 Update: Abu Dhabi Expanded Permitted Farm Activities
On 12 September 2025, Abu Dhabi announced Decision No. 5 of 2025, adding 74 economic activities to those permitted on agricultural land.
This brought the total to 145 approved economic activities that can be conducted on farms, subject to applicable conditions.
The newly introduced activities cover plant production, agricultural support, food support, industrial support, general support and selected recreational activities.
However, there's an important distinction. The 145 activities refer to the broader regulatory framework for economic activity on farms. They should not be treated as 145 activities automatically available under the Small Producers Licence.
Farm owners must still obtain the appropriate licence, approval or permit for their proposed business. The decision also requires farms to retain their designated purpose and comply with applicable limits on built-up areas.
Benefits of the Small Producers Licence
No separate commercial office required: You do not need to rent a traditional office just to qualify for this licence. You must, however, have an eligible farm. This can reduce fixed costs for agricultural businesses already operating from suitable land.
Multiple activities under one licence: The published basic licence fee includes six investor-selected activities, allowing eligible producers to combine approved operations.
Lower entry-level licensing cost: With published basic fees starting at AED 790, the licence offers a comparatively accessible licensing route for qualifying farm owners.
Opportunities to sell agricultural produce: Licensed producers can develop commercial relationships with merchants and other buyers, provided their activities and distribution arrangements meet applicable rules.
Support for agricultural diversification: The licensing framework allows eligible farmers to explore additional sources of income while maintaining the agricultural purpose of their land.
Small Producers Licence Cost in Abu Dhabi
According to ADRA's published fee information, the basic cost of the Farms and Small Producers Licence ranges from AED 790 to AED 5,500.
The actual amount depends on the selected economic activities and legal form.
Cost component | Published fee or treatment |
Basic licence | AED 790–5,500 |
Included activities | Six selected activities |
Additional activity | AED 100 additional fee |
Separate commercial office | Not required |
Farm ownership or qualifying lease | Required |
External approvals | Additional costs may apply |
These figures represent published licensing charges, not the complete cost of operating an agricultural business.
For example, a farm owner planning crop production, livestock activities and agricultural training should check whether all three activities are eligible under the chosen licence.
There may also be expenses for professional approvals, facilities, equipment, inspections, legal documentation and other operating requirements.
Documents Required for a Small Producers Licence
ADRA specifically identifies the farm ownership deed as a required document.
The full application requirements depend on whether the farm is owned or leased, the legal structure and the selected economic activities.
You should prepare the following information and supporting documents where applicable:
Emirates ID and applicant identification details
Farm ownership deed or qualifying farm lease agreement
Proposed business activities and trade name
Farm location and property details
Company formation documents, where an LLC structure is selected
Additional approvals or no-objection certificates for regulated activities
Some applications may require supporting documents beyond this checklist.
For activities involving agriculture, livestock or food production, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) provides services that include no-objection certificates and food product registration.
How to Apply for a Small Producers Licence in Abu Dhabi
Applications can be handled through Abu Dhabi's digital economic licensing services.
- Check Your Eligibility
Start by confirming that you meet the citizenship and farm ownership or lease requirements.
If the farm is leased, confirm that the agreement qualifies under the applicable DMT arrangements.
- Select Your Business Activities
Decide exactly what your farm will produce or which services it will provide.
For example, growing vegetables for sale and operating an agricultural training centre may require separate activity codes and approvals.
Check these requirements before submitting your application.
- Choose Your Legal Structure
Select the legal form that matches your business arrangement.
An individual producer may consider an establishment or sole proprietorship. An LLC may be appropriate where the proposed ownership and activities qualify.
- Submit the Application Through TAMM
Visit the ADDED eServices platform, which provides access to relevant services through TAMM.
Use the applicable economic licensing service, enter the requested information and upload your documents.
- Complete Additional Approvals
Depending on your activity, the application may require review or approval from other authorities.
Food processing, animal health services and regulated production activities can involve separate technical requirements.
- Pay the Applicable Fees
Once your application has been assessed, review the official payment amount.
Check that the approved activities and legal form match your intended operations.
- Receive Your Licence
After the required approvals and payment are completed, you can obtain your economic licence through the relevant digital channel.
We’ll model the requirements and send back a single-page breakdown within 24 hours.
Additional Approvals and Compliance Requirements
Getting the Small Producers Licence is an important step, but operating a farm commercially also brings ongoing responsibilities.
Food safety: Businesses handling or selling food products must comply with relevant food safety requirements.
Agricultural inspections: Farms may be subject to inspections covering agricultural practices, production conditions and regulatory compliance.
Animal health: Livestock businesses must follow applicable animal welfare, health and biosecurity requirements.
Product processing: Producing raw agricultural goods and manufacturing packaged food products are different activities. Additional licensing may be required for commercial processing or manufacturing.
ADAFSA regulates agriculture, food safety and biosecurity in Abu Dhabi. Its responsibilities include monitoring farms, agricultural inputs and food products.
Farm owners can also explore the authority's Abu Dhabi Good Agricultural Practices programme, which supports safer and more sustainable production.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Every Farm Qualifies
Owning agricultural land does not automatically guarantee eligibility. The applicant, farm documentation and proposed activities must satisfy licensing conditions.
Confusing Farm Activities With Licence Permissions
Abu Dhabi's expanded list of activities permitted on farms does not remove the need for individual licences and regulatory approvals.
Ignoring Distribution Requirements
Selling farm produce directly to merchants is different from opening a supermarket, operating an online store or establishing a processing facility.
If you plan to sell through an independent online business, Nexture's Abu Dhabi e-commerce licence guide explains additional licensing considerations.
Underestimating Operating Expenses
A low licensing fee doesn't mean agricultural production is inexpensive.
Before applying, calculate your likely spending on irrigation, animal feed, labour, equipment, packaging and transport.
Forgetting Renewals and Licence Amendments
Your economic licence must remain valid and reflect the activities you conduct. If you expand into additional production or services, check whether your licence needs updating.
Conclusion
The Small Producers Licence offers eligible UAE citizens a way to commercialise farming and related agricultural activities in Abu Dhabi.
Its main advantages include access to multiple approved activities, published basic licensing fees of AED 790 to AED 5,500 and no requirement for a separate commercial office.
The key is choosing the correct activity and understanding which additional approvals apply.
With Abu Dhabi expanding the economic opportunities available on farms, eligible producers have more options to develop agricultural businesses. Proper licensing and compliance remain essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Small Producers Licence in Abu Dhabi?
It is a specialised economic licence for eligible UAE citizens who own or qualify to lease farms and want to undertake approved agricultural, livestock or related activities.
How much does a Small Producers Licence cost?
ADRA publishes a basic fee range of AED 790 to AED 5,500, depending on the chosen activities and legal structure. Additional fees may apply.
Can foreigners apply for a Small Producers Licence?
The published scheme is intended for eligible UAE citizens. Foreign investors should explore other business licensing routes suited to their activity.
Do I need an office for the Small Producers Licence?
No separate commercial office is required under the published licence conditions. However, qualifying farm ownership or lease arrangements are necessary.
How many activities can I include in the licence?
The published basic fee includes six investor-selected activities. Additional approved activities can be added for an extra fee.
Can I sell my farm products commercially?
Yes, approved activities can include supplying agricultural produce directly to merchants. The exact sales arrangements must comply with the licensed activities and any applicable food safety or trading requirements.
Where can I apply for the licence?
You can access Abu Dhabi's economic licensing services through the TAMM platform, subject to eligibility and approval requirements.
