Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an award-winning international financial center (IFC) based in Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2015, ADGM operates under an independent legal jurisdiction based on English Common Law — the first jurisdiction in the region to directly apply English law, offering clarity, transparency, and global standards.

ADGM is known for attracting banks, asset managers, family offices, private equity firms, fintech companies, professional service providers, and corporate entities due to its robust regulatory framework, tax efficiency, and business-friendly environment.

Location

  • Al Maryah Island, the designated financial district of Abu Dhabi.

  • Connected to downtown Abu Dhabi and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

  • Strategic access to regional and international markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and beyond.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in ADGM

  • 100% foreign ownership.

  • 0% corporate and personal income tax (for 50 years).

  • Common Law jurisdiction with independent ADGM Courts.

  • Independent Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).

  • Separate Registration Authority (RA) for non-financial entities.

  • No restrictions on capital repatriation.

  • Fast-track immigration and visa processing.

  • Access to SPVs and Foundations for structuring.

  • Fully developed ecosystem: banks, legal firms, auditors, fintech, and consultants.

  • Innovation-friendly — ideal for fintech, digital assets, and startups.

Types of Legal Entities in ADGM

Legal StructureDescription
Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd)For trading, services, and holding activities.
Branch of a Foreign CompanyExtension of a parent company abroad.
Representative OfficePromotes the parent company’s business in the region.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)Asset holding, risk isolation, and structured finance.
FoundationPrivate wealth, succession, and philanthropic structures.

License Categories Available in ADGM

  • Financial Services License:

    • Asset Management

    • Banking

    • Brokerage

    • Insurance

    • Custody

  • Non-Financial Business License:

    • Professional services (legal, consulting, accounting)

    • Holding companies

    • Corporate offices

  • Tech Startup License:

    • For fintechs and SMEs (offered at reduced cost)

  • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV):

    • For asset holding and investment structuring

  • Foundation:

    • Ideal for wealth and estate planning

Documents Required for Company Setup

For Individual Shareholders
  • Passport copy

  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)

  • CV/Profile

  • Business plan (for regulated entities)

For Corporate Shareholders
  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association

  • Board Resolution

  • Passport and address proof of authorized signatory

Note: Corporate documents must be notarized and legalized.

Key Setup Requirements

  • Minimum one shareholder and one director.
  • Registered office address in ADGM (co-working options available).
  • Appointment of a Company Secretary.
  • No minimum capital for non-financial businesses.
  • Financial firms require capital based on FSRA guidelines.
  • Data Protection registration required.
  • Commercial license from the Registration Authority is mandatory.

Step-by-Step Company Setup Process

  1. Define business activity and legal structure.
  2. Reserve company name through ADGM portal.
  3. Submit incorporation documents to the Registration Authority.
  4. Regulatory review:
  5. FSRA for financial firms
  6. RA for non-financial firms
  7. Lease office space (flexi-desk or full office).
  8. License issuance and incorporation.
  9. Apply for Establishment Card (if visas are needed).
  10. Open corporate bank account.
  11. Apply for visas for shareholders, directors, and staff.

Typical Setup Costs (Estimates)

ItemCost Range (USD)
Application & Registration1,000 – 2,000
Commercial License Fee4,000 – 10,000+ / year
Office Lease (Flexi-desk)5,000 – 7,000 / year
SPV Setup (optional)From 1,600
Visa Processing (per visa)1,500 – 2,000

Industries Best Served by ADGM

Banking and Financial Services

Wealth and Asset Management

Insurance and Reinsurance

Legal and Professional Services

Fintech & Digital Assets

Family Offices

Holding Companies & SPVs

Technology Startups

Why Choose ADGM?

BenefitDetails
International StandardsEnglish Common Law, independent judiciary
Business FriendlyFast and transparent processes
Versatile LicensesFinancial & non-financial entities
Tax Advantages0% personal and corporate tax
Strategic LocationCentral MENA and global access
Innovation-FocusedIdeal for fintech, tech startups, and digital firms
Legal StrengthIndependent courts and arbitration center