Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers investors and entrepreneurs a strategic gateway to the UAE’s international financial hub. Recognized for its independent regulatory framework, common law legal system, and business-friendly environment, ADGM has become a top choice for those seeking to establish financial services companies, holding entities, family offices, and professional consultancy firms in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re planning to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), launch a tech startup, or open a branch or subsidiary, the ADGM free zone provides 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax for qualifying entities, and full repatriation of profits making it one of the most attractive free zones in the UAE for international investors and SMEs.
ADGM operates across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, an area of 14.38 million sqm, making it one of the largest financial districts in the world. Since its inauguration in late October 2015, ADGM has earned global acclaim for its robust, progressive regulatory frameworks, its English common law legal framework, and its incorporation and business services.
ADGM is renowned for its vibrant and supportive business network, attracting foreign investors and companies from around the globe. Whether you’re an entrepreneur from Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, or beyond, ADGM offers a dynamic environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of international businesses. Setting up a business in ADGM provides companies with access to the fast-growing GCC market, a robust regulatory ecosystem, and a highly competitive tax environment. At GloboPrime Corporate Services, we specialize in end-to-end ADGM business setup services, helping investors with licensing, compliance, and operational requirements with ease.
ADGM has demonstrated exceptional growth, underscoring its appeal to the global business community.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a flexible framework for businesses and investors by allowing several types of legal entities. These structures are designed to support startups, SMEs, multinational corporations, and financial institutions operating in the UAE.
Featured Snippet Optimized Answer: ADGM entities include PLCs, LTDs, RSCs, Unlimited Companies, Foreign Branches, Partnerships, and specialized structures like PCC, ICC, and investment companies. Common activities in ADGM are asset management, private banking, family offices, fintech startups, legal and consulting firms, and SPV structures.
Setting up a business in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) gives investors and entrepreneurs access to one of the world’s leading international financial centers. With its modern regulations, tax benefits, and strategic location, ADGM is a preferred hub for global business expansion.
Featured Snippet Optimized Answer: ADGM is an ideal business setup destination because it offers 100% foreign ownership, a transparent English common law framework, competitive tax benefits, easy company registration, a strategic location in Abu Dhabi, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem with global connectivity.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) operates under an independent legal system based on English common law, separate from UAE mainland regulations. Its framework is designed to create a transparent, internationally recognized, and secure environment for businesses and investors. Oversight is provided by four key authorities:
ADGM is regulated by four independent authorities the FSRA (financial services oversight), RA (company registration), ADGM Courts (judicial system), and ADGM Authority (business licensing and support). Together, they ensure transparency, legal certainty, and investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a wide range of business licenses for companies operating in both financial and non-financial sectors. Choosing the correct license ensures compliance with ADGM regulations and smooth business operations.
Our expert team will help you identify the most suitable license for your business activities and guide you through the application process seamlessly, ensuring full compliance with ADGM’s regulatory standards.
Featured Snippet Optimized Summary: ADGM provides financial licenses (investment banks, asset management, FinTech, insurance, capital markets, auditing) and non-financial licenses (tech, consulting, retail, real estate, healthcare, education, hospitality, manufacturing). Our team ensures you select the right license and navigate the application process efficiently.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a variety of corporate structures tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs. Below is an overview of the key entities you can establish in ADGM:
Choosing the right business structure is crucial for your company’s success. ADGM offers several options to suit your specific needs:
This is a very popular type of company. It is used for various types of business ventures, small and large. The shareholders are not personally liable for any of the debts of the company. Their liability is limited to the amount of shares held by them.
Form a partnership with two or more individuals or entities. ADGM supports both general and limited partnerships, allowing flexibility in management and liability. Whether you’re looking to collaborate closely or limit your liability, partnerships offer versatile structures to accommodate your business model.
SPVs are perfect for managing investments or holding assets. They offer legal separation, ensuring that creditors cannot claim the assets of the parent company. SPVs are commonly used for isolating financial risk and facilitating specific investment activities.
Expand your existing business into ADGM by establishing a branch office. This allows you to operate within ADGM’s jurisdiction while maintaining your company’s original structure. Branch offices are ideal for businesses looking to extend their market reach without establishing a separate legal entity. Note that an entity incorporated as a sole establishment outside ADGM cannot branch out in ADGM (because sole establishment does not have separate legal personality from the owner).
Protected Cell Company (PCC): A corporate structure in which a single legal entity consists of a core and several cells that have separate assets and liabilities.
Incorporated Cell Company (ICC): Similar to PCC but adopts a fundamentally different approach to cells. Each cell is incorporated as a separate legal entity without the cell company needing any shareholder relationship with the relevant cell. Such a cell is called an Incorporated Cell (IC). Each IC is a separate company as a matter of law.
Each entity type in ADGM serves different operational and strategic goals. For personalized guidance on selecting the best structure for your needs, consult with an ADGM business setup specialist to maximize your advantages within this leading financial hub.
The process of establishing a business in ADGM is efficient but requires precision. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Thorough preparation is the key to a successful and speedy application. Here’s what you need to do before you start filling out forms.
Your first step is to categorize your business activities. ADGM broadly classifies businesses into three main categories, each with numerous sub-sectors:
Note: If you are unsure which category your business falls under, you can use the ADGM’s permitted activities search tool or consult with our business setup expert team. Financial activities require a prior “In-Principle Approval” from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) before you can proceed with registration.
ADGM offers a wide range of legal structures to suit different business models. The most common structures include:
ADGM has specific rules for company names to ensure uniqueness and professionalism.
You can check name availability during the application process itself. However, if you want to secure a name in advance, you can use the ADGM Online Registry Solution to reserve it.
A physical presence within ADGM’s jurisdiction on Al Maryah Island or Al Reem Island is a mandatory requirement for most businesses. The only major exception is for SPVs.
You will need to provide proof of a registered lease for your office space as part of your incorporation application. ADGM offers a wide variety of options, from premium office towers to flexible co-working spaces.
With your strategy in place, it’s time to gather your documents and submit your application.
Having all your documents ready is crucial for a smooth process. All documents must be in English.
Core Documents for All Applications:
Additional Documents (If Applicable):
The most efficient way to apply is through the ADGM Online Registry Solution.
Once submitted, the ADGM Registration Authority will review your application. If all information is complete and accurate, the process can be completed within 5-10 business days.
After your commercial license is issued, you can begin the process of sponsoring your employees.
Operating in ADGM requires adherence to annual compliance obligations. Key requirements include:
Staying on top of these requirements ensures your company remains in good standing with the ADGM authorities.
Need more information or personalized assistance? Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you with the ADGM setup process with confidence. Contact us today to get started.
The SPV regime in ADGM is one of the most cost-effective and flexible solutions for managing assets and investments. Here’s why it’s a preferred choice:
On the 24th of April 2023 ADGM increased its jurisdiction following the expansion into Al Reem Island, a significant development that enhances ADGM’s already robust infrastructure and business environment. This expansion requires all existing businesses on Al Reem Island to transfer their Abu Dhabi Mainland Department of Economic Development (ADDED) licenses to an ADGM free zone license.
The stability and credibility of ADGM are built upon a robust governance structure comprising three independent and specialized authorities, a design that fosters trust and ensures a clear separation of powers. This tripartite system functions as an integrated system of checks and balances, where administrative, regulatory, and judicial functions are handled by distinct bodies, mirroring the structure of leading global financial centers.
The RA is the administrative cornerstone of ADGM, responsible for the registration, incorporation, and licensing of all legal entities within the jurisdiction. Its functions include maintaining the public register of companies, processing post-incorporation changes, and enforcing company regulations, serving as the primary gateway for businesses establishing a presence.
The FSRA is the dedicated regulator for all financial services activities conducted within or from ADGM. It is tasked with ensuring a fair, efficient, and transparent marketplace through a progressive regulatory framework and rigorous oversight. Any firm intending to conduct financial activities must first secure permission from the FSRA, which acts as the gatekeeper to the financial ecosystem.
ADGM features an independent judicial system with a Court of First Instance and a Court of Appeal. These courts are responsible for administering and resolving civil and commercial disputes within the jurisdiction, providing legal certainty and a reliable mechanism for enforcement.
Choosing the right jurisdiction is a critical strategic decision. ADGM’s primary alternatives in the UAE are the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), another financial free zone, and the UAE “mainland,” which operates under the federal legal system.
The choice of jurisdiction often comes down to aligning a company’s business model with the specific ecosystem and regulatory philosophy of the authority. While ADGM and DIFC compete, they are increasingly seen as complementary hubs with distinct specializations.
The decision between ADGM and DIFC often reflects a company’s strategic priority. Startups and innovators may prioritize ADGM for its regulatory agility and lower entry costs, while established firms seeking global prestige might prefer DIFC’s mature institutional ecosystem.
For high-net-worth individuals, families, and entrepreneurs, protecting assets and ensuring a smooth succession of wealth is a paramount concern. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a world-class solution: the ADGM Foundation. Established under a robust common-law framework, this versatile legal structure provides an unparalleled vehicle for wealth management, succession planning, and asset protection.
An ADGM Foundation operates as a hybrid between a traditional trust and a company. It has its own distinct legal personality, meaning it can own assets, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name, all while being separate from its founder. This unique structure offers the asset protection benefits of a trust combined with the clear governance and legal identity of a corporate body, making it a premier choice for modern financial planning.
The governance of an ADGM Foundation is managed by several key parties, each with distinct roles and responsibilities defined in the foundation’s constitutional documents.
ADGM has engineered a streamlined, fully digital process for establishing a Foundation, making it both efficient and accessible.
ADGM is known for its transparent and cost-effective fee structure, making the foundation an accessible tool for wealth planning.
Once established, an ADGM Foundation has straightforward ongoing obligations to maintain its good standing and ensure compliance with regulations.
For any regulated financial activity, the FSRA imposes a stringent “Fit and Proper” test on the firm and its key personnel. This assessment evaluates honesty, integrity, competence, and financial soundness.
ADGM has announced a revised fee structure for 2025, featuring significant reductions for non-financial and retail businesses to enhance its competitiveness.
| Fee Component | Financial | Non-Financial | Retail | Tech Startup | SPV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Registration Fee | USD 16,700 | USD 5,500 | USD 2,500 | USD 1,500 | USD 700 |
| Annual License Renewal | USD 16,200 | USD 5,000 | USD 2,000 | USD 1,500 | USD 1,000 |
| Data Protection Fee | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 |
| Name Reservation | USD 200 | USD 200 | USD 200 | USD 200 | USD 200 |
Note: The total initial cost for an SPV is USD 1,900, which includes registration, license, and data protection fees. The annual renewal is USD 1,200. These costs exclude office rent, visa fees, and professional service provider fees.
| Our Strength | What You Gain |
|---|---|
| ✅ ADGM Specialization | Expertise in SPV, foundations, financial & non-financial licenses |
| ✅ Legal & Compliance Mastery | We handle FSRA, RA, and ADGM Court compliance seamlessly |
| ✅ End-to-End Services | Licensing, incorporation, visas, banking, and regulatory approvals |
| ✅ Pan-UAE Coverage | On-ground support in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah |
| ✅ Transparent Pricing | Clear cost structure from day one with no hidden fees |
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