Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, established in 2013 and operational since 2015. It is located across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. It operates under its own independent legal system based on English Common Law, separate from UAE federal law, with its own courts, Registration Authority (RA), and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
ADGM is home to hundreds of local and international companies spanning financial services, fintech, professional services, family offices, tech startups, and holding structures. ADGM offers a transparent, digitally-driven environment with international credibility, making it the top choice for businesses that need a sophisticated, globally recognised UAE jurisdiction.
ADGM combines a world-class legal framework, a prestigious financial address, and a fully digital registration process within one jurisdiction. Main benefits include:
The most common structure for non-financial businesses, tech startups, and professional services firms. It supports single or multiple shareholders, 100% foreign ownership, and limited liability with no minimum capital for most activities.
Designed for companies seeking to raise capital through public share offerings. It requires a minimum of two shareholders and a minimum share capital of USD 50,000.
Used to hold shares, real estate, intellectual property, or to isolate financing structures. No physical office is required if a licensed Company Service Provider (CSP) is appointed. Registration fee is USD 1,900.
Suited for professional services firms and joint ventures that require a partnership structure with limited liability protection.
Extends an existing overseas company’s operations into ADGM under the parent company’s legal identity with no separate share capital required.
Provides a governance structure for family offices, succession planning, and asset protection, operating as a hybrid between a company and a trust.
Financial services companies must obtain In-Principle Approval (IPA) from FSRA before proceeding with Registration Authority incorporation.
It is issued by FSRA, and covers banking, asset management, investment advisory, wealth management, fintech, insurance, and capital markets. Its registration fee is around USD 16700 + annual renewal of USD 16,200 (2025 rates). You need FSRA In-Principle Approval to meet capital adequacy requirements.
The Non-Financial Commercial License is designed for professional services firms, consultancies, IT companies, holding structures, and general business operations. Registration fee is USD 5,000 + annual renewal USD 5,000 (2025 rates).
For retail businesses and consumer-facing operations. Registration fee USD 2,500 + annual renewal USD 2,000 (2025 rates).
For qualifying innovation and technology companies. Flat fee of USD 1,500 for both registration and annual renewal.
Note: Manufacturing and industrial activities are not permitted in ADGM. Activity approvals depend on license category and regulatory requirements.
ADGM operates under three independent authorities.
CorpLex offers the services to coordinate with the RA and FSRA on your behalf, managing all documentation and follow-ups through to license issuance.
Your business activity determines your license category, financial, non-financial, retail, or tech startup, and whether FSRA pre-approval is required.
Choose between Private CLS, SPV, LLP, Branch, or Foundation based on your ownership model and operational goals.
Your business name must be unique in the ADGM register and comply with ADGM naming regulations.
Submit business plan, Articles of Association, colored passport copies, proof of address, source of wealth, and UBO declarations through the ADGM Online Registry. All documentation must be dated within 3 months of submission.
Financial services companies must complete the FSRA authorisation track before proceeding to registration.
Physical presence is required for most ADGM entities. Options include flexi-desk, co-working, and private offices on Al Maryah or Al Reem Island. SPVs are exempt with an appointed CSP.
Once documents are approved, pay the applicable registration and license fees. The license is issued, and the company can begin operations, open a corporate bank account, and apply for employee visas.
Additional costs to budget for:
varies by size and location on Al Maryah or Al Reem Island
per employee, linked to office space
mandatory for SPVs and foundations
license + data protection + office lease
Many people struggle to setup a business in ADGM as it’s easy to make mistakes like choosing the wrong entity, not completing documents, and failing to meet compliance requirements. At CorpLex, we support your ADGM company formation with proven expertise in operating companies, Private CLS, SPV, LLP, Branch, or Foundation. Our team works directly with ADGM authorities, so you can rest easy while we manage requirements and keep you updated on milestones for your ADGM setup.
From January 2025, the ADGM company setup costs have been revised. non-financial businesses pay USD 5,000 registration + USD 5,000 annual renewal. Tech startups pay a flat USD 1,500. Financial services firms pay USD 16,700 registration + USD 16,200 annual renewal. All companies pay an additional USD 300 data protection fee annually.
Private CLS, Public CLS, SPV, LLP, Branch of a Foreign Company, and Foundation. Each suits different business activities and ownership structures.
Yes. ADGM is one of the preferred jurisdictions in the UAE for holding structures due to its English Common Law framework, no minimum capital for most holding activities, and 0% tax on qualifying income.
No minimum capital for most structures, including Private CLS and holding companies. Public CLS requires USD 50,000. Financial services firms are subject to FSRA-specific capital adequacy requirements.
Non-regulated businesses with complete documents may take a few days to 2 weeks. Regulated financial services firms requiring FSRA approval usually take 8–12 weeks.
ADGM companies can not directly trade on the UAE Mainland. ADGM companies require a mainland branch or distributor to conduct trade within the UAE mainland.
ADGM companies that qualify as Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Maintaining QFZP status requires adequate economic substance within ADGM.
Documents needed include a business plan, Articles of Association, colored passport copies, proof of address, source of wealth documentation, UBO declarations, and completed application forms. All documents must be dated within 3 months of submission.
Yes, most entities need a physical office in Abu Dhabi Global Market(ADGM). Flexi-desk and co-working options are available. SPVs and foundations don’t need a physical office if a licensed CSP is appointed.
Yes, you can setup an ADGM company remotely. ADGM uses a fully digital Online Registry Solution. CorpLex can manage the entire process on your behalf.
