ADGM Company Formation
Abu Dhabi Global Market is an international financial centre on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, with English common law applied directly. It suits financial firms, holding structures, SPVs and tech start ups.
- Al Maryah and Al Reem, Abu DhabiLocation
- English common lawLaw
- FSRARegulator
- 100%Ownership
About ADGM
ADGM has its own courts and registration authority, and applies English common law directly. Financial services are regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority; non financial businesses register with the Registration Authority.
It is a popular base for holding companies, SPVs, family foundations, funds and fintechs, and offers tech start up licences at reduced cost.
Authority
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Best suited to
Financial services and funds; Holding companies and SPVs; Family foundations; Fintech and tech start ups.
Benefits of ADGM
Common law
Familiar to international investors.
Own courts
Independent dispute resolution.
SPVs and foundations
Flexible structures.
Financial regulation
Respected FSRA regime.
Tech licences
Reduced cost for start ups.
Ownership
100%.
Licence types available
Financial services licence
Regulated activities by FSRA.
Non financial business licence
Commercial activities.
Retail licence
Retail outlets.
Tech start up licence
Early stage tech.
Special Purpose Vehicle
Holding and financing structures.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Private company limited by shares, SPV, Foundation, Branch |
| Visa allocation | Visa allocation depends on office. |
| Office | Office or flexi options in ADGM. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
ADGM packages
Starter, 0 visa
AED 14,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Growth, 1 visa
AED 18,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Premium, 2 visas
AED 24,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
ADGM questions
What law applies in ADGM?
English common law applies directly, with ADGM's own regulations.
Can I set up an SPV in ADGM?
Yes, SPVs are widely used for holding assets and financing.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about ADGM
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.