Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Abu Dhabi Global Market Authority, Abu Dhabi
Description
Established in 2013, ADGM is an international financial center located on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands in Abu Dhabi. It operates under a legal framework based on English common law, providing a business-friendly environment for financial and non-financial entities.

Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
Website | https://www.adgm.com/ |
Contact Email | info@adgm.com |
Contact Info |
Phone: +971 2 333 8888
Address: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
|
Year Established | 2013 |
License Types | Financial Services, Non-Financial Services, Retail, Professional Services |
License Cost | AED 38,000.00 - License fees start at approximately AED 38,000 per year for non-financial entities. |
Formation Cost | AED 103,000.00 - Initial setup costs, including license and office rental, start from AED 103,000 for non-financial entities. |
Minimum Capital Requirement | AED 50,000.00 - Minimum capital requirements vary depending on the type of business activity. |
Allowed Business Activities | Banking, Asset Management, Insurance, FinTech, Professional Services, Retail Operations |
Company Legal Structures | Private Company Limited by Shares, Branch of a Foreign Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Foundation |
Allowed Activities | Financial Services, Professional Services, Retail, Consulting |
Restricted Activities | Activities requiring special approvals from UAE authorities |
Investor Visa Cost | AED 3,170.00 - The employment visa costs AED 3,170 per person, including medical and Emirates ID. |
Employee Visa Cost | AED 3,170.00 - The employment visa costs AED 3,170 per person, including medical and Emirates ID. |
Processing Time (Days) | 14 days - The average time expected to complete the registration process starts from fourteen working days. |
Physical Office Required | Yes |
Office Space Options | Serviced Offices, Co-Working Spaces, Customizable Office Suites |
Office Space Cost | AED 50,000.00 - Office rental costs start from AED 50,000 per year, depending on the space and facilities. |
Virtual Office Available | No |
Bank Account Assistance | Yes |
Bank Account Cost | Assistance is provided; costs may vary depending on the chosen bank. |
Partner Banks | Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), HSBC |
Governing Laws | Operates under a legal framework based on English common law. |
VAT Registration Required | Yes |
Corporate Tax Applicable | No |
Annual Audit Required | Yes |
Renewal Fees | AED 38,000.00 - Annual renewal fees start at AED 38,000, varying by business activity. |
Business Restrictions | Specific activities may require additional approvals. |
Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership |
Import/Export Restrictions | No Standard customs regulations apply; specific activities may require additional approvals. |
Benefits | 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, 0% personal income tax, No restrictions on capital repatriation, Independent regulatory framework, Access to regional and international markets |
Drawbacks | Higher setup and operational costs compared to other free zones |
Specific Compliance Requirements | Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, Adherence to international financial reporting standards |