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Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a world-leading financial centre located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It offers a wide range of financial services, including asset management, private banking, Islamic finance, capital raising, and a secure, regulated environment for global business. 

The ADGM was established in 2013 to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business hub. With a powerful combination of world-class infrastructure and a supportive legal and regulatory framework, ADGM is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to grow and succeed. 

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Legal Framework
of ADGM

ADGM has a separate legal framework from the UAE and is overseen by three independent authorities. These authorities are responsible to ensure that businesses within Abu Dhabi operate in line with international practices that are recognized by major financial centers worldwide.

Legal Framework

Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)

Responsible for the regulation and supervision of financial services within and from the ADGM.

Registration Authority

Responsible for the registration of companies, partnerships and other business structures incorporated in the ADGM.

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts

Responsible for the administration of justice in the ADGM.

Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in the ADGM

With a diverse and dynamic market, setting up a business in ADGM can provide local and foreign entrepreneurs various benefits and incentives. Here are some of the following: 

Ease of Doing Business

  • 100% foreign company ownership 
  • No restrictions on capital repatriation 
  • No currency restrictions 
  • No restriction on foreign employees 

Regulatory

  • ADGM operates based on English common law, recognized globally, to ensure impartiality and transparency within the jurisdiction. 
  • Legal framework supports cross-border activities. 

Tax Benefits

  • No personal income tax 
  • 9% corporate income tax (where applicable)  

Strategic Location

  • ADGM is centrally located in the Middle East, giving easy access for trading business in Asia, Africa, and Europe. 
  • Proximity to airports such as the Dubai International Airport. 

Business Ecosystem

  • Home to over 100 startups and accelerators, including Hub71, and startAD 
  • Dynamic workforce 
  • World-class facilities and infrastructures 

Visa Packages

ADGM offers flexible visa packages to businesses and professionals interested in establishing a presence in the UAE. These give companies and individuals the opportunity to obtain a business license, residency visa and other necessary permits. 

Cost of Starting a Business
in ADGM

The final requirements and costs to setting up your business in ADGM will depend on various factors, including the nature of your business, office space, and the number of employees you need for your company. This is where the business experts of Creative Zone can help you.

Creative Zone offers a flexible payment method package of tailored business solutions to help you incorporate your company in the UAE. Here is the standard business package of Creative Zone:

Creative Zone – Corporate Sponsorship
Creative Zone – PRO Services
To get an estimate of your business, use our COST CALCULATOR

Explore Monthly
Payment Plans

with Selected Banks

Convert your transactions into easy and affordable monthly instalments with our selected range of banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card issued from any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.

Steps

*General terms and conditions from the banks will be applicable.

Types of Licenses Offered
in ADGM 

There are various types of business activities that can be carried in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. Generally, they are classified into two: the financial and non-financial businesses.

Financial Business

Financial businesses established in ADGM are companies that provide financial services and products to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. 

Activities under financial business: 

  • Investment Banks  
  • Asset Management and Funds  
  • FinTech 
  • Capital Markets 
  • Investment Advisory and Wealth Management  
  • Insurance Companies 
  • Payment and Clearing Services  
  • Credit Rating Agencies  
  • Auditing and Accounting Firms  
  • Brokerage 

Non-Financial Business

Non-financial business under the ADGM jurisdiction refers to any business activity that does not involve the exchange of money or financial instruments.
Activities under non-financial business: 
  • Technology and Innovation Companies 
  • Business Consulting Firms 
  • Retail and Consumer Goods Businesses 
  • Real Estate and Property Development Companies 
  • Healthcare and Medical Companies 
  • Education and Training Providers 
  • Hospitality and Tourism Businesses 
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses 

Business Structures
under ADGM

The types of companies that can be registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market are determined by its governing bodies. Generally, these are the common business structures under ADGM:

Steps in Setting Up Your Company in ADGM

The process of setting up a company in the Abu Dhabi Global Market is typically the same for all business activities permitted under its jurisdictions. These are the general steps that you can follow to set up a company in ADGM:

1

Choose a trade name

The first step in setting up a business in ADGM is to choose a name for the company. The name should be unique and should not be similar to any other existing business name.

2

Choose a business structure

The next step is selecting the type of business structure most suitable for the company. The business structure will determine the number of shareholders and the company’s liabilities.

3

Prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA):

An MOA is one of the most important documents for setting up a company in the UAE.

Your company’s MOA should be attested and contain details regarding the company’s shareholders, policies, purpose, and mode of business operations.

4

Apply for registration

Once the MOA is drafted, the company will need to apply for registration with the ADGM’s Registration Authority.

5

Obtain a business license

After registration, the company must get a business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).

6

Open a corporate bank account

Finally, after the business license has been issued, the company must open a corporate bank account in its name. This is where all financial transactions of the companies will be made.

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