Set Up Your Company with

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an award-winning international financial center located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2013, ADGM operates as an independent jurisdiction, providing a robust legal and regulatory framework that aligns with international standards and best practices.

As a leading financial hub, ADGM offers a wide range of services, including banking, asset management, capital markets, and financial technology (FinTech). With its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and commitment to innovation, ADGM serves as a gateway for businesses to access opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Joining ADGM provides businesses with access to a vibrant ecosystem of financial institutions, professional services firms, and multinational corporations, enabling them to thrive and grow in the global marketplace.

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. 

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.

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.

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:
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Apply for registration

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

  • Obtain a business license

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

  • 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.