ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market Company Formation

What is ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market Freezone?

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre and freezone located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Launched in 2013, it consists of three independent authorities—the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the ADGM Courts. This structure ensures a common-law legal framework based on English law, providing transparency and predictability for investors. Companies registered in ADGM enjoy 100 % foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate income tax for up to 50 years and unrestricted repatriation of profits. The freezone is designed to attract financial institutions, fintech firms, professional services, corporate headquarters and startups by offering a modern digital registry, streamlined incorporation and world-class infrastructure. Located between Europe, Asia and Africa, ADGM provides strategic access to regional and global markets with excellent aviation and logistics connections.

Benefits of Abu Dhabi Global Market Freezone Company Formation

100 % Foreign Ownership & Repatriation

ADGM allows investors to own their companies 100% without requiring a local partner. This ensures you retain full decision-making authority and profit control. In addition, there are no restrictions on capital repatriation, allowing you to move profits and capital out of the UAE freely.

Tax Incentives & Cost Efficiency

Companies in ADGM benefit from 0% corporate and personal income tax for up to 50 years, no import/export duties, and full exemption from withholding taxes. You may still be subject to the UAE’s new corporate tax regime on mainland income, but profits generated within the freezone remain tax-free.

World-Class Infrastructure & Regulatory Stability

ADGM offers state-of-the-art office spaces, advanced telecommunications and a robust digital ecosystem. Its regulatory framework is overseen by the FSRA and independent courts that operate on English common law.

Strategic Global Location & Networking Opportunities

Positioned in Abu Dhabi with direct access to ports, airports and key transport routes, ADGM connects businesses to the world. Its ecosystem attracts financial, fintech, professional services firms from around the world, offering networking and partnership opportunities.

Flexible Legal Framework & Diverse Business Activities

ADGM supports a wide range of sectors—from banking and capital markets to asset management, fintech, professional services, retail and technology. The freezone’s common-law system allows for innovative legal structures such as special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and foundations.

Access to Talent & Support Ecosystem

ADGM’s freezone framework makes it easy to recruit international employees with no restrictions on foreign staff, A supportive ecosystem including accelerators, incubators, mentorship programmes and funding networks helps startups and established companies scale quickly.

Business Activities Permitted in ADGM

ADGM’s inclusive framework allows a broad spectrum of regulated and non-regulated activities, making it a hub for diverse enterprises.

Types of Legal Structures in ADGM

ADGM offers multiple entity types designed for flexibility, transparency and investor protection. Each structure requires at least one shareholder and can be tailored with classes of shares and different governance models.

Limited Liability Company (LLC & FZ-LLC)

An LLC or Freezone LLC (FZ-LLC) is a separate legal entity where shareholders’ liability is limited to their share capital. These structures allow full foreign ownership, issuance of equity and debt securities and minimal share capital requirements. They are suitable for SMEs, startups and holding companies seeking flexibility in governance and share classes.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP consists of partners who participate in management while enjoying limited liability. It is ideal for professional services firms such as law, accounting and consulting practices. Partners can share profits according to an agreement and are shielded from personal liability for the actions of other partners.

Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) & Restricted Scope Company

A private company limited by shares (LTD) restricts share transfers and is designed for closely held businesses seeking confidentiality and simplified disclosure requirements. Restricted Scope Companies offer further privacy, allowing exempted disclosures of shareholders and directors and are often used by family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

Public Company Limited by Shares (PLC)

A public company may offer its shares to the public and is suitable for enterprises seeking to list securities or attract large numbers of investors. PLCs in ADGM are governed by stringent corporate governance standards and FSRA oversight, making them ideal for regulated financial institutions and large-scale ventures.

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

An SPV is a passive holding entity used for ring-fencing assets, securitisation, project financing or holding intellectual property. ADGM SPVs are popular in private equity, venture capital and family office structures due to straightforward incorporation, minimal ongoing obligations and access to international treaties.

Branch or Representative Office

A branch allows an existing foreign company to operate in ADGM without creating a separate legal entity. The branch is treated as an extension of the parent company and is subject to its liabilities. A representative office can conduct marketing and liaison activities but cannot engage in commercial transactions.

Types of Licenses Available in ADGM

Financial Services Licence

Issued by the FSRA, this license covers banking, asset management, brokerage, capital markets, insurance and other regulated financial activities. Applicants must meet proper criteria, maintain adequate capital and comply with governance and reporting obligations. The license ensures access to global investors and financial markets while operating within a secure regulatory environment.

Professional & Business Services Licence

This license allows professional firms—legal consultancies, auditors, tax advisors, management consultants and corporate service providers—to operate within ADGM. The license may extend to non-regulated designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) such as real estate brokers and law firms.

FinTech & Innovation Licence

Designed for fintech startups, virtual asset service providers and other tech innovators, this licence encourages experimentation under a controlled environment. ADGM’s regulatory sandbox facilitates the testing of emerging technologies such as blockchain, digital payments and AI-powered financial products.

Non-Financial Commercial Licence

This license covers general trading, retail activities, e-commerce, restaurants and hospitality services. It enables businesses to offer goods and services within ADGM’s mixed-use developments. Companies must secure suitable premises, meet health and safety standards and obtain separate permits for certain activities (e.g., food service or printing).

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Licence

The SPV license is a simplified option for holding assets, securitization and risk isolation. With minimal capital requirements, this license is often used in structured finance, real estate and project financing. It’s particularly attractive for multinational groups seeking to isolate liabilities or hold intellectual property within a tax-efficient jurisdiction.

Foundations & Non-Profit Organization Licenses

ADGM also permits the establishment of foundations, trusts and non-profit entities to manage charitable activities, philanthropic projects and estate planning. These structures benefit from independent legal personality, separation of assets and governance flexibility, making them ideal for families and organizations with long term succession plans.

Step-by-Step Setup Process for ADGM Company Formation

1. Determine Business Activity & Legal Structure

Begin by identifying the nature of your intended activity financial, professional, fintech, retail or special purpose—and the most suitable legal entity (LLC, LLP, SPV, etc.), Each activity has specific regulatory requirements, and selecting the right structure will shape licensing fees, capital requirements and compliance obligations.

2. Reserve Trade Name & Prepare Business Plan

Choose a unique company name that complies with ADGM naming rules (no offensive or misleading terms, proper corporate suffixes), Simultaneously, prepare a comprehensive business plan describing your activities, financial projections, management team and operational strategies, This plan demonstrates viability to regulators and supports visa and banking applications.

3. Gather Required Documents

Compile the necessary documents, including the company’s Articles of Association, board resolution authorizing incorporation, passport copies of shareholders and directors, proof of address, source of wealth declarations and specimen signatures, For regulated activities, additional documents such as compliance manuals, risk frameworks and professional certificates may be required.

4. Submit Application & Pay Fees

File the incorporation application via ADGM’s digital portal, attaching the business plan and required documents, The Registration Authority will review your submission, and the FSRA will conduct due diligence for regulated activities. Pay the applicable registration and license fees, which vary depending on the company type and license category,

5. Secure Office Space & Sign Lease

ADGM generally requires companies to have a registered office or flex-desk. For non-regulated businesses and SPVs, a virtual office may suffice, For certain licenses, physical space is mandatory. Once approved, sign a tenancy contract with an ADGM approved landlord or serviced office provider. Our team can arrange virtual or physical office solutions to meet regulatory requirements.

6. Receive License & Start Operations

After approval, the Registration Authority will issue your Certificate of Incorporation and Business License. You can then open bank accounts, obtain visas for shareholders and employees, and commence operations. Many investors also apply for dual licensing to operate on the mainland through the Department of Economic Development (DED). Our support continues with visa processing, employee on-boarding and compliance management.

Documents Required for ADGM Company Formation

Articles of Association (AoA)
Defines the company’s purpose, share structure, governance and operational rules. Regulators require a notarized and signed AoA to ensure transparency and compliance.
Board Resolution / Shareholder Resolution
Authorizes the incorporation and appoints signatories. This document proves that shareholders have agreed to form the company and delegate authority to specific individuals.
Passport Copies & Proof of Address
Identification documents for all shareholders, directors and authorized signatories. They enable background checks and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
Business Plan & Financial Projections
A detailed description of the proposed activities, market analysis, revenue forecasts and management team. Regulators evaluate the plan to assess the viability and legality of the business.

Source of Wealth & Bank Reference Letters
Demonstrates the legal origin of funds invested and ensures alignment with anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines.
Specimen Signatures & Passport-Size Photos
Used to verify signatories when opening bank accounts and signing contracts. These documents support identity verification.
Lease Agreement or Virtual Office Contract
Proof of a physical or virtual office within ADGM. It ensures that the company has an established presence for legal and correspondence purposes.
Additional Documents for Regulated Activities
For financial services, you must submit risk management frameworks, compliance manuals, board policies and evidence of professional qualifications.

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison

Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals

Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation

Workspace & Tenancy Solutions

Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup

Visa & Immigration Processing

PRO & Legal Documentation Services

Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

Frequently Asked Question - FAQs

ADGM is an international financial centre with its own civil and commercial laws based on English common law, While other freezones follow UAE federal laws, ADGM provides an independent court system, a digital registration process and a focus on finance, fintech and professional services. It allows 100 % foreign ownership, 0 % personal and corporate income tax for up to 50 years and offers specialized structures such as SPVs and foundations.

Most licenses require a registered office or flex desk within ADGM, but certain activities such as SPVs and tech startup licenses may operate through a virtual office, DSA can help you secure a virtual or physical office and ensure compliance with the lease registration requirement.

The timeline depends on the activity and license type. Unregulated entities can be incorporated within two to four weeks once all documents are submitted and approved. Regulated financial services may take longer due to FSRA due diligence. Our experience and connections can expedite the process and minimize delays.

ADGM typically does not impose minimum share capital requirements for many unregulated entities such as FZ-LLCs and SPVs, However, regulated financial services and public companies must maintain adequate capital based on their risk profile and business plan. We guide clients on appropriate capitalization to satisfy regulators and investors.

Yes. ADGM entities can obtain a dual licence from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) to conduct activities on the mainland. Additionally, they can open branches or representative offices in other emirates and international jurisdictions. We assist with the dual licensing process and advise on compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market Company Formation