Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

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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

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.

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.

No Currency Restrictions

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

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 financial business:

Investment Banks
Asset Management and Funds
FinTech
Capital Markets
Investment Advisory and Wealth Management

Payment and Clearing Services

Credit Rating Agencies

Auditing and Accounting Firms

Brokerage

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:

Civil Company

A Civil Company is essentially a partnership business for conducting service-related or professional activities. A Civil Company can have partners of any nationality, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed if the partnership doesn’t include UAE or GCC nationals. Civil Companies are jointly liable for any losses or debts that arise out of the civil partnership.

Single-Person LLC

A Single-Person LLC is a business structure set up and owned by an individual or a corporate body.

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is composed of 2-50 shareholders. An LLC is the most convenient legal structure for expatriate residents and foreigners to establish a new company in the UAE. Foreign investors are entitled to 100% LLC ownership on selected business activities.

Sole Proprietorship

Foreign nationals can retain 100% foreign ownership in the business
A Local Service Agent (LSA) is required for owners who are not UAE nationals. The LSA supervises license requirements and other government-related matters for the business.
The company can legally practice professional services anywhere in the UAE

Branch Office of Local & Foreign Companies

Companies registered in the UAE or in other countries can establish a branch on the Dubai Mainland. The branch must carry out more than one activity listed on the parent company’s license.

Steps for Setting Up Your Company in 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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