Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Company Setup

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. 

Legal Framework
of ADGM

ADGM has a separate legal framework from the UAE and is overseen by three independent authorities. These authorities are responsible for ensuring 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 offer local and foreign entrepreneurs a range of 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.

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 by any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.

Steps

Make a minimum purchase of AED 1,000 using your credit card for any services provided by Rapid Zone.

 

Call the banking services of any of our partner banks and request to convert your purchase into an Easy Payment Plan.

 

Get the option of paying over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months

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

Steps in Setting Up Your Business Under a Dubai Mainland License

The first and most important thing to do before setting up a company in Dubai is to choose the right category and nature where your business activity falls. You can choose from over 1,500 business activities in the UAE. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is the Governing body that regulates all the legal activities of businesses in Dubai.

Choose a unique name for your company. Ensure that the chosen name does not match any other companies in Dubai. Once you have selected a name and received approval, register it with the DED. Typically, the registration process takes around three days.

After registering your company name, it’s now time to apply for your mainland trade license. There are a few commercial activities that are not permissible according to the DED law. DED is the accountable body to decide, regulate, classify, permit, and license all economic activities. Several documents are required as part of a trade license application. Rapid Zone can assist you with this.

In the UAE, office spaces are usually owned by third parties. The packages and inclusions can be customised depending on your needs. It is essential to note that the tenancy agreement, Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA) documents, and EJARI need to be submitted, following with the initial approval that is granted by the DED. An office space is often not mandatory and Rapid Zone provides options of coworking spaces which is much more cost-effective.

The Memorandum of Association (MoA) is one of the most important documents in setting up a company in Dubai. This document states the information on share of limitations and liberty every partner has within the company. This document should be drafted carefully. The legal experts from Rapid Zone can help you in preparing this document.

After completing documentation and approvals, pay fees and collect your business license, marking official recognition and allowing legal operation in Dubai mainland.

After obtaining the trade license, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Modern digital banking has streamlined this process, often taking only a few days. Our team of banking experts will assist you throughout the process.