Set Up Your Company with

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 Abu Dhabi

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

    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:

    A Free Zone LLC is a legal entity registered under the free zone jurisdiction of Dubai Design District. FZ-LLCs are similar to other types of LLCs in that they are separate legal entities from their owners and offer limited liability protection to their shareholders.
    D3 FZ-LLC
    A Branch Company established under Dubai Design District is a representative of a company already existing outside D3 or the UAE. Branch Companies can have different names from their companies.
    Branch Company
    As a global creative hub, designers and artists are allowed to carry out services under their name through a special permit.
    Freelance Permit

    Steps in Setting Up Your

    Under a Dubai Mainland License

    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.