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Business Setup in ADGM

Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre on Al Maryah Island, applying English common law directly and regulated by the FSRA.

Dubai cityscape and Burj Khalifa business hub

English Law, Applied Directly

ADGM is unique in applying English common law directly rather than by imitation, giving international investors immediate legal familiarity. Its Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) runs one of the region’s most respected regimes, including a pioneering framework for virtual assets, while the RegLab sandbox nurtures fintech. Beyond regulated firms, ADGM SPVs and holding companies have become the region’s favourite structuring vehicles for venture deals, real estate and family wealth.

With Abu Dhabi’s sovereign capital ecosystem (ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ) minutes away, ADGM suits managers and startups courting Gulf institutional money.

ADGM at a Glance
LocationAl Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Legal systemEnglish common law, direct
RegulatorFSRA
Best forFunds, SPVs, fintech, VA
Ownership100% foreign
Timeline1 to 4 weeks
Our specialities

Expo City Dubai, DMCC or Dubai mainland: where we get you the best deal

An authorised Expo City Dubai Free Zone channel partner, DMCC specialists based in JLT, and Dubai mainland setup experts. If one of these fits your business, we can usually set you up faster and for less.

Expo City Dubai Free ZoneAuthorised partner

Expo City Dubai Free Zone

FromAED 9,020per year · freelance permit with visa
  • Business Hub 2: 4 visas, AED 17,570
  • Standard 6 Visa Package: AED 22,080
  • Partner pricing on every package
JLT specialists

DMCC setup & PRO services

FromAED 35,484official Basic Biz package · 1 visa
  • Visas, renewals, NOCs and establishment cards
  • Every DMCC fee quoted transparently
  • DMCC PRO desk minutes from DMCC
Trade anywhere in the UAE

Dubai mainland company

Ownership100%foreign ownership for most activities
  • DET trade licence to sell across the UAE
  • LLC, professional and commercial licences
  • Government contracts and local customers

Why Choose ADGM

The structuring jurisdiction of choice beside sovereign capital.

Direct English Law

No local re-drafting of principles: English statutes and precedent apply as written.

SPV Regime

Fast, low-cost special purpose vehicles for deals, ventures and asset holding.

Virtual Asset Framework

One of the earliest and deepest crypto regulatory regimes in the region.

RegLab Sandbox

Test fintech models under supervision before full FSRA authorisation.

Sovereign Capital Access

Proximity to the world’s largest concentration of sovereign wealth funds.

Competitive Fees

Registration and renewal costs generally undercut equivalent DIFC categories.

Setup Process at ADGM

01

Package Selection

We match the right ADGM licence type, activity list and visa package to your plan and budget.

02

Application & KYC

Passport copies, photo and application forms are submitted; we handle all authority correspondence.

03

Licence Issued

Fees paid and your ADGM licence, lease and incorporation documents are released.

04

Visas & Banking

Establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then bank account introductions.

Free Zone Finder

Which UAE free zone fits your business?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Holding shares, real estate, IP or deal interests inside a ring-fenced English-law entity. Startups use SPVs for cap tables and ESOPs; families use them for asset segregation. No office is required, only a registered agent address.

SPVs start around USD 2,500 to 4,500 per year all-in. Operational non-regulated companies budget USD 10,000+, and regulated firms according to FSRA category. We quote your structure precisely.

Both are excellent. ADGM leads on SPVs, virtual assets and cost; DIFC leads on funds ecosystem depth and Dubai adjacency. Investor geography and regulator fit usually decide it; we walk you through both.

Yes. Most ADGM incorporations complete without you visiting the UAE; biometrics for your residence visa are the main in-person step.

Start Your ADGM Company

Get the current ADGM requirements and a fixed all-in quote within 24 hours.

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