Operate with the Certainty of English Common Law.
Establish your business in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre offering 0% corporate tax eligibility, a progressive regulatory framework, and unparalleled access to MEASA economies.
Established
2015
Legal System
English Common Law
Foreign Ownership
100%
Capital Repatriation
100%
Virtual Asset Regulation
Region's First Framework
Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a leading international financial centre strategically located on Al Maryah Island. It operates under a unique legal framework based directly on English Common Law, providing unmatched legal certainty for global financial institutions, corporations, and professional services firms. This robust ecosystem is designed to foster innovation and connect the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Governing Body
- ADGM Registration Authority (RA)
- Legal Framework
- Direct application of English Common Law
- Corporate Tax
- 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons
- VAT
- Designated Zone for goods, 5% on services
- Annual Audit
- Mandatory for all entities
- Key Industries
- Finance, FinTech, Asset Management, SPVs, Legal
The ADGM Strategic Advantage
Discover why global leaders choose ADGM as their strategic hub for growth, governance, and innovation.
Direct Application of English Common Law
Operate with absolute legal certainty. ADGM is the only jurisdiction in the region to directly apply English Common Law, ensuring your contracts and investments are globally recognised and enforceable.
Optimised Tax Environment
Benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero restrictions on capital repatriation, and eligibility for a 0% corporate tax rate as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, maximizing your financial efficiency.
Progressive & Innovative Regulations
Lead the future of finance with the world's most advanced regulatory frameworks for FinTech, digital assets, and sustainable finance, supported by regulatory sandboxes and specialist regimes.
Purpose-Built Financial Ecosystem
Join a concentrated hub of banking, fund management, and professional services firms. ADGM provides the infrastructure and network to facilitate high-value corporate and financial activities.
Independent & Robust Governance
Gain confidence from a transparent structure with three independent authorities: the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and ADGM Courts.
Flexible Corporate Structuring
Leverage the region's largest and most attractive Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) regime, ideal for asset holding, financing, and succession planning, alongside a full range of corporate entities.
An Investment in Certainty
ADGM fees reflect its premium status as a world-class international financial centre. The following is an estimate for a standard setup.
Professional Package (1 Visa)
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Trade License
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
- Data Protection Registration
AED Pricing
An Investment in Certainty
ADGM fees reflect its premium status as a world-class international financial centre. The following is an estimate for a standard setup.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 2,935
AED 3,670
Licenses Engineered for Global Business
ADGM offers a range of license types tailored to the specific needs of financial, professional, and innovative enterprises.
Financial Services License
Professional Services License
Tech & Innovation License
Holding Company / SPV
Popular Business Activities
ADGM supports a broad spectrum of regulated and non-regulated activities for sophisticated global businesses.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Dealing in Investments as Principal or Agent | Financial & Investment |
| Managing Assets & Collective Investment Funds | Financial & Investment |
| Providing Credit & Arranging Credit or Deals | Financial & Investment |
| Legal Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| Management, Business & Strategy Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| Accounting, Auditing & Bookkeeping | Professional & Consultancy |
| Operating a Virtual Asset Exchange | Technology & Innovation |
| Development of Blockchain & DLT Technologies | Technology & Innovation |
| Software as a Service (SaaS) and AI Products | Technology & Innovation |
Your Path to Incorporation
A streamlined and fully digital process to establish your ADGM company efficiently.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Application Submission
Submit your completed application form, required shareholder documents, and business plan via the ADGM online portal.
Due Diligence & Approval
The ADGM Registration Authority conducts a thorough review and due diligence, issuing an initial approval upon successful screening.
Registration & License Issuance
Upon payment of fees and submission of any final documents, ADGM issues your official Certificate of Incorporation and Commercial License.
Immigration & Visas
Apply for your company's Establishment Card, followed by the entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID processing for your employees.
Who Thrives in ADGM?
Global FinTech Founder
Seeking a supportive regulatory sandbox and the region's first comprehensive virtual asset framework to scale an innovative financial technology solution.
Primary Benefit
Progressive & Innovative Regulations
International Law Firm Partner
Requires a strategic hub to service global clients under the familiar and predictable legal framework of English Common Law.
Primary Benefit
Direct Application of English Common Law
Family Office Principal
Needs a stable, reputable jurisdiction for wealth preservation and succession planning, using flexible structures like SPVs and Foundations.
Primary Benefit
Hub for Financial and Professional Services
MNC Corporate Treasurer
Aims to establish a regional treasury or holding company to mitigate tax inefficiencies and contractual uncertainties for MEASA operations.
Primary Benefit
100% Foreign Ownership & Tax Benefits
ADGM vs. The Alternatives
Understand how ADGM's unique features position it against other leading financial hubs.
| Feature Highlight | ADGM | DIFC | KSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Direct English Common Law | Common Law (based on English Law) | Sharia-based Civil Law |
| Corporate Tax | 0% for Qualifying Entities | 0% for Qualifying Entities | 20% Standard Rate |
| Virtual Asset Regulation | Comprehensive FSRA Framework | Comprehensive DFSA Framework | Developing Framework |
| Special Purpose Vehicles | Region's largest & most flexible regime | Established & widely used regime | Limited Framework |
| Primary Market Access | UAE & MEASA Region | UAE & MEASA Region | Saudi Arabia (largest regional economy) |
This is a general comparison for illustrative purposes. Specific advantages depend on your business activities and structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Your Strategic Advantage in the Middle East
Leverage the power of English Common Law, a 0% tax environment, and a world-class financial ecosystem. Start your ADGM journey today.
- Expert guidance through every step
- Transparent and clear pricing
- Confidential and secure process