United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Formation Time

3–5 business days (non-financial) / 6–12 weeks (regulated)

Min. Capital

USD 10,000 (SPV: USD 1)

Corporate Tax

0% (50-year statutory tax guarantee / QFZP)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is the international financial center of the UAE federal capital, located across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. Directly adopting English common law in its entirety (via the Application of English Law Regulations 2015), ADGM operates under an independent judicial system (ADGM Courts, led by former senior UK and Commonwealth judges), an independent financial regulator (Financial Services Regulatory Authority - FSRA), and an independent Registration Authority (RA). ADGM has emerged as the fastest-growing financial center in the Middle East, hosting sovereign wealth funds (ADIA, Mubadala), global hedge funds (Brevan Howard, Marshall Wace), asset managers, and family offices managing over $450 billion in assets. ADGM also provides the world-renowned ADGM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) framework, widely considered the premier vehicle for international structured finance, equity holding, and joint ventures in the Middle East.

Direct English common law

ADGM Courts jurisdiction

World-leading SPV regime

FSRA financial regulation

50-year 0% tax guarantee

Why Choose ADGM

Direct application of English common law — familiar to international investors, funds, and banks

ADGM Courts — independent commercial court system with world-renowned Commonwealth judges

Regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) — leading global standard

Premier hub for global hedge funds, private equity, and multi-family offices (managing $450B+)

World-leading Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) regime offering low-cost holding structures

Strategic backing by the Abu Dhabi Government and sovereign wealth funds (Mubadala, ADQ)

50-year statutory guarantee of 0% corporate and personal income taxes

ADGM RegLab — pioneering regulatory sandbox for digital asset and fintech innovators

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Private Company Limited by Shares	100%	1	USD 10,000	0% statutory corporate tax guarantee	Fintech, corporate advisory, family offices, tech platforms, professional services
ADGM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)	100%	1	USD 1	0% corporate tax	Real estate holding, structured finance, securitization, holding IP, joint ventures
FSRA Authorized Firm	100%	2 (including SEO, Compliance Officer/MLRO)	Determined by FSRA Prudential Category	0% corporate tax	Hedge funds, asset managers, private equity sponsors, digital asset exchanges

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Registration Authority Online Application

1–2 days

Submit initial application via AccessADGM portal.

Document Review & Name Approval

2–3 days

ADGM Registration Authority reviews constitutional documents.

Office Lease & Service Provider Appointment

1–2 days

Secure physical office or engage an authorized corporate service provider for SPV.

Certificate of Incorporation Issuance

1 day

Receive Certificate of Incorporation and commercial license.

Corporate Banking & Visas

2–3 weeks

Open accounts with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) or international banks and process visas.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	USD 10,000 – 40,000
Our Service Fee	USD 7,500+
Annual Renewal	USD 10,000 – 30,000

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

ADGM companies hold unmatched institutional prestige, ensuring seamless onboarding with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), ADCB, and global investment banks.

Account Opening Time

1–3 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)HSBC UAEStandard CharteredWio Bank

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% (50-year statutory guarantee; QFZP qualifying income)

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% (financial services exempt or zero-rated)

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

ADGM entities enjoy a 50-year statutory tax exemption guarantee. Under UAE federal corporate tax rules, ADGM entities qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ADGM and DIFC?

Both are world-class English common law financial centers. DIFC is in Dubai and adopts a bespoke codified statute based on common law principles. ADGM is in Abu Dhabi and directly applies English common law as it stands in England and Wales. Both offer world-class regulatory courts and zero tax, with ADGM currently offering lower setup and renewal costs for SPVs and holding companies.

Why is the ADGM SPV the top holding vehicle in the Middle East?

The ADGM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) provides English common law protection, robust corporate veil segregation, flexible share classes, and low incorporation costs, without requiring expensive physical office space. It is widely used by venture capital funds, family offices, and sovereign wealth partners for asset holding.

What is the jurisdiction of ADGM Courts?

ADGM Courts have independent civil and commercial jurisdiction. Governed by English procedural rules and led by distinguished judges from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, their judgments are recognized and enforceable internationally.

How does the ADGM RegLab support fintech innovators?

The ADGM Regulatory Laboratory (RegLab) is a bespoke regulatory framework that allows fintech startups to test innovative financial products in a controlled environment under reduced capital requirements.

What are the office requirements for an ADGM company?

Standard private companies require physical or serviced office space on Al Maryah or Al Reem Island. ADGM SPVs can satisfy physical presence requirements by engaging an authorized ADGM Corporate Service Provider to act as their registered office.

Can a non-financial business set up in ADGM?

Yes. ADGM licenses a wide variety of non-financial commercial activities, including corporate management, legal practices, consulting, accounting, and technology development.