Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Financial firms, holding companies, foundations and tech startups wanting Abu Dhabi common-law jurisdiction.
- Emirate
- Abu Dhabi
- Run by
- ADGM (Registration Authority for companies; FSRA for financial firms)
- Established
- 2013
- Licence types
- Financial (FSRA-authorised), Non-financial, Retail, Tech startup
- Office options
- Office, Co-working
- Set up remotely
- Not stated
- Published entry price
- Not published by the zone
- Regulation
- Own common-law courts (ADGM Courts) and financial regulator (FSRA)
What ADGM is known for
- English common-law framework
- Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands
- SPVs and foundations
- Tech startup licence with Hub71
Worth knowing
ADGM says operating entities need a physical presence in its jurisdiction, with SPVs as the exception. Its jurisdiction was extended to Al Reem Island in 2023; applications go through its Online Registry Solution.
Before you choose ADGM
Check three things with the zone directly: whether your exact business activity is on its list, how many visas your office option allows, and the full year-one cost including the establishment card and visa fees. Our year-one cost guide shows what to add up.
UAE Free Zone is an independent information website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by ADGM (Registration Authority for companies; FSRA for financial firms), the UAE Government or any emirate. Official source: adgm.com/.