Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a prominent financial center located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, offering extensive options for company setup within the UAE’s capital city.

ADGM offers three main types of licenses for company formation:

1. Non-Financial License
2. Retail License
3. Financial License

Each license type allows for various business activities, and the relevant authority for registration depends on the license type. Retail and non-financial licenses are handled by the Registration Authority, while financial licenses are registered with the Financial Services and Regulatory Authority. ADGM companies operate under English common law, with ADGM Courts established to ensure compliance and legal certainty.

Benefits of Incorporating an ADGM Company

An ADGM company setup provides numerous advantages, including:

• 100% Foreign Ownership: Full ownership without the need for a local partner.
• Comprehensive Business Ecosystem: ADGM offers access to legal, accounting, and support services.
• Unlimited Activities per License: No limit on activities, provided they align within the license scope.
• International Standards: ADGM aligns with global financial standards recognized by leading financial centers.
• Tax Benefits: Zero direct tax on ADGM companies.
• Full Profit Repatriation: 100% repatriation of profits.
• Flexible Office Options: Choose from various office setups according to business needs.
• Visa Flexibility: Options available for investor and employee visas.
• Space-based Visa Allocation: One visa per 8 square meters of office space.
• Efficient Application Process: Streamlined and time-sensitive registration procedures.
• Ease of Employment: No restrictions on hiring foreign employees.
• Common Law System: English-speaking courts based on common law principles.
• Business-Friendly Environment: The UAE ranked 11th on the global Doing Business Index in 2019.
• Strategic Location: ADGM’s central location provides access to the UAE and major financial hubs worldwide.

Abu Dhabi’s strategic placement makes ADGM an ideal choice for companies aiming to operate in the UAE and beyond.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers licenses for establishing non-financial, retail, and financial businesses. Below are the types of business activities permitted under each license category:

Non-Financial License Activities

• Consultancy: Management consultancy, computer programming, professional services
• Legal & Accounting
• Advertising and Market Research
• Head Office Functions
• Architectural and Engineering: Consultancy for architecture and engineering
• Restricted Scope Companies
• Information Services
• Scientific and Technical: Research and development
• Real Estate
• Rental and Leasing
• Residential Care
• Building and Landscape Services
• Office Administration and Support
• Social Work
• Manufacturing
• Information and Communication
• Publishing: Including motion picture, video, and television program production; sound recording and music publishing
• Programming and Broadcasting
• Printing and Media Reproduction
• Employment Services
• Security and Investigation
• Machinery and Equipment Repair and Installation
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, air conditioning, water supply, sewerage, waste management
• Administrative and Support Services
• Construction and Civil Engineering
• Transport and Storage: Including warehousing
• Accommodation and Food Services
• Telecommunications
• Investment Activities: Open-ended/close-ended investment activities
• Public Administration and Defense
• Education
• Healthcare
• Membership Organizations
• Household and Extraterritorial Activities

Retail License Activities

• Manufacturing: Food and beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, leather, chemicals, furniture, jewelry
• Wholesale and Retail Trade
• Maintenance and Repair Services
• Postal and Courier Services
• Food and Beverage Services
• Photography
• Motor Vehicle and Household Goods Rental and Leasing
• Tour and Travel Services
• Art and Entertainment
• Amusement and Recreation

Financial License Activities

• Private Banking
• Wealth Management
• Investment Banking
• Corporate and Transaction Services
• Digital Banking
• Money Service Businesses
• Wealth and Asset Management
• Investment Management and Fund Services
• Asset Servicing
• Capital Markets
• Brokerage
• Market Infrastructure
• Virtual Asset Activities
• Listing Authority and Products
• Securities
• FinTech
• Special Purpose Vehicles

ADGM provides a wide range of business opportunities under these license categories, making it an attractive choice for diverse industries.

ADGM allows for the formation of various types of companies to meet diverse business needs. Below are the company types that can be established within ADGM:

Public Company Limited by Shares

• Minimum Shareholders: 1 (individual or corporate)
• Age Requirement: Individual shareholders must be 18 years or older.
• Directors Required: At least 2 directors.
• Liability: Limited to the shareholder’s investment in the company.

Private Company Limited by Shares or by Guarantee

• Minimum Shareholders: 1 (individual or corporate)
• Age Requirement: Individual shareholders must be 18 years or older.
• Directors Required: At least 1 director.
• Liability: Limited to the shareholder’s investment in the company.

Unlimited Company

• Minimum Requirements: 1 shareholder and 1 director (individual or corporate).
• Age Requirement: Individual shareholders and directors must be 18 years or older.
• Liability: Unlimited, meaning liability extends beyond the shareholder’s investment.

Branch of a Foreign Company

• Shareholders and Directors: Dependent on the home country’s regulations.
• Authorized Signatory: Required in the UAE; must be at least 18 years old.

Investment Company

• Minimum Requirements: 1 shareholder and 1 director.
• Age Requirement: Shareholders and directors must be 18 years or older.
• Director Qualification: Must be an approved investment fund manager by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) or another regulatory authority.

ADGM’s flexible company structure options allow for businesses to choose the setup that best fits their operational needs and regulatory requirements.

To establish a company within ADGM, the following documents are necessary:

• Passport Copy: Clear copy of the passport.
• Emirates ID: Required if the individual is a UAE resident.
• UAE Visa: Copy of the UAE visa (if already granted).
• Passport Photos: Two colored passport-sized photos with a white background.
• Proof of Share Capital: As per the capital requirements of the company.
• Business Plan: Detailed business plan outlining the company’s objectives and strategies.
• Sample CV: Curriculum vitae of the principal applicant(s).
• Proof of Funds: Documentation verifying available funds for company setup.
• Corporate Shareholder’s Resolution: For corporate shareholders, a resolution approving the setup.
• Certificate of Incorporation: Required for corporate shareholders to verify incorporation in the home country.

These documents ensure compliance with ADGM’s regulatory requirements and facilitate a smooth company formation process with RotanaBiz.

Office space requirements within ADGM vary depending on the type of business license and the nature of business activities. For businesses needing a physical workspace or those wishing to operate from Al Maryah Island, ADGM provides a range of options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, office suites, and large commercial spaces. Below are the office space options available:

WeWork

Located in Al Khatem Tower within ADGM Square, WeWork offers:

• Private Offices
• Dedicated Desks
• Hot Desks

Additional amenities include access to lounges and conference rooms.

Regus Business Centre

Situated in Al Maqam Tower at ADGM Square, Regus offers flexible office solutions, including:

• Personal Office Spaces: Window offices, interior offices, and office suites
• Co-Working Spaces: Shared offices and hot desks

Services include high-speed internet, phone lines, receptionist support, communal kitchens, office maintenance, business lounges, and access to printers, scanners, and photocopiers. Regus also offers the flexibility to add desks as your business staff grows.

Commercial Office Spaces

ADGM offers access to four high-end commercial towers—Al Sila, Al Sarab, Al Maqam, and Al Khatem—with over 200,000 sqm of commercial space adhering to international standards. Notably, these towers have been awarded the LEED Core and Shell Gold Pre-Certification by the US Green Building Council.

Available office space options include:

• Small Office Spaces: Approximately 182 sqm
• Large Office Spaces: Approximately 1,700 – 1,900 sqm
• Full Floor Spaces: Approximately 1,900 sqm

Each 46 sqm of office space comes with one allocated parking space.

For tailored office solutions in ADGM, RotanaBiz can assist in selecting the best office type to meet your company’s unique requirements.

Fees to renew the company is payable every year after the end of company’s first (1) year. The below tabulated fees are payable annually for renewal of the company: