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Abu Dhabi free zone · Financial centre & regulated business

ADGM Abu Dhabi Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

ADGM is Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, established in 2015 and operating under English common law with its own courts and the FSRA as regulator. It is a leading choice for asset managers, family offices, fintechs and holding structures.

Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official ADGM website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationAl Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms)
Visa quotaLinked to office; regulated firms have additional requirements
Banking easeHigh
RenewalAnnual licence and office renewals; regulated firms pay regulator fees

ADGM company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: AED 25,000–55,000+ (non-financial); FSRA-regulated firms significantly higher.

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the ADGM licence

  • English common-law framework with independent ADGM Courts
  • FSRA regulatory regime recognised internationally
  • Strong environment for funds, family offices and fintech
  • Tech and start-up pathways at lower cost than full financial licences
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is ADGM best for?

  • Asset managers and family offices
  • Fintech and regulated financial services
  • Holding and SPV structures

Typical permitted activities

  • Financial services (FSRA-regulated)
  • Fund management and family offices
  • Fintech and technology
  • Holding company structures

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Regulated activities carry FSRA fees and capital requirements
  • Cost is materially higher than northern-emirate free zones

How to set up a company in ADGM

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

ADGM compared with similar UAE free zones

ADGMDIFCKEZADtwofour54
EmirateAbu DhabiDubaiAbu DhabiAbu Dhabi
Best forFinancial centre & regulated businessFinancial services & regulated businessIndustrial, manufacturing & logisticsMedia, entertainment & gaming
Licence costIndicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost moreFrom about AED 104,079 (about AED 108,579 with one visa)Indicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required)Entry packages indicative AED 15,000–25,000 (quote required)
Setup time2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms)2–6 weeks (longer for regulated firms)2–6 weeks2–4 weeks
Banking easeHighHighGoodGood
Fee dataIndicative bandPublishedIndicative bandIndicative band

FAQs: ADGM Abu Dhabi company formation

What is the difference between ADGM and DIFC?

Both are common-law financial free zones. DIFC is in Dubai (regulator: DFSA); ADGM is in Abu Dhabi (regulator: FSRA). The choice often comes down to where your clients, banks and team are based.

How much does it cost to set up a company in ADGM Abu Dhabi?

Indicative cost: Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more. This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 25,000–55,000+ (non-financial); FSRA-regulated firms significantly higher. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does ADGM company setup take?

Typically 2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms) once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in ADGM?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in ADGM trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in ADGM?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are ADGM companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in ADGM?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for ADGM is “High”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in ADGM?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is ADGM best for?

Asset managers and family offices; Fintech and regulated financial services; Holding and SPV structures.

Get a written quote for ADGM Abu Dhabi

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

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Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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