EHMCManagement Consultancy
+971 50 935 0038 Book a Consultation

Free zone · Abu Dhabi

ADGM Company Setup: Abu Dhabi Global Market

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, covering Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. English common law applies directly, disputes go to the English-language ADGM Courts, financial firms are regulated by the FSRA and companies register with the ADGM Registration Authority.

Get a Free Consultation Try the jurisdiction selector

Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC

At a glance

Key facts about ADGM

Emirate
Abu Dhabi
Area
Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island
Legal system
English common law applied directly; ADGM Courts
Registrar
ADGM Registration Authority (RA)
Financial regulator
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
Typical users
Financial firms, holding companies, SPVs, family offices, professional services

What is ADGM and how does it work?

ADGM is a separate legal jurisdiction within Abu Dhabi. Its framework applies English common law directly, and its courts follow the English court model, which gives investors and lenders a familiar system for contracts, security and insolvency. Its jurisdiction was extended from Al Maryah Island to Al Reem Island in 2023.

Two authorities matter for setup: the Registration Authority (RA), which registers companies and licenses non-financial activities, and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), which authorises and supervises financial services. Holding companies, SPVs, family offices, funds and professional firms use ADGM alongside banks and asset managers.

Activities

What can a ADGM company do?

  • Banking, asset management and funds (FSRA-regulated)
  • Holding companies and SPVs
  • Family offices and wealth structures
  • Legal, tax and professional services (RA-licensed)
  • Technology and innovation companies

Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.

Premises

What premises are available?

  • Offices on Al Maryah Island
  • Offices on Al Reem Island
  • Shared and serviced workspaces for smaller entities

Visas

How many visas can a ADGM company get?

ADGM entities sponsor residence visas for owners and staff, with capacity tied to the entity and its premises. Visas follow the standard Abu Dhabi medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.

Tax

How is a ADGM company taxed?

ADGM entities are subject to UAE corporate tax and must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Some can qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons for qualifying income; regulated financial activities have specific rules, so take advice before relying on the 0% rate.

Good fit

Who is ADGM best for?

  • Financial institutions, funds and asset managers
  • Holding companies and SPVs for regional investment
  • Family offices
  • Businesses wanting English common law for contracts

Think twice

When is it not the right fit?

  • Small trading companies seeking low setup cost
  • Logistics or manufacturing needing industrial space
  • Retail aimed at the wider mainland market

Process

How to set up a company in ADGM

  1. 01

    Confirm the activity

    Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.

  2. 02

    Choose the package and premises

    Match visas, premises and budget.

  3. 03

    Submit the application

    Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.

  4. 04

    Sign and pay

    Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.

  5. 05

    Receive licence and establishment card

    The zone issues the licence and company documents.

  6. 06

    Visas and banking

    Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.

Checklist

What should you check before applying?

Settle these before you pay any fees in ADGM.

  1. 01

    Decide whether your activity needs FSRA authorisation or only RA registration.

  2. 02

    Choose between Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island premises.

  3. 03

    Select the structure: company, branch, SPV, foundation or fund.

  4. 04

    Review governing law and dispute clauses in your contracts.

  5. 05

    Plan corporate tax registration and any regulatory reporting.

Frequently asked

Questions about ADGM

What law applies in ADGM?

English common law applies directly in ADGM, and disputes are heard by the ADGM Courts, which follow the English court model and sit on Al Maryah Island.

Does ADGM cover Al Reem Island?

Yes. ADGM’s jurisdiction was extended from Al Maryah Island to Al Reem Island in 2023 by UAE Cabinet resolution.

Who regulates companies in ADGM?

The Registration Authority registers companies and licenses non-financial activities. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority authorises and supervises financial services firms.

Is ADGM similar to DIFC?

Both are common-law financial centres. ADGM is in Abu Dhabi and applies English law directly; DIFC is in Dubai with its own common-law based framework. The right choice depends on your investors, regulators and team location.

Official sources

Verify it yourself

Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.

Related

Services and guides

Not sure ADGM is right?

Tell us your activity, customers and visa plans, and we will compare the options with real quotes.

Book a Consultation All jurisdictions