Abu Dhabi · ADGM Authority · Est. 2013
ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial center located on Al Maryah Island, offering packages from AED 5,505 and up to 10 visa allocations. As one of only two common-law jurisdictions in the UAE, it provides an independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law, making it a top choice for financial services, fintech, asset management, and family offices. With over 11,100 active entities, moderate banking accessibility, and the Hub71 ecosystem, ADGM also offers an increasingly competitive environment for tech and consulting firms.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: ADGM Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 5,505
Year 1
Quick facts
Tech Startup Licence (0 Visa)
AED 5,505
Tech Startup Licence · None · 0 visas
Renews at AED 5,505
Non-Financial LTD (0 Visa)
AED 21,286
Non-Financial LTD · None · 0 visas
Renews at AED 21,286
1 Visa Package
AED 38,350
Non-Financial LTD · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 35,113
2 Visa Package
AED 42,287
Non-Financial LTD · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 35,813
Advisory Estimate
AED 30,400
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 12,000
Estimated
Workspace required for visa eligibility; co-working and flexi desk options available on Al Maryah Island.
ADGM suits tech and media, financial services businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? IT & Media · Professional & Technical Services · Financial Services · Virtual Assets
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Intense
Forensic ease
8/10
The Sovereign Financial Node; English Common Law Jurisdiction.
ADGM is a premier international financial centre (IFC) that directly applies English Common Law, providing a level of legal certainty unique within the region. For 2026, the primary forensic challenge is the 'Dual-License' bridge—where entities operate simultaneously in the Free Zone and Mainland. This requires rigid ring-fencing of accounts to prevent the 9% mainland tax from 'infecting' the 0% qualifying free zone income.
Operates as an independent jurisdiction fully integrated with the UAE Federal Tax framework. Compliance is governed by the ADGM Registration Authority and the FSRA, requiring annual IFRS-compliant audits by ADGM-registered auditors.
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Tax and compliance
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How much does it cost to set up in ADGM?
The cheapest published package for Abu Dhabi Global Market is Tech Startup Licence (0 Visa) at AED 5,505 for Year 1, renewing at AED 5,505. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does ADGM setup take?
Typical processing time is 14–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a ADGM licence?
Banking difficulty for ADGM is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Mashreq Bank, Emirates NBD.
How many visas can I get with a ADGM licence, and what do they cost?
ADGM allows 2 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 2 visas (2 Visa Package, AED 42,287 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 2,607.
How much is the ADGM licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in ADGM?
ADGM sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in ADGM?
Workspace required for visa eligibility; co-working and flexi desk options available on Al Maryah Island.
Can a ADGM company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A ADGM company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.