Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

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Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a world-leading financial centre located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It offers a wide range of financial services, including asset management, private banking, Islamic finance, capital raising, and a secure, regulated environment for global business. 

The ADGM was established in 2013 to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business hub. With a powerful combination of world-class infrastructure and a supportive legal and regulatory framework, ADGM is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to grow and succeed. 

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Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
iin the ADGM

Ease of Doing Business

100% foreign company ownership
No restrictions on capital repatriation
No currency restrictions
No restriction on foreign employees

Regulatory

ADGM operates based on English common law, recognized globally, to ensure impartiality and transparency within the jurisdiction.
Legal framework supports cross-border activities.

Tax Benefits

No personal income tax
9% corporate income tax (where applicable) 

Strategic Location

ADGM is centrally located in the Middle East, giving easy access for trading business in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Proximity to airports such as the Dubai International Airport.

Business Ecosystem

Home to over 100 startups and accelerators, including Hub71, and startAD
Dynamic workforce
World-class facilities and infrastructures

Visa Packages

ADGM offers flexible visa packages to businesses and professionals interested in establishing a presence in the UAE. These give companies and individuals the opportunity to obtain a business license, residency visa and other necessary permits.

Types of Licenses Offered
in ADGM

There are various types of business activities that can be carried in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. Generally, they are classified into two: the financial and non-financial businesses.

Financial Business

Financial businesses established in ADGM are companies that provide financial services and products to individuals, businesses, and other organizations

Activities under financial business: 

  • Investment Banks  
  • Asset Management and Funds  
  • FinTech 
  • Capital Markets 
  • Investment Advisory and Wealth Management  
  • Insurance Companies 
  • Payment and Clearing Services  
  • Credit Rating Agencies  
  • Auditing and Accounting Firms  
  • Brokerage 

Non-Financial Business

Non-financial business under the ADGM jurisdiction refers to any business activity that does not involve the exchange of money or financial instruments.

Activities under non-financial business: 

  • Technology and Innovation Companies 
  • Business Consulting Firms 
  • Retail and Consumer Goods Businesses 
  • Real Estate and Property Development Companies 
  • Healthcare and Medical Companies 
  • Education and Training Providers 
  • Hospitality and Tourism Businesses 
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses 

Steps for Setting Up Your Company in in ADGM

The process of setting up a company in the Abu Dhabi Global Market is typically the same for all business activities permitted under its jurisdictions. These are the general steps that you can follow to set up a company in ADGM:

  1. Choose a trade name

    The first step in setting up a business in ADGM is to choose a name for the company. The name should be unique and should not be similar to any other existing business name.
  2. Choose a business structure

    The next step is selecting the type of business structure most suitable for the company. The business structure will determine the number of shareholders and the company’s liabilities.
  3. Prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA):

    An MOA is one of the most important documents for setting up a company in the UAE.
    Your company’s MOA should be attested and contain details regarding the company’s shareholders, policies, purpose, and mode of business operations.
  4. Apply for registration

    Once the MOA is drafted, the company will need to apply for registration with the ADGM’s Registration Authority.
  5. Obtain a business license

    After registration, the company must get a business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
  6. Open a corporate bank account

    Finally, after the business license has been issued, the company must open a corporate bank account in its name. This is where all financial transactions of the companies will be made.
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