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Cost of ADGM License in 2026
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone is designed in a way to extend the best support to investors from legal, fintech, finance, and other professional sectors. It has become a leading and highly preferred business hub in no time since starting its full-fledged operations in 2015. The cost of an ADGM Freezone license will depend on the type of space chosen, visa requirements, and other basic aspects. What we list here are approx. charges for license and registration.
| Package Type | Visa Allocation | Starting Price (AED) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 0-1 | 9,000-11,000 | This basic retail package is suitable for e-commerce firms, professional consultants, small retail firms, and businesses of that size. |
| Start-up/ Fintech | 1 (can choose more if required) | 5,000 – 6,500 | Start-up fintech firms and technical innovation in their early stage can choose this package. |
| Non-financial/ Standard | 1-2 | 20,000 -24,000 | Non-financial small and medium enterprises, trading companies, etc., can opt for this package. |
| Financial/ Regulated Package | 1-3 | 60,000 – 64,000 | Regulated firms, financial service companies, investment enterprises, and businesses focusing on this field. |
How to Set Up an ADGM Freezone Company
ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s leading financial domain, invites you to set up a business here and grow. Company formation can be done through the online portal by following the steps promulgated by the ADGM Freezone authority. Kiltons is a trusted business setup consultant in the UAE, offering expert guidance throughout the ADGM process. From documentation and compliance to licensing support, Kiltons ensures a smooth and hassle-free setup experience.
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Types of Business Entities in ADGM
ADGM free zone offers a set of company structures for the investors to choose from. From Private Company Limited by Shares to Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP), it has diverse options.
| Entity Type | Description | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Public Company Limited by Shares (PLC) | Suitable for large business operations, PLC is authorised to issue shares to the public. The authority has stipulated higher regulatory and capital requirements for PLCs. The minimum capital requirement of a PLC is 183,500 AED. | 100% |
| Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) | A popular structure among SMEs and start-up ventures, such entities cannot offer shares to the public. It has to have at least one individual shareholder and one director. | 100% |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | This limited liability company structure has been widely chosen by professionals, including auditors, accountants, and lawyers. It is mandatory to have a minimum of two partners and one authorised signatory. | 100% |
| Branch of a Foreign Company | It is nothing but an extension of the parent company located in the ADGM Freezone. | 100% |
| Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) | This company type doesn’t require a minimum capital. Established for holding assets and risk isolation. | 100% |
| Foundation | Foundations are generally established for philanthropic acts, wealth structuring, and other such planned activities. | 100% |
| Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFPB) | Legal services, real estate business activities, and accounting services are covered under this business type. | 100% |
Documents Required for ADGM Business Setup
For an Individual Shareholder:
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of Address
- Emirates ID (UAE Resident only)
- CV/ Professional Profile
- NOC from UAE Sponsor (if Employed UAE Resident)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Certificate of Good Standing(or Equivalent)
- Board Resolution
- Shareholder Register
- Copy of Passport of Ultimate Beneficial Owners
- Beneficial Ownership Declaration / Ownership Structure Chart (if UBO owns ≥ 25%)
Timeline Breakdown for ADGM Business Setup
Identify the business activity, choose the structure, and the way forward for the business to be established in ADGM.
Reserve the company name through the ADGM free zone portal. Make sure to follow the naming guidelines extant in the UAE.
Prepare the documents related to the company, shareholders, directors, assigned signatory, and others.
You have prepared the documents, checked them for accuracy, and confirmed that everything is in order. Now submit the documents online to the ADGM Freezone authority.
ADGM will review the documents, their correctness, and their applicability. Documents from another country must be attested and notarized. Those are unacceptable otherwise. ADGM authority may seek additional information regarding the application if required.
License and registration documents are issued subsequent to successful verification of documents.
This activity can be done simultaneously with other activities.
Apply for a corporate bank account with the license and documents received from the ADGM Free Zone authority.
Key Advantages - ADGM Business Setup
English Law System
ADGM pursues the English Common Law System. This has been crucial in ensuring investor confidence and keeping a clear legal system.
Location Advantage
Al Maryah Island, where ADGM is located, is known to be the UAE’s financial hub. Offers a strategic advantage to this free zone.
Efficient and Quick Licensing Process
Company formation in ADGM is quite quick, with a highly effective document scrutiny and approval process. Further, the registration process is completely online.
100% Ownership
No local sponsor required. Foreign investors can have 100% ownership in the company.
Licensing
ADGM
Need help?
1
Select the Business Structure
Out of the company structures like PLC, LTD, and LLP, offered in the ADGM Freezone, choose the one that suits your business plans.
2
Plan and Pick Business Activities
The business activities chosen will determine the license type and associated activities.
3
Company Name Reservation
Online Registry Solution (ORS), offered by the ADGM, can be used to confirm the availability of names and reserve them. It should comply with the naming regulations and should have the suffix indicating business type (if applicable).
4
Company Incorporation Documents
Prepare and arrange the documents, including business plan, AOA, and Board Resolution (as required), for submission to the ADGM free zone authority.
5
Space for the Business
Physical address within the ADGM jurisdiction is mandatory. Lease a space as needed for the business and finalize the lease agreement.
6
Submit the Application
The application submission is online through the ADGM ORS portal. Upload the documents, pay the fee, and submit.
7
Obtain Company License
Post approval, the certificate of incorporation, business license, and extract from the public register will be issued by the authority.
8
Corporate Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account in the bank of your choice, with the company incorporation documents. A KYC process is mandatory for foreign investors.
9
Tax Registration
Register for UAE Corporate Tax and VAT.
ADGM Business Bank Account Assistance
Popular Banks
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
- RAK Bank
- Wio
- Zand Bank (Digital)
Required Documents
- Business License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MOA & AOA
- Board Resolution
- Business Plan
- Lease Agreement
- Bank Statement (03-06 months)
- Passport Copy
- Visa and Emirates ID (if Resident)
- Proof of Address
- Share Register/ Shareholder Data
- Additional Documents (as required)
Bank Interview
An onboarding meeting or bank interview is undertaken before opening the corporate bank account. This is for understanding the business activities, confirming that the company is not involved in any illegal activities, knowing the business plans, and related aspects.
Account Opening Timelines
Bank account opening timeline will differ depending on the bank chosen, the type of business activity, company structure, etc. The time taken normally is around 2-3 weeks for corporate account opening.
Talk to an expertOffice Options Available in ADGM
It is ideal to choose office space according to the type of business, activities planned, and budget. The visa allocation is according to the package chosen. If you have leased a private space, the visa quota is one visa for 08/10 sqm.
| Workspace Type | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi-desk/ Hot Desk | This is a shared desk, where you cannot expect a dedicated desk for your business. | Freelancing professionals, small entities that control their budget, start-ups, and similar firms. |
| Dedicated Desk | It is similar to a flexi desk. But the desk here is fixed in a shared office. It will have an address. | Small businesses and consultants who need visas and a specified address. |
| Small Private Office | Lockable private space that offers an identity to the business. Both furnished and unfurnished office spaces are available. | Small and medium enterprises, and firms requiring lockable space. |
| Co-working Space | Space shared by different professionals | Freelancers, start-ups, and solo working entrepreneurs. |
| Virtual Office | Only the address is provided. No physical office will be available to the company. | SPVs, overseas entities that are new to the UAE, holding companies, etc. |
| Executive Office | Large private office with executive appeal. Customizable according to the business. | Corporate companies, highly acclaimed businesses, the hospitality industry, and financial firms/ |
| Executive Office / Large Office | Larger private space, customizable layout. | Corporate HQs, financial firms, family offices |
| Business Centre | Fully serviced business centre offered by service providers. | Companies needing a fast setup |
ADGM License Types & Sample Business Activities
Abu Dhabi Global Market offers Financial, Non-Financial (Commercial), Retail, and Professional/Consultancy licenses to support a wide range of businesses. Sample activities include asset management, fintech services, legal and accounting consultancy, holding companies, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), trading activities, and corporate service providers. Businesses can choose the appropriate license based on whether they operate within regulated financial services or non-regulated commercial sectors.
Financial Services License
Regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), this license is for businesses that perform regulated financial activities.
Sample Activities :
- Investment Advisor
- Payment Services
- Wealth Management
- Asset/ Fund Management
- Crypto Services
Non-Financial Business License
Also called a Commercial License, this type of license is for non-regulated business functions. Entities, including SMEs, start-ups, and international businesses, can opt for this license.
Sample Activities :
- Software Development
- IT
- Marketing and Advertising
- Management
- E-commerce
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) License
Businesses with an SPV license are not authorized to engage in commercial activities. This license is for activities like asset ownership, structuring, etc. It cannot have employees, unless through nominee arrangements.
Sample Activities :
- Intellectual Property Holding
- Family Office Structuring
- Asset Transfer
- Shares in Other Companies
Tech Start-up License
Tech Start-up or Innovation License is intended to promote start-ups and innovation. It is a subsidised license framed under ADGM Freezone’s Tech Start-up Program.
Sample Activities :
- Edtech Start-ups
- SaaS/ Web/ App Development
- Blockchain and Web3
- Tech Platforms
Foundation
This is the fifth type of license offered by ADGM. Those involved in philanthropic acts, asset protection, estate planning, etc., can choose this license. This business structure will not have shareholders, but will be managed by a council.
Sample Activities :
- Structuring Family Business Ownership
- Wealth and Succession Plan
- Philanthropy
ADGM Company Renewal
The ADGM Freezone company license must be renewed annually. Delayed renewal can lead to fines and other penal actions. It is best to initiate the renewal action at least a month in advance. The process is simple for ADGM license renewal.
- Log in to the ADGM authority portal using the company admin credentials.
- Check the company details and address for accuracy.
- The info regarding all the shareholders as well as directors should be up to date.
- Confirm other data, including Economic Substance Regulations, if applicable.
- Pay the license renewal fee. The fee will depend on the type of license.
- Obtain license renewal confirmation and an updated license with its validity extended by 12 months.
License Cancellation
Exit Process, Visa Cancellation, Final audit (if applicable)
ADGM Company Amendments
An amendment might be required subsequent to a change in the business activities, a change of board directors/ secretary, a company name change, share transfer, etc. ADGM Registrar is the authorized person for approving the amendment. The procedure for the ADGM Freezone company amendment is simple.
- Log in to the ADGM free zone’s online registry using admin credentials.
- Go to the “Menu” option and select the amendment.
- Upload requisite documents.
- Submit the application fee for the amendment.
- The application will be reviewed and approved (if everything is correct) in 3 to 10 business days.
ADGM Company Cancellation
The ADGM company cancellation means discontinuing the business operations and dissolving the company. The ADGM free zone has stipulated procedures for company cancellation.
- Board resolution confirming the decision to dissolve the company,
- Pay dues and settle all obligations, including government fees and utility bills.
- Prepare the documents necessitated by ADGM.
- Log in to the online portal all submit the request.
- Upload the documents and pay the fee for liquidation.
- The ADGM Freezone registrar will review the request and approve it within 1 to 3 weeks.
Hidden Cost to be Aware of
The company formation fee indicated might state the license fee and registration fee only. It would not be sufficient to set up a business in the ADGM Freezone. The additional fee that you must be aware of includes:
- Visa expenses
- Office space rent
- Auditing and accounting charges
- ADGM portal filing fee
- Service provider charges
- Tech platform fee
- Amendment fee
Is ADGM The Right Choice For You
ADGM is Ideal For
Fintech companies like payment solution providers, blockchain start-ups, and insure-tech entities can pick ADGM, as it has a favourable business environment for them.
ADGM has formulated flexible structuring solutions suitable for SPVs, which are used for wealth planning, asset protection, etc. Professional services like law firms, trusts, and foundations can have a tailored setup ideal for them.
ADGM has a credible framework regulated by FSRA. Besides following English Common Law, which is transparent and internationally recognized, the strong and unparalleled integrity makes ADGM suitable for financial institutions, including banks, hedge funds, investment firms, and asset managers.
ADGM is a suitable financial hub for international entities looking for a progressive business environment.
ADGM May Not Be Ideal For
Industrial firms will need facilities suited to them, factory set-ups, and warehouses, which are not available in the ADGM Free Zone. Hence, not ideal for such companies.
General trading, import and export companies, and wholesale and retail businesses may not be able to function in this free zone productively.
Logistics and transportation companies may not find ADGM suitable. As the free zone is not in proximity to a seaport, airport, or any important logistics hub, the transportation will not be efficient or cost-effective.
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