Set up your ADGM company in Abu Dhabi's premier international financial centre. English common law, FSRA regulation, and Hub71 access. Expert guidance by RIZ & MONA Consultancy.
ADGM, Abu Dhabi Global Market, is not a typical UAE free zone. Established in 2015 under Federal Decree, it is an international financial centre with a legal and regulatory framework built to international standards. It sits on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, and operates with a level of institutional independence that makes it comparable to DIFC in Dubai, and to global centres like Singapore and London.
What makes ADGM structurally different from every other UAE free zone is its direct application of English common law. This is not simply a reference to English legal principles. ADGM's courts apply English law as it stands, drawing on centuries of precedent. For financial institutions, investment funds, asset managers, and any business where contracts and dispute resolution matter, this is a defining advantage.
ADGM is governed by three separate authorities. The Registration Authority handles company incorporation and commercial licensing for non-financial businesses. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority, known as the FSRA, regulates banks, investment firms, asset managers, fintech companies, and digital asset operators. The ADGM Courts handle civil and commercial disputes independently, with a full court system including a Court of First Instance and a Court of Appeal. In 2025, ADGM celebrated a decade of operations with over 12,000 licences issued, a 36% surge in assets under management, and a 51% increase in workforce across the jurisdiction.
ADGM also expanded to include Al Reem Island, broadening the free zone's footprint within Abu Dhabi. From 1 January 2025, the unified fee structure applies across both islands. The free zone is also home to Hub71, one of the region's most significant tech startup ecosystems, backed by Mubadala and supported by a network of global investors, accelerators, and corporations.
Not every business needs ADGM. But for those that do, nothing else in the UAE comes close. The jurisdiction was built for institutions and investors that need legal certainty, regulatory credibility, and an address that commands respect in boardrooms across the world.
ADGM setup is more structured than most UAE free zones, because the jurisdiction holds itself to international standards. Here is what the process delivers when completed properly.
Your company is registered with the ADGM Registration Authority as a distinct legal entity. The RA issues a Certificate of Incorporation, constitutional documents, and a registration number. This registration is the legal foundation for everything that follows — licensing, banking, visas, and client contracts.
Non-financial businesses receive a commercial licence from the Registration Authority. Financial services businesses receive a regulated licence from the FSRA. The licence defines what your company is legally permitted to do within and from the ADGM jurisdiction.
Unlike many other UAE free zones, ADGM requires most entities to maintain a physical office address within the jurisdiction. Flexi-desk and serviced office arrangements are available through ADGM-approved providers. The office lease must be registered with the Registration Authority as part of setup.
If your business conducts regulated financial activities — investment management, banking, payments, digital assets — FSRA authorisation is required in addition to registration. This involves a detailed application, business plan review, and compliance assessment. The process runs in parallel with RA registration.
An ADGM company can sponsor UAE residence visas for shareholders, directors, and employees. Visa quota is typically linked to office size. The ADGM Registration Authority works with UAE immigration authorities and coordinates the visa process as a single point of contact.
All ADGM entities are required to register with the ADGM Office of Data Protection (ODP). This is an annual compliance requirement and applies to every company in the jurisdiction. It reflects ADGM's alignment with international data governance standards.
ADGM entities are subject to ongoing regulatory obligations including financial reporting, AML/CFT compliance, and annual licence renewal. For regulated firms, FSRA supervision is continuous. RIZ & MONA Consultancy provides ongoing support to keep ADGM companies compliant after setup.
For institutions accepting deposits and providing full-scale banking services. The highest-capital licence in ADGM, with the broadest scope of permitted activities. Minimum capital: USD 10 million.
For firms that deal in investments as principal and provide credit. Cannot conduct Category 1 activities but may combine with Cat 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4 activities. Minimum capital: USD 2 million.
For firms dealing in investments as a matched principal or agent on behalf of clients. Cannot conduct Categories 1 or 2 activities. Minimum capital: USD 500,000.
For firms providing custody and safeguarding services for funds and institutional clients. The highest capital requirement within the Cat 3 tier. Minimum capital: USD 250,000.
For firms managing client assets, collective investment funds, and discretionary portfolios. The most common FSRA licence for investment managers and wealth managers. Minimum capital: USD 250,000 (fund managers from USD 140,000).
The most accessible FSRA licence, designed for low-risk regulated activities. The entry point for fintech firms, advisors, and intermediaries. Also used for RegLab sandbox participants. Minimum capital: USD 50,000.
For institutions operating entirely under Shariah principles. Requires a Shariah Supervisory Board and ongoing Shariah audits in addition to standard FSRA regulatory obligations. Minimum capital: USD 10 million.
For non-financial businesses, professional service providers, and corporations. Issued by the Registration Authority. No FSRA involvement.
For group structures, passive holding vehicles, and special purpose entities. SPVs are exempt from the physical office requirement. No active trading or service delivery permitted.
For qualifying technology entrepreneurs through the Hub71 ecosystem. Fixed fee of USD 1,500 per year for eligible startups. Sector-agnostic. Requires a valid Hub71 eligibility letter.
ADGM is a premium jurisdiction. Setup costs are higher than most UAE free zones, and they reflect the calibre of the regulatory environment. Understanding the full cost picture before you start avoids surprises.
AED 38,000 – AED 75,000+ (Year One)
Covers the initial registration fee, commercial licence, and first year of operation. A physical office within ADGM is mandatory for most entities, with serviced office costs starting from approximately AED 50,000 per year. The Registration Authority fee for a standard commercial entity starts from around AED 3,500 to AED 10,000 depending on company type.
USD 1,500 (approximately AED 5,500) per year
A significantly reduced fee structure applies to qualifying tech startups operating through Hub71. Both the initial registration and annual renewal are fixed at USD 1,500. Hub71 eligibility must be confirmed before applying. An eligibility letter from Hub71 is required as part of the application.
AED 150,000 – AED 500,000+ (Year One)
Regulated financial licences carry substantially higher costs due to FSRA authorisation fees, capital requirements, compliance infrastructure, and the complexity of the application process. Category 4 has the lowest entry capital at USD 10,000. Category 1 banking licences require USD 10 million in base capital. Setup fees for regulated entities should be assessed individually.
Financial licences cost significantly more than commercial ones due to FSRA fees and minimum capital requirements that range from USD 10,000 to USD 10 million.
Physical office is mandatory for most entities. Larger offices allow more visa quota and increase annual overheads. Serviced office costs start from approximately AED 50,000 per year.
Each residence visa adds processing, medical, and Emirates ID costs on top of the package. Visa quota is linked to office size.
Regulated entities must demonstrate and maintain minimum capital levels, which vary from USD 10,000 for Category 4 to USD 10 million for Category 1 banking licences.
Annual ODP compliance registration with the ADGM Office of Data Protection is a mandatory cost for all ADGM entities.
ADGM applications, particularly for financial licences, typically involve external legal counsel, adding to Year One costs.
All figures are indicative and based on current 2026 fee schedules. Final costs depend on entity type, licence category, office choice, visa requirements, and applicable regulatory approvals. RIZ & MONA Consultancy provides a personalised, fully itemised cost estimate at no charge before any commitment is made.
ADGM setup is more involved than a standard UAE free zone registration, particularly for regulated financial businesses. Non-financial commercial entities can complete the process significantly faster. The timeline depends heavily on whether FSRA authorisation is required.
Decide whether your business falls under FSRA regulation or qualifies for a commercial licence. Confirm your legal structure — LTD, LLP, SPV, branch, or other. This decision shapes every subsequent step, from documentation to capital requirements and timelines.
Submit your proposed company name to the ADGM Registration Authority for approval. Names must comply with ADGM naming regulations. Sensitive or prohibited terms require separate approval from relevant authorities.
ADGM requires a detailed business plan covering proposed activities, management team, financial projections, and market analysis. For financial licence applicants, this plan is a central part of the FSRA review. For commercial entities, it is reviewed by the Registration Authority.
Submit all incorporation documents, shareholder and director details, and supporting materials through the ADGM online portal. For Hub71 tech startups, the eligibility letter must be included at this stage.
The Registration Authority reviews commercial applications. FSRA reviews financial licence applications, which involves a more detailed assessment of the business model, management, compliance arrangements, and capital adequacy. Commercial licences can be approved within a few weeks. FSRA-regulated licences typically take 2 to 4 months.
Lease office space from an ADGM-approved provider and register the tenancy with the Registration Authority. For SPVs, this step is not required. Office size determines visa quota.
Once the licence is issued, apply for investor and employee visas through the ADGM Registration Authority's single-window immigration service. Simultaneously, prepare the corporate bank account application with a suitable UAE bank. Account opening for ADGM entities typically takes 4 to 10 weeks depending on the bank and business activity.
ADGM's documentation requirements are thorough. The RA and FSRA both require a high standard of supporting evidence. Preparing these correctly before submission reduces delays considerably.
Documents issued outside the UAE must be notarised and attested, or apostilled, in line with UAE and ADGM requirements. Requirements vary by country and entity type. RIZ & MONA Consultancy reviews all documents before submission and advises on any additional authentication steps required.
An ADGM trade licence entitles the company to sponsor UAE residence visas for shareholders, directors, and employees. Visa quota is linked to office size within the jurisdiction. The ADGM Registration Authority acts as a single point of contact for the immigration process, coordinating with UAE federal immigration authorities.
ADGM also supports access to the UAE Golden Visa for qualifying investors and entrepreneurs. Hub71-connected startups may access 5-year business visas for founders.
RIZ & MONA Consultancy provides a visa cost estimate as part of your personalised setup plan and manages every government submission on your behalf.
RIZ & MONA Consultancy does not guarantee UAE visa approval. All visa decisions are made exclusively by UAE immigration authorities. Visa eligibility, duration, and conditions are subject to UAE federal regulations and may change without prior notice.
ADGM's regulatory credibility makes it one of the more respected jurisdictions among UAE banks. Major international and regional banks are based in or connected to ADGM directly. That said, financial licence holders face more detailed compliance scrutiny, and non-resident applicants still require careful preparation.
ADGM Courts are independent, staffed by internationally experienced judges, and operate under English common law. They were the world's first fully digital court system, enabling electronic filings, hearings, and judgments. Disputes are resolved efficiently and predictably, with rulings enforceable across the UAE and internationally. For any business where contract enforcement matters, this is not a minor detail.
The FSRA's RegLab was the first regulatory sandbox in the MENA region. It allows fintech companies, digital asset operators, and financial innovators to test products under live FSRA supervision in a controlled environment before full licensing. For firms building regulated financial technology, this is a genuine path to market, not just a concept programme. Over 20 firms are now FSRA-regulated in the virtual assets space alone.
Hub71 is not an accelerator programme that sits near ADGM. It is embedded within the jurisdiction, backed by Mubadala, and connected to Microsoft, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi's sovereign investment infrastructure. Tech startups accepted into Hub71 access subsidised office space, a network of global VCs, potential equity-free funding, and an ADGM tech startup licence at USD 1,500 per year. The selection rate is below 2%, making acceptance a meaningful signal to investors.
ADGM Academy is the financial training and professional development arm of the jurisdiction. It delivers regulatory compliance programmes, leadership training, and Emirati talent development initiatives. For firms with compliance obligations under the FSRA, ADGM Academy is a direct resource. It also runs collaborative programmes with entities like NAFIS to build local financial expertise. No other UAE free zone has invested in an institution of this kind.
ADGM hosts the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), described as the largest finance event in the Middle East. ADFW 2025 drew over 35,000 attendees and featured speakers including the CEOs of Coinbase, Binance, Revolut, Franklin Templeton, and Circle. Being based in ADGM means your firm operates in the same jurisdiction that convenes the region's most significant gathering of global financial leadership every year.
Our Advantage
ADGM is not a form-filling exercise. It requires the right structure from the start, particularly for financial licence applicants. Our team understands how the FSRA and Registration Authority assess applications, and we build your submission to match their expectations, not guess at them.
ADGM's banking ecosystem is strong, but account opening for financial firms and non-residents requires serious preparation. We identify the right bank for your licence type and entity before the application goes in, with a file that is built to pass compliance review on the first attempt.
ADGM setups can reach AED 200,000 or more in Year One when office, FSRA fees, and visas are included. We provide a fully itemised cost breakdown before you start, so your budget is clear and your decision is informed. There are no hidden charges and no vague estimates.
ADGM companies carry ongoing obligations — annual renewal, ODP compliance, FSRA reporting for regulated firms, and potential audit requirements. We stay involved after setup to handle renewals, compliance support, and any regulatory correspondence, so your team can focus on the business itself.
ADGM competes most directly with DIFC for regulated financial businesses, and with RAKEZ or similar zones for professional service firms wanting a cost-effective Abu Dhabi presence. Here is how the three sit against each other.
Best for financial institutions, asset managers, fintech companies, and family offices wanting an internationally recognised common law jurisdiction anchored in Abu Dhabi.
Best for Dubai-based financial firms, capital markets participants, and legal practices wanting DFSA regulation and English common law in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
Best for cost-focused setups, SMEs, and general trading businesses that do not require a regulated financial jurisdiction or independent courts.
Not sure whether ADGM, DIFC, or a more affordable zone suits your business model?
Our team compares the full picture before you commit, including regulatory fit, banking access, and long-term cost.
