16 Nov Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM)
Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) is considered one of the premier international financial centres in the region. It is based on Al Maryah Island in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
With its unique framework of English Common Law and independent legal authority, a solid commitment to transparency, and ease of business, ADGM provides outstanding opportunities for any business to thrive. The free zone has three key autonomous segments – the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the Registration Authority, and ADGM Courts.
ADGM Financial Marketplace
ADGM aims to be a financial marketplace aligned with global standards and best practices of financial centres such as Singapore, New York, London, and Hong Kong. It seeks to position itself as a lucrative location for investment at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the GCC. The free zone is home to well-known financial institutions such as Unicredit, BNP Paribas, BCP Bank Mauritius, and Citibank. International investment firms such as Softbank and McKinley Capital also have a presence.
The free zone targets new and established corporations across various services covering wealth management, banking, asset management, insurance, crypto assets, and capital market activities. In addition, a unique dual licensing initiative permits ADGM-registered ventures to apply for a license issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), allowing you to expand your business scope.
Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) offers innovative new services, such as mediation in the metaverse, allowing users to engage in mediation services using Web 3.0 technology in a virtual environment. A virtual space modeled on the ADGM Arbitration Centre, with video of participants integrated into the virtual surroundings, is just one of many innovations the free zone has introduced.
Why Get an Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) License?
- 0% corporate income tax rate for a period of fifty years.
- No currency restrictions.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure and offices located in the capital of the UAE.
- No foreign proprietorship restrictions.
- World-class independent courts using English Common Law and an independent financial services regulator.
- No restrictions on the repatriation of profits.
- The ADGM Companies and Commercial Licensing Regulations are derived from the UK Companies Act (2006), which is widely recognized in international business.
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Markets) companies can apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Ministry of Finance to benefit from the UAE’s vast double tax treaty network.
- Awarded ‘Best International Financial Centre (EMEA)’ by London-based Capital Finance International (CFI.co) for two consecutive years.
- The free zone was named ‘Financial Centre of the Year (MENA)’ for three consecutive years by Global Investor magazine.
- Voted as “FinTech Regulator of the Year (MENA)” by Seamless Middle East.
ADGM License Types
The Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone has become a destination for all types of businesses in the financial sector. In addition, it has attracted companies from across the region and beyond by offering innovative solutions for all their needs.
| Features | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3A | Category 3B | Category 3C | Category 4 | Category 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Accepting deposits. Managing a profit-sharing account. |
Principal investor. Providing credit. |
Dealing with investments as principal. Dealing in investments as an agent. |
Acting as trustee of a fund. | Managing a collective investment fund. | Arranging credit in investments. Advising on financial products. |
Islamic financial institution. |
| Minimum Capital Required | $10,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $500,000 | $4,000,000 | $500,000 | $10,000 | $10,000,000 |
| FSRA Authorisation Fee | $15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$5,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
| FSRA Annual Supervision Fee | $15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$5,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
$15,000 + $5,000 per additional regulated activity |
| ADGM Registration Fee | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
ADGM is an excellent location for a broad range of business services, family enterprises, and corporate headquarters. For non-financial business activities allowed within the free zone, please click on this link and search by keyword. In addition, you can find the latest complete list of fees on the ADGM schedule of fees page. Start a Financial Company via ADGM
Also, do check:
Procedure to Start a Financial Company via ADGM
- Complete an application form and present it to the ADGM Registry Authority.
- Present a Regulatory Business Plan (RBP). The FSRA will use it to determine the applicant’s fitness to conduct regulated activities.
- Review of all documentation by the ADGM Registry Authority and FSRA.
- Issuance of approval by the Regulator.
- Issuance of documentation as a registered entity within ADGM.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
ADGM offers a top-notch SPV regime to separate financial and legal risk by ring-fencing assets and liabilities. SPVs can ensure that only those assets related to a business deal or project are exposed to its liabilities. Please speak to our team for more details on ADGM SPVs.
Professional Services to Launch Your Venture in Abu Dhabi Global Markets
Our team has facilitated many individuals and corporate entities to set up their businesses within ADGM. So let us be your one-stop solution for ADGM company incorporation services.
If you seek expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional assistance.
Also, don’t forget to see the comparison between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) & how to establish a UAE Foundation.
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