ADGM: company setup
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
The 2025 fee cut made ADGM markedly more accessible than before for a non-financial activity. For equivalent services it is often cheaper than the DIFC, with the same level of legal certainty.
What to watch for
Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. If your network, your clients and your travel are in Dubai, day-to-day convenience matters more than people expect.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €22,390 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
Suited activities
- Finance and asset management
- Holding and family office
- Technology and innovation
- Professional services
Banking
Excellent. A regulated centre applying English common law.
Setting up in ADGM: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Abu Dhabi): adgm.com
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
ADGM free zone: frequently asked questions
How much does an ADGM licence cost?
From €23,090. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €22,390 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
How long does company setup in ADGM take?
3 to 6 weeks (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is ADGM in?
Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi Global Market.
What office does an ADGM company need?
Physical address mandatory for most entities (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with an ADGM company?
By floor area and entity type (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can an ADGM company open a bank account?
Excellent. A regulated centre applying English common law. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in ADGM?
Finance and asset management · Holding and family office · Technology and innovation · Professional services.
What should I watch out for in ADGM?
Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. If your network, your clients and your travel are in Dubai, day-to-day convenience matters more than people expect.