Abu Dhabi boasts first-class infrastructure and unparalleled global connectivity, making it a premier international destination. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal location to live, work, and conduct business.
A financial centre that provides transparency, efficiency, and integrity, through its progressive frameworks, future focused infrastructure, all within a familiar independent legal jurisdiction – ADGM is the perfect platform for success.
Our community of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors can depend on ADGM to provide timely news and reliable insights.
At ADGM, we offer various support options, including contact details, FAQs, enquiry forms, and a whistleblowing form.
Grow and scale in Abu Dhabi’s award-winning international financial centre, providing an international and supportive business environment.
Banking & Money Services
Wealth and Asset Management
Capital Markets
Digital Assets & Fintech
Professional and business services
Corporate Solutions
Retail and entertainment
If you are unsure of the category of your business, you can search the permitted activities, or alternatively you can talk to our business development team.
For Financial Activities : Please view the authorisation process overview located here. This stage will need to be completed in advance of the Registration and Incorporation.
SPVs and Foundation Applications : You will need to firstly confirm if you will be exempt from appointing a Company Service Provider (CSP) to complete your application. To support you with identifying this, we have published a tool to provide indication as to whether you will need to appoint a CSP to submit the application on your behalf.
You can use this tool to confirm if you will be exempt from appointing a Company Service Provider (CSP).
ADGM permits a wide range of business structures to use. Overview of permitted structures is located here
ADGM has a set of specific rules around the words that can be used within a proposed company name.
If you are using abbreviations as part of the name, the team may request that you submit the supplementary information to explain the meaning of the abbreviation. We recommend that if you are using an abbreviation, that you upload a supplementary document to avoid potential delays. Template of this supplementary document is located here
Reserving the name is not required as it can be done as part of that application. However, this service is available should you wish to register the name in advance and can be done through the Online Registry Solution
Having a physical presence within the jurisdiction is a requirement for ADGM entities. The only exception to this rule is for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), for more information on setting up an SPV and the requirements, particularly the appointment of a corporate service provider, please visit here.
For details of the office spaces and co-working spaces on Al Maryah island and Al Reem island please click here.
The completeness of your application will determine the length of time it will take for your commercial licence to be issued.
You will note below that there are a number of supplementary documents that you will need to complete as part of your application. We are currently working to upgrade our platform.
You will need to have your In Principle Approval issued before you commence your application for Registration / Incorporation.
Template is available on the ADGM website but this can be amended or bespoke articles uploaded, provided the applicant can confirm that these are compliant with the ADGM Companies Regulations that can be accessed here.
Template is available on the ADGM website but this can be amended or bespoke articles uploaded, provided the applicant can confirm that these are compliant with the ADGM Companies Regulations that can be accessed here.
Valid Passport copy and Emirates ID copies. If any of the role holders are dual passport holders, please upload copies of both passports.
The Registrar can request to view documentation related to the source of wealth of individual shareholders, and individual UBOs (with ownership of more than 25%). Source of wealth can be bank statement, dated not more than 3 months from the application date. Declaration can be located here.
Any application for the incentivized Tech Start up licence, must pass an initial eligibility review. All applications that will be considered, must be accompanied by a Hub71 approval letter. To apply for this letter, please visit the ADGM/Hub71 Tech Licence Eligibility Form.
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