ADGM Free Zone Company Setup
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- ADGM Free Zone Company Setup
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – A Premier Financial Centre for Business Setup
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a renowned financial centre located on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. As an international financial hub in the UAE’s capital, ADGM provides seamless company setup solutions for businesses.
ADGM License Categories
ADGM offers three main types of business licenses:
- Non-Financial License
- Retail License
- Financial License
Each license type permits a range of business activities. The Registration Authority oversees the registration of non-financial and retail licenses, while the Financial Services and Regulatory Authority (FSRA) manages financial licenses. ADGM operates under English common law, ensuring legal transparency through its dedicated ADGM Courts.
Benefits of Setting Up a Company in ADGM
An ADGM company offers numerous advantages, including:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Comprehensive business ecosystem with legal, accounting, and support services
- Unlimited activities per license (within the same scope)
- Zero direct taxes
- Full repatriation of profits
- Flexible office setup options
- Investor and employee visa flexibility
- One visa for every 8 sqm of office space
- Streamlined business procedures and application process
- No restrictions on foreign employees
- English-speaking, common law judicial system
- Ranked 11th in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index (2019)
- Strategic location providing easy access to UAE and global markets
Other Free Zones you may be interested in

Sharjah Media City


International Free Zone Authority


Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Timeline
Follow these steps to establish your company in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Complete a simple form
1Application preparation
2Registration
3ADGM Company Licenses and Permitted Business Activities
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers licenses for setting up non-financial, retail, and financial businesses. Below are the permitted activities under each license category:
Non-Financial License Activities
- Consulting & Professional Services: Consultancy, management consultancy, legal, accounting, scientific research, and development.
- IT & Media: Computer programming, information services, publishing, motion picture production, sound recording, broadcasting, and telecommunications.
- Real Estate & Construction: Real estate, rental and leasing, civil engineering, construction, services to buildings and landscapes.
- Manufacturing & Industrial: Printing, reproduction of recorded media, electricity, gas and air conditioning supply, water supply, waste management, and remediation.
- Corporate & Administrative: Head office operations, office administration, support services, architectural and engineering consultancy, advertising, and market research.
- Social & Community Services: Residential care, social work, education, healthcare, activities of membership organizations, households, and extraterritorial bodies.
- Security & Employment: Security and investigation services, employment, repair, and installation of machinery.
- Transport & Storage: Warehousing, administrative support, and transport-related activities.
- Investment & Special Activities: Open-ended/close-ended investment activities, public administration, and defense.
Retail License Activities
- Manufacturing: Food and beverages, textiles, apparel, leather, chemicals, furniture, and jewellery.
- Trade & Services: Wholesale and retail trade, maintenance and repair, postal and courier services.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Tour and travel services, accommodation, and food services.
- Leisure & Entertainment: Photography, art, entertainment, amusement, and recreation.
- Rental & Leasing: Motor vehicles, household goods, and other equipment.
Financial License Activities
- Banking & Finance: Private banking, investment banking, corporate transactions, and digital banking.
- Asset & Wealth Management: Wealth management, investment management, fund management, and asset servicing.
- Capital Markets & Securities: Brokerage, capital markets, securities, and market infrastructure.
- Innovative & Specialized Services: Virtual asset activities, fintech, special purpose vehicles, and listing authority and products.
ADGM’s comprehensive licensing framework caters to a wide range of industries, making it a preferred destination for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE.
Documents Required for an Abu Dhabi Global Market Company
The following documents are required to form a company with ADGM:
- Copy of passport.
- Emirates ID (if the person is a UAE resident).
- UAE visa (if already granted).
- Two coloured passport size photos with a white background.
- Proof of share capital as required.
- Business plan
- Sample CV
- Proof of funds
- Corporate shareholder’s resolution
- Certificate of incorporation of home country business (for corporate shareholders).