Company Formation in Abu Dhabi Global Market
Set up an ADGM company, SPV, foundation or family office in Abu Dhabi's international financial centre — the only jurisdiction in the region to apply English common law directly. Partner-led formation, structuring, banking and compliance, handled end to end.
- English common law & independent ADGM Courts
- 100% foreign ownership · 0% tax on qualifying income
- SPVs, foundations, family offices & funds
Speak with a senior ADGM advisor
Tell us what you're structuring — a senior advisor replies within one business day, in complete confidence.
An international financial centre built on certainty
ADGM pairs a globally trusted legal framework with the tax efficiency and prestige of a leading UAE free zone — the reason family offices, funds and holding structures choose Abu Dhabi.
English Common Law
ADGM directly applies English common law through its own independent courts — the legal certainty international investors and their advisors expect.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright, with full repatriation of capital and profits and no local-shareholder requirement.
0% on Qualifying Income
As a UAE free zone, ADGM offers a 0% corporate-tax rate on qualifying income under the free-zone regime.
A Global Financial Hub
Home to leading banks, funds and family offices on Al Maryah Island — an FSRA-regulated centre of international standing.
The right vehicle for every objective
From cost-efficient holding structures to regulated funds, we form and structure the ADGM vehicle that fits your strategy.
ADGM SPV
A cost-efficient special-purpose vehicle to hold shares, real estate, IP or investments — no minimum capital and no physical-office requirement.
ADGM Foundation
A flexible common-law foundation for wealth protection, succession planning and philanthropy — separating legal ownership from beneficial enjoyment.
Family Office
Establish a single- or multi-family office to govern and preserve family wealth across generations, on a common-law footing.
Funds & Asset Management
FSRA-regulated fund and asset-management structures — from open-ended funds to venture and private-equity vehicles.
Commercial & Professional
Consultancies, advisory firms and holding-cum-operating companies with a prestigious ADGM address and licence.
Tech Startups
ADGM's innovation and tech-startup framework gives founders a cost-effective route into a top-tier financial centre.
ADGM Structure Comparison
Every ADGM structure serves a different objective. Compare them at a glance, then tell us your goal and we'll recommend the right one.
| Structure | Best For | Separate Legal Entity | Visa Eligibility | FSRA Regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADGM SPV | Holding shares, real estate, IP or investments; securitisation & ring-fencing | |||
| ADGM Foundation | Wealth protection, succession planning, family governance | |||
| ADGM Holding / Operating Co. | Group holding combined with active commercial operations | |||
| ADGM Tech Startup | Founders wanting a cost-effective route into a top-tier centre | |||
| FSRA Regulated Company | Fund & asset management, advisory, brokerage, fintech (RegLab) |
Structure choice depends on your business model, licensing category, regulatory approvals, office requirements and the professional services required. Final recommendations follow a consultation.
Which ADGM Structure Is Right for You?
A partner-led team, from formation to first transaction
ADGM rewards precise structuring. Our chartered-accountant-led advisors get the entity, ownership and substance right the first time — then stay on for banking, tax and compliance.
Senior, dedicated advisor
One accountable partner-level contact from first call through licence and renewals — never a call centre.
Corporate banking introductions
Bank-readiness review and guided introductions across 20+ UAE banking partners to improve approval odds.
Structuring & substance
We align ownership, economic substance and governance with your tax and succession goals — and the authorities' expectations.
Ongoing compliance
Accounting, corporate tax, ESR/UBO and annual renewals handled so your structure stays in good standing.
Your ADGM entity in four considered steps
Private consultation
We understand your objectives — holding, wealth, funds or trading — and recommend the optimal ADGM structure.
Structure & documentation
We prepare the incorporation pack, ownership structure and substance plan, and pre-check everything before filing.
Registration & licence
We file with ADGM's Registration Authority and, for regulated activities, coordinate FSRA authorisation — through to your licence.
Banking & compliance
We support corporate account opening and set up your accounting, tax and annual compliance calendar.
Trusted by founders, families & investors
4.8 / 5 from 700+ Google reviews
Our company setup experience was flawless. The clarity and professionalism at every stage gave us complete confidence.
Excellent support for our company formation in the UAE. Transparent, fast and highly professional from start to finish.
Exceptional tax and structuring support. Great attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Company formation in ADGM — answered
What is ADGM?
Abu Dhabi Global Market is an international financial centre and free zone on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, established in 2013. It has its own independent regulator (the FSRA), its own courts, and directly applies English common law — a framework trusted by international investors, funds and family offices.
Why set up a holding company or SPV in ADGM?
An ADGM SPV is a cost-efficient way to hold shares, real estate, intellectual property or investments. There is no minimum share capital and no requirement for a physical office, which makes it a popular vehicle for structuring, asset protection and succession planning.
Can foreigners own 100% of an ADGM company?
Yes. ADGM permits 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits and no requirement for a local shareholder.
Does ADGM really apply English law?
Yes. ADGM is the first jurisdiction in the region to directly apply English common law alongside its own regulations. Disputes are heard by the independent ADGM Courts in English, giving international parties a familiar, predictable legal environment.
What is an ADGM Foundation used for?
An ADGM Foundation is a flexible legal structure used for succession planning, asset protection, holding family or business assets, and philanthropy. It separates legal ownership from beneficial enjoyment, helping families preserve and pass on wealth in an orderly way.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
It depends on the structure (SPV, foundation, operating company or fund), the licence and whether FSRA authorisation is required. We give you a clear, itemised quote up front. Straightforward structures such as SPVs can be established quickly once documents are in order; regulated entities take longer. Timelines and fees are set by the authorities.
Establish your presence in Abu Dhabi Global Market
Speak with a senior Avyanco advisor for a confidential, no-obligation consultation on your ADGM structure.
+971 58 828 8968 · Sun–Thu, 9am–6pm GST