ADGM Company Formation: Launch Your Global Business
Register a company in ADGM with 100% foreign ownership, a recognised legal framework, and comprehensive registration support by Avyanco.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET licence #909402
- 100% foreign ownership
Simplifying Your ADGM Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
ADGM attracts established brands and entrepreneurs because of its favorable business climate. UAE is well known for its business-friendly policies, which make the ADGM business setup an attractive choice.
Avyanco can manage the complexities of ADGM company formation and give you a smooth experience from registration to operation.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
Types of Business Entities in ADGM
Before starting the registration process, you should understand the different types of business entities in ADGM. ADGM provides you with the various business entities, as follows as
Private Company Limited by Shares
It is the common structure for startups and SMEs who want limited liability protection.
Public Company Limited by Shares
It is suitable for large companies that want to raise capital publicly.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
It is a suitable business structure for professional companies such as consultancies or law practices.
Branch of a Foreign Company
It allows overseas companies to set the presence in the ADGM without making the new legal entity.
Recognised Company
ADGM permits branches, LLPs, companies, foundations and other structures; a foreign company may establish a branch.
ADGM Company Setup Categories: What Avyanco does Offers?
Avyanco allows you to start the company formation process in different categories in ADGM. Financial, non-financial business, retail, and special purpose vehicles are the common categories in which you can set up your business.
Financial Businesses
ADGM offers an internationally recognised financial environment and allows financial institutions to access emerging markets. This business setup in Abu Dhabi allows you to serve clients in the global and regional sectors.
Non-Financial Businesses
Our company formation services also serve the non-financial companies, family offices, associations, corporate headquarters, and treasury operations. It allows you to run a business in an independent legal framework and a business-friendly environment.
Retail Businesses
Our company formation services are also available for retail, manufacturing, wholesale, transportation, hospitality, technology, storage, entertainment, and other commercial businesses.
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
ADGM SPVs help the business to ring-fence the liabilities and assets through separate legal entities. They support asset holding, investment structures, and financial risk management arrangements.
Different Types of ADGM License Options
ADGM provides different licensing options based on your business activities, operational models, and regulatory requirements. We guide you to choose the right license before starting registration.
| License type | Permitted activities |
|---|---|
| Financial Services Permission | Banking, insurance, capital markets, asset management, and payment services |
| Commercial License | Consulting, professional services, technology services, and family office activities |
| Foundry License | Fintech activities, innovative financial services, and technology development |
Additional Advisory Services to Support Your Company's Growth in ADGM
We support the business with the UAE corporate, accounting, and taxation requirements during their operational journey. Our additional advisory services include
UAE Mainland Company Formation
Corporate Tax Registration Assistance
ADGM free zone Business Setup
VAT Registration and Filing
Accounting and Bookkeeping Support
ADGM company setup requires more than obtaining the registration certificate and commercial license. You must understand the financial, administrative, and regulatory responsibilities before setting up your business. Get our advisory services to address these requirements and complete the corporate tax registration, VAT-related formalities, accounting records, and financial reporting.
How we Apply for your Business Setup in ADGM
At Avyanco, we follow the structured registration procedure, submit your application, complete the office arrangements and licensing formalities, and help establish your business in ADGM.
- 1
Submit Business Plan
Discuss your business plan with us. We can assess your business objectives, proposed activities, ownership structure, and operational model.
- 2
Get the Initial Approval
Submit your company formation application for review. The ADGM authority evaluates your proposed activities, eligibility, and business structure and grants you the required approval.
- 3
Prepare Legal Documentation
Next, we prepare the documents, incorporation forms, director and shareholder details, passport copies, and other paperwork to get approval of the legal structure.
- 4
Arrange Your Office Space
Register a company in ADGM by renting the office space and complete the lease arrangements as per your company activities and registration requirements.
- 5
Pay License Fees
Pay the registration and license fees to the authority, based on your selected license category and business activities.
- 6
Get Final Approval
Finally, we review your application and submit it to the ADGM authority. We wait for the authority's approval to issue your commercial license and allow you to legally operate there.
Why Choose Avyanco for ADGM Company Formation?
The Avyanco team combines UAE business knowledge, advisory support, and regulatory understanding to simplify your company registration in ADGM. Here's why you can choose us
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
Important Requirements for ADGM Company Registration
ADGM company formation requires the careful consideration of legal structure, business activities, registered office arrangements, and documentation. Here are the essential requirements you can meet
- 100% Foreign Ownership Flexibility
- 0% Tax on Qualifying Income
Business Eligibility
- Choose the permitted business activities
- Confirm applicable licensing category
Legal and Ownership Requirements
- Identify directors and shareholders
- Disclose beneficial ownership information
Office and Regulatory Requirements
- Arrange an eligible registered office
- Obtain required regulatory approvals
Why Choose Avyanco
- 2 Strategic Island Locations
- 21-Day Hub71 Review Average
Documents Required for the ADGM Company Setup
The following are the crucial documents required for ADGM company setup.
- Copy of Passport
- CV
- Utility Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Bank Statements or a Letter of Recommendation from a Bank (3 months)
- UAE visa or entrance stamp
- A letter of authorisation from the firm or the Free Zone Authority required if the individual is on a Free Zone visa.
ADGM Company Formation Costs and First-Year Budget
The ADGM company formation costs depend on the visa requirements, license category, and office arrangements. The estimated costs are
ADGM company formation costs
| Cost component | Estimated starting cost |
|---|---|
| License fee | Vary, USD 17,000*, USD 5,800*, USD 2,800*, USD 1,900*, USD 7,800*, USD 15,000* and USD 1,000* across listed activity categories |
| Visa (per person) | Approximately AED 8,000* |
| Office space (annual) | From AED 25,000* |
| Estimated first-year total | From AED 43,000* |
*Indicative, subject to change. Excludes Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
ADGM Corporate Tax and Annual Compliance Requirements
ADGM companies should align with the applicable UAE tax legislation and ADGM corporate regulations to run their business legally.
| Tax or compliance requirement | Applicable rules |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 0% on qualifying income for eligible QFZPs |
| Standard corporate tax | The 9% UAE corporate tax applies to taxable income above AED 375,000, income up to that threshold is taxed at 0% |
| VAT | 5% standard rate |
| Mandatory VAT registration | Taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 |
| Voluntary VAT registration | Taxable supplies exceeding AED 187,500 |
| Financial statements | Applicable accounting standards |
| Annual license renewal | Required to maintain registration |
| Beneficial ownership records | Maintain and update applicable records |
Illustrative Corporate Tax Calculation
| Particulars | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Annual taxable income | AED 800,000 |
| Income taxed at 0% | AED 375,000 |
| Remaining taxable income | AED 425,000 |
| Corporate tax at 9% | AED 38,250 |
What makes the ADGM different from the other UAE free zones?+
ADGM works under English common law and has its own independent regulator (FSRA). It is specialised in financial services and related activities, and is unique among the UAE free zones.
What are the minimum capital requirements for ADGM companies?+
The commercial licenses have no minimum capital requirements. On the other hand, the financial services permissions have different capital requirements based on the specific regulated activities.
Can ADGM companies conduct business in mainland zones?+
Yes, ADGM companies can perform the business with UAE mainland entities but cannot serve retail customers for regulated financial services without approvals.
Are there any tax benefits in ADGM?+
Yes, it provides tax benefits. Tax treatment depends on UAE federal law and QFZP eligibility/conditions. No personal income tax and several other tax incentives for qualifying activities.
How much does it cost for business formation in ADGM?+
The ADGM first-year costs range from AED 75,000 to AED 200,000* on the basis of the license type, office, and number of visas. There are additional capital and regulatory fees for Financial Services Permissions.
Establish your Presence in the Abu Dhabi Global Market
Get Avyanco's professional guidance and start your ADGM company setup. Our advisors help you with choosing the right legal structure, understand the licensing requirements, and complete the documentation and registration formalities. Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quote. Our support includes:
- Legal structure and business activity selection
- Incorporation documentation and licensing assistance
- Corporate tax and compliance advisory support
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Abu Dhabi Global Market (adgm.com) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of Abu Dhabi Global Market and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. ADGM rules, fees, licence categories, visa quotas and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with ADGM and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.