ADGM Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is an international financial centre on Al Maryah Island offering 100% ownership, English common law and a respected regulator. Non-financial company setup starts around AED 12,500, with most incorporations completed within 5–10 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
ADGM — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Non-financial licence from | AED 12,500 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 17,000 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 4,500medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 5–10 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, ADGM company setup starts from AED 12,500, with licences typically issued within 5–10 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Financial services firms
- Holding companies
- Fund managers
- Family offices
Advantages
- Prestigious international financial centre
- Direct application of English common law
- Independent, well-regarded FSRA regulator
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- Strong fit for funds, family offices and holding structures
- Access to a mature Abu Dhabi financial ecosystem
Considerations
- Higher costs for regulated financial firms
- Physical office space is required
- More documentation and compliance than low-cost zones
How to set up in ADGM
- 1
Choose your legal structure & activity
Select a non-financial or regulated activity and the right entity type for ADGM.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit name options that comply with ADGM Registration Authority rules.
- 3
Prepare & submit documents
Passport copies, business plan and application through the ADGM online portal.
- 4
Secure office space & pay fees
Arrange registered office or co-working space, then pay incorporation fees.
- 5
Receive licence & apply for visas
Get your commercial licence, establishment card, then residence visas and a bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at ADGM
ADGM quotes many fees in US dollars, which founders miss when comparing dirham-priced zones: the commercial licence, data protection registration and most registry filings are USD line items. Office space on Al Reem or Al Maryah Island is mandatory for most categories, from roughly AED 30,000 per year, and visas run near AED 4,500.
Regulated financial firms face a different universe — FSRA authorisation, capital requirements and compliance officers — where the licence fee is the smallest number involved. Renewals mirror entry costs, in dollars, so currency movements slightly change your dirham budget year to year.
Common mistakes founders make with ADGM
The biggest error is conflating ADGM's non-financial and financial tracks: a tech startup on a non-regulated licence that begins advising on investments walks into FSRA territory without realising. Second, ADGM runs on English common law with real filing obligations — annual returns, registers, beneficial ownership — and founders used to loose free-zone administration collect penalties. Third, the Al Reem expansion made addresses cheaper, but not all buildings qualify; verify before leasing.
Banking with an ADGM licence
An ADGM licence is arguably the strongest banking signal in Abu Dhabi: FAB and ADCB treat registry-verified ADGM entities as pre-vetted, and international banks recognise the common-law framework instantly. Fintechs in the RegLab enjoy structured pathways to accounts that ordinary startups don't get. The flip side is precision: your bank profile must match your registry filings exactly — a mismatch in activities or shareholders stalls onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ADGM company cost in 2026?+
A non-financial ADGM company starts from around AED 12,500, and roughly AED 17,000 with one residence visa. Regulated financial firms pay significantly more due to FSRA authorisation and capital requirements.
Do I need an office for ADGM?+
Yes. ADGM requires a registered office, though many companies begin with flexible co-working space on Al Maryah Island before taking a dedicated unit.
How long does ADGM setup take?+
Most non-financial ADGM incorporations complete within 5–10 working days. Regulated financial licences take longer because of the FSRA authorisation process.
Can I get 100% ownership with ADGM?+
Yes. ADGM gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor, plus full repatriation of capital and profits.
Is ADGM good for holding companies and family offices?+
Yes. ADGM's common-law framework and Special Purpose Vehicle regime make it a leading choice for holding companies, family offices and fund structures.