Abu Dhabi Global Market
ADGM Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre, on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands. It applies English common law directly, has its own courts and regulator, and is a leading choice for funds, family offices, holding companies and fintechs.
Quick answer
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi that applies English common law directly. Financial services are regulated by the FSRA, and companies are registered with the ADGM Registration Authority. Common structures include private companies, SPVs, foundations and branches. Non-regulated entities can be set up in weeks. Regulated firms take longer.
Why ADGM?
ADGM offers the legal certainty of English common law in the UAE capital, close to sovereign wealth funds and major Abu Dhabi institutions. It is widely used for holding structures, investment vehicles and regulated financial firms.
- Direct application of English common law
- Respected FSRA regulator and ADGM Courts
- Efficient SPV and foundation regimes
- Tech start-up licences and fintech support
Key benefits of ADGM Company Setup
Common law
English common law applied directly.
Capital location
Close to Abu Dhabi's major institutions.
Structuring tools
SPVs, foundations and holding companies.
Respected regulator
FSRA oversight for financial firms.
Startup support
Licences designed for tech founders.
Full ownership
100% foreign ownership.
How the process works
Package & activity planning
We compare ADGM licence packages by activity, number of visas and office type, and recommend the most cost-effective option.
Application & name reservation
We prepare the ADGM application, reserve your company name and submit shareholder KYC documents.
Pre-approval & payment
Once the authority gives initial approval, we arrange payment of the licence, registration and facility fees.
Company documents
The authority issues the licence, certificate of incorporation, share certificates and the MOA/AOA, which are usually signed digitally.
Establishment card & visas
We open the immigration file, then handle entry permits, medicals, Emirates ID and residence visas for owners and staff.
Bank account & compliance
We introduce you to suitable banks and set you up for VAT, corporate tax and annual renewal reminders.
Documents usually required
- Passport copy of each shareholder and director (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp copy (for residents and visitors in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Home-country address proof (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business profile or CV, where the free zone requests it
- Corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
- Regulatory business plan (for FSRA-regulated activities)
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
ADGM Company Setup: common questions
ADGM or DIFC: which should I choose?
Both are respected common-law financial centres. ADGM applies English law directly and is based in Abu Dhabi, while DIFC has its own codified common-law regime in Dubai. The best choice depends on your investors, banking and where your team will be based.
What is an ADGM SPV used for?
SPVs are used to hold assets, shares or IP, ring-fence risk and simplify financing or investment structures.
Can an ADGM company get visas?
Yes. Operating ADGM companies with appropriate premises can sponsor residence visas.
Speak to a ADGM Company Setup specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
Get a clear plan, a written cost breakdown and a realistic timeline, with no obligation.