Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi's world-class financial centre — English common law, FSRA-regulated, and strategically positioned for GCC capital.
Emirate
Abu Dhabi
Est.
2015
Cost/Year
AED 40,000 – 150,000+ / year
Setup Time
6–14 weeks (regulated); 3–5 weeks (non-regulated)
Visas
Based on office space allocation in Al Maryah Island buildings
Office
Physical office required in ADGM-designated buildings on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
About ADGM
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), established in 2015 on Al Maryah Island, is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre operating under English common law with its own independent regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Recognised by global regulators including the UK FCA, ADGM has rapidly grown into a major hub for asset management, family offices, fintech, and professional services seeking access to Abu Dhabi's vast sovereign wealth ecosystem. It is often considered the Abu Dhabi equivalent of DIFC.
Ideal for
Asset managers, family offices, wealth management firms, hedge funds, fintech companies, legal and professional services firms seeking proximity to ADNOC, Mubadala, ADIA, and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth ecosystem.
Pros & Considerations
Advantages
- English common law — internationally aligned and globally understood
- FSRA recognised by UK FCA, SEC, and equivalent regulators globally
- Proximity to Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth funds (ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ)
- Growing fintech ecosystem with innovation sandbox
- Strong Islamic finance infrastructure
- Competitive regulatory fees vs DIFC for some categories
- Al Maryah Island — modern, purpose-built financial district
- Active VC and startup ecosystem via Hub71
Watch out for
- Smaller ecosystem than DIFC (fewer companies, less developed dining/retail)
- Abu Dhabi location less accessible to Dubai-based clients
- FSRA application process is thorough and time-consuming
- Office costs are high by UAE standards
- Less established brand recognition than DIFC internationally
Licence Types
Popular Business Activities
Permitted activities vary — we confirm your specific activity before registration.
Setup Process
Regulatory Planning
Determine if activities require FSRA regulation. Pre-application consultation with FSRA is recommended for regulated applicants.
FSRA Application
Submit Regulatory Business Plan, compliance manual, senior management approvals, and financial projections. Timeline: 3–6 months for regulated activities.
Commercial Registration
ADGM Registration Authority issues the commercial licence. For non-regulated businesses, this is the primary process.
Office Lease
Secure office space on Al Maryah Island in ADGM-designated buildings.
Operational Launch
Hire compliance officer (for regulated entities), open UAE bank accounts, begin operations.
Cost Breakdown
| Licence fee (annual) | AED 40,000 – 150,000+ / year |
| Registration / one-time fees | AED 2,000–5,000 (one-time) |
| Visa cost (per person) | AED 3,500–5,500 |
| Emirates ID (per person) | AED 370 |
| Medical test (per person) | AED 300–600 |
| goCorp service feeIncluded | Advisory — get a quote |
| Bank account setup | Advisory — get a quote |
Licence fees and FSRA fees are in addition to office costs. Al Maryah Island office lease: AED 150–280/sqft/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Set up in ADGM today
Free consultation, full quote, and end-to-end formation support. Typical timeline: 6–14 weeks (regulated); 3–5 weeks (non-regulated).
Get a free quote Talk to an expertQuick Specs
Emirate
Abu Dhabi
Founded
2015
Setup Timeline
6–14 weeks (regulated); 3–5 weeks (non-regulated)
Annual Cost
AED 40,000 – 150,000+ / year
Visa Allocation
Based on office space allocation in Al Maryah Island buildings.
Office Requirement
Physical office required in ADGM-designated buildings on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
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