Abu dhabi global market (ADGM) free zone business setup
Pricing For – (ADGM) Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone
About Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM Free Zone provides a top-notch regulated environment for those in the financial sector and welcomes non-financial service providers.
ADGM spans a significant portion of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi and has excellent connectivity by land, air, and sea. It is just 15 minutes away from the Zayed Port and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The prices start from AED 16,000
Average business setup time: 2 weeks
Benefits of setting up a company in ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone
100% Business Ownership And Capital Repatriation
- As an expatriate, you can own 100% of the company and transfer all profits to your home country.
Quick And Easy
- In ADGM, company formation is quick and hassle-free with its fully digital process.
Licensing Options
- ADGM welcomes diverse professional services, corporate headquarters, and related entities.
Strategic Location
- ADGM's location is strategically positioned as a gateway for local, regional, and international entities.
Regulated Environment
- ADGM is an autonomous jurisdiction that has its own independent courts and offers legal certainty.
Fully Serviced
- ADGM offers a variety of support services, including assistance with government and visa procedures and postal services.
ADGM Business Activities
Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone (ADGM) offers a range of financial and professional business activities. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Associations
Banking
Capital Markets
Crypto Activities
Family Business
FinTech
Professional Services
Retail
Listing Authority and Products
Wealth and Asset Management
Physical Presence Requirement
You don’t have to be physically present to complete the setup process of your Business.
Setting up a business in the ADGM Free Zone
If you are planning to establish a business in the ADGM Free Zone, then you are lucky because it is one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in the world.
This guide will provide a step-by-step process to help you set up your company easily and quickly.
Setting up a company here is easier than ever. With our assistance, you can get your business up and running in no time.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a Free Zone?
A free zone is a designated economic area that provides significant tax benefits to the businesses that operate within its boundaries. The United Arab Emirates has more than 50 free zones, including ADGM, all of which are designed to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment.
ADGM, in particular, is an excellent option for businesses looking to establish themselves in the Middle East. It boasts a high-quality business environment and top-of-the-line infrastructure for a wide range of business services.
What Is the ADGM Free Zone?
Abu Dhabi Global Market is a modern and business-friendly free zone located in the region. It was established in 2015 through an executive decree from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
This zone is an international financial centre with unique legislation, courts, and regulatory framework, making it an attractive location for businesses worldwide.
Why Choose ADGM?
There are numerous advantages to choosing ADGM as your business base. Some of the primary benefits comprise of:
- Allowing 100% foreign ownership
- No corporate or personal income taxes
- It is a financial centre with unique courts, laws, and regulations
- Offers visa options for investors, directors, employees, and dependents
- Companies can operate globally as the ADGM license covers both local and international markets.
Businesses that have achieved success in the Abu Dhabi Global Market
Many global businesses across the UAE have decided to call ADGM home for their business activities. Some of the popular business types include:
- Banks
- Depository services
- Fund management/administration
- Insurance companies, captive insurance companies, and reinsurance companies
- PE & VC firms (including incubators)
- Investment advisors
- Management consultants
- Business process outsourcing ("BPO") solutions providers
- Fintech firms
Examples of globally recognized brands that are based there include:
- Citibank
- Credit Suisse
- Allianz Securities
These are all examples of businesses that have found success in ADGM. If you’re looking for a thriving environment to offer your business services with top-notch infrastructure, this free zone is the place for you!
Business Formation in ADGM Free Zone
To form a business in the ADGM Free Zone, you’ll need to choose your entity type. There are four different entity types:
- Citibank
- Credit Suisse
- Allianz Securities
For most businesses, ADGM offers two options: LLC and FZ-LLC.
What Is an ADGM LLC?
An ADGM Free Zone Limited Liability Company (ADGM LLC) is a business formed in ADGM by at least one founder.
It is mandatory for this type of business to have at least one shareholder, who could be an individual or a corporate entity of any nationality. ADGM LLCs are the most frequently established type of company in ADGM.
What Are the Benefits of an ADGM LLC?
ADGM LLCs offer numerous advantages, such as:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- No corporate or personal income taxes
- Protected by ADGM's world-class legal system
- Can issue debt and equity securities
If you’re interested in building a trading platform or a crypto-currency business, an ADGM LLC might be the ideal business format for you.
What Is An ADGM FZ-LLC?
An ADGM Free Zone Limited Liability Company (ADGM FZ-LLC) is a special type of LLC designed for businesses operating within the ADGM Free Zone. These companies are usually 100% foreign-owned and are not subject to any personal or corporate taxes imposed by ADGM.
In addition to the benefits of an ADGM LLC, ADGM FZ-LLCs enjoy extra advantages such as:
- No currency restrictions
- A simplified setup process that takes less than 24 hours
However, it is important to note that ADGM FZ-LLCs have a minimum capital requirement of AED 300,000.
How to Form an LLC or FZ-LLC?
If you are considering setting up an ADGM company, consider founding an FZ-LLC as your business base. It is important to understand the steps involved in the process to get started. Here is a brief overview:
1. Contact us at Gulf Gateway CSP for assistance.
2. Decide on the type of business you want to establish (LLC or FZ-LLC).
3. Choose a name for your ADGM company that is not already taken by another business.
4. Apply to the registry on your own or through an authorized agent such as Gulf Gateway CSP.
5. Sign the company formation contracts and pay the ADGM registration fees.
6. Apply for business licenses, either on your own or through an authorized agent.
If you are still trying to decide which entity type is best for your business, feel free to contact us. We can also assist and advise you on regulatory compliance in the region. Remember to choose your business type carefully, as ADGM offers many benefits for businesses.
ADGM Free Zone Business Setup
We have more than ten years of experience in assisting businesses to set up and establish themselves in ADGM.
We can guide you through every step of the process, from selecting your entity type to obtaining business licenses in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. Our range of support services includes mail management, accounting, legal, and bank account opening services.
How Is ADGM Free Zone Different from Other Free Zones?
Abu Dhabi Global Market is a unique and innovative financial centre located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The main ways it differs from other free zones are legal, regulatory, location-based and operational advantages.
Legal
Abu Dhabi Global Market is the only free zone in the region that has its own unique dedicated legislation. The ADGM Commercial Companies Law (CCL) is quite special as it provides a modern and flexible legal framework for companies operating in ADGM.
Furthermore, it operates under English Common Law, which is well respected and understood worldwide. These legal systems make it an ideal place for setting up a business. If you need any legal assistance, Gulf Gateway CSP can help you with our legal services.
Regulatory
ADGM is a free zone located in Abu Dhabi that has its own financial services regulator called ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
The FSRA regulates ADGM’s top-notch suite of regulatory regimes, which are strong and equivalent to those in major global financial centres. Moreover, Abu Dhabi Global Market adheres to the best international practices and standards for all its regulatory regimes.
Location
ADGM is situated in the central region of Abu Dhabi, just a few minutes drive from the main business district, important government organizations, and other free zones.
This prime location provides businesses with easy access to a wide range of service providers and government departments, as well as other essential facilities. Additionally, its strategic location between mainland Abu Dhabi and Yas Island allows the Abu Dhabi Global Market to have convenient access to the whole of UAE.
Operational Benefits
Businesses that are based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) can benefit from various global advantages. ADGM offers a wide range of attractive benefits to investors, including:
- Not being subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), except for specific supplies.
- Offering tax transparency to help businesses optimize their tax planning.
- Having no foreign exchange controls or restrictions on the remittance of profits, dividends, and capital.
ADGM Free Zone Yearly Fees
Companies registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market are required to pay an annual paperwork filing fee. The fee is surprisingly low, starting from USD 100 for companies that file online. You can find a complete list of fees on the ADGM schedule of fees page.
It is important to remember that even though you may not have to pay corporate or income taxes, there are still administrative fees associated with managing a business in the UAE.
How Can I Get Started?
The first steps are relatively simple if you plan to form a business in ADGM. However, you must ensure that you comply with the guidelines for selecting a company name.
The company name should be in either English or Arabic and should not contain any numbers. It should not have any offensive language, religious connotations, registered trademarks or acronyms.
It is also important to ensure that the company name is unique and does not resemble any other registered businesses. ADGM maintains a list of restricted words that cannot be included in the company name, such as oil, bank, insurance, and financial services.
After selecting a suitable name and registering it with ADGM, the next step is to open a corporate bank account.
Business Plans Are Vital for ADGM Businesses
Do you have a business plan? Abu Dhabi Global Market requires companies applying for business registration to submit a business plan. ADGM provides guidelines for preparing your registration application, which include the following details:
- The nature of your business activities
- A list of key personnel and directors
- Cash flow forecasts and projected profit margins
- Details about shareholders, including their share capital shares and voting rightsDetails about shareholders, including their share capital shares and voting rights
There’s no need to disclose where your VC funding comes from. ADGM does not require companies to disclose their sources of initial capital.
Contact Gulf Gateway CSP for Help with Your Application
Of all the free zones in the UAE, ADGM is the strictest regarding business registration. It is home to numerous law firms, professional membership bodies, and financial regulators, which is likely the reason for its strictness.
That’s why the experts at Gulf Gateway CSP best handle ADGM company formation. We have helped thousands of clients form their companies in ADGM, and our team has extensive experience guiding businesses through ADGM Free Zone paperwork.
Other UAE Free Zone Options
There are other free zones in the UAE besides ADGM. If you’re interested in exploring other options, Gulf Gateway CSP can help you with company formation services in the following free zones:
- DMCC Free Zone
- JAFZA
- DIC Free Zone
- Ajman Free Zone
- RAKEZ
- Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
For more information on free zone company formation, feel free to contact our company formation specialists today!
Living in the ADGM Free Zone
When establishing a business in this free zone, you want to ensure your and your employees’ lifestyle is wonderful.
Dining
ADGM boasts high-class restaurants with cuisines from around the world, from steak houses to sushi bars. Famous restaurants include The Ritz-Carlton, Emirates Palace, and Villa Toscana.
Shopping
If you’re in the mood for shopping, ADGM is the place to be. Here, you can find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Tiffany, as well as popular local stores like Virgin Megastore and Centrepoint. Additionally, ADGM boasts an IKEA store where you can buy furniture and home decor items.
Nightlife
ADGM is a great place to unwind with friends after a long day at work. You can enjoy drinks, dancing, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife options are hotel bars and nightclubs located within hotels like Cavalli Club, The Illusions, Buddha Bar, and 360° Hysteria.
Sports
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Global Market has much to offer. There are several world-class golf courses as well as tennis courts and swimming pools. For those who are into extreme sports, skiing, paragliding, and windsurfing are also available options.
Real Estate
Abu Dhabi Global Market is home to some of the most luxurious real estate in the world. Whether you desire a penthouse with a view of the waterfront or a villa in the desert, you will surely find something that caters to your needs. Some of the highly sought-after developments in the region include Al Reem Island, West Yas, and the ADGM Square.
Education
Will you or your employees move to the ADGM Free Zone with family? No worries, as there are several top-rated schools, both private and public, available in the area. Additionally, there are many higher education institutions, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
Gulf Gateway CSP Can Assist with Business Formation at ADGM
ADGM is a highly sought-after free zone in Dubai that provides an excellent standard of living, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally recognized establishments.
If you are planning to establish a business in the UAE, it’s highly recommended that you consider ADGM as your first option. To learn more about company formation, please contact Gulf Gateway CSP.
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