Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a financial Free Zone located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2013, it is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). ADGM offers several benefits to businesses.

Location: ADGM is situated on Al Maryah Island, in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Al Maryah Island is a modern and dynamic waterfront development that houses several international businesses and organizations.

Regulatory Framework: ADGM’s regulatory framework, designed to protect investors and promote market integrity, is based on international best practices. The FSRA, an independent authority, is responsible for regulating financial services in ADGM.

Business Environment: ADGM is committed to providing a business-friendly environment for its licensees. This includes a fast and efficient licensing process, a low tax rate, and a skilled workforce.

Market Access: As a member of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), ADGM provides businesses with access to a global network of financial institutions and markets.

Benefits of Setting up a Company at ADGM

  • Flexible Licensing Regime: ADGM offers a variety of different licensing regimes to suit the needs of different businesses. These include the Financial Services License for businesses that provide financial services, such as banks, asset managers, and insurance companies, and the Non-Financial Services License for businesses that do not provide financial services, such as technology companies, law firms, and accounting firms.
  • Strong Regulatory Framework: ADGM is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), an independent authority committed to protecting investors and promoting market integrity. They support cross-border activities.
  • Zero Corporate Tax Rate: ADGM is a zero-tax jurisdiction, which means that there are no corporate income taxes, withholding taxes, or capital gains taxes. This can save businesses a significant amount of money.
  • Strategic Location: Located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, ADGM gives businesses access to a large and growing market, as well as to several international financial institutions.
  • Ease of Doing Business: ADGM offers ease of doing business for foreign investors, with 100% foreign ownership, no restrictions on capital repatriation, no currency restrictions, and no restrictions on foreign employees.
  • Access to International Markets: As a member of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), ADGM provides businesses with access to a global network of financial institutions and markets.

Process of Setting up a Company in ADGM

  1. Choose a Business Name: The company name must be unique and cannot be the same as any other company name registered in ADGM.
  2. Prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA): The MOA, one of the most crucial parts of setting up a company in the UAE, must contain details regarding the company’s shareholders, policies, purpose, and mode of business operations.
  3. Submit an Application: You will need to submit an application to the ADGM Registration Authority. The application must include the company name, the company’s address, the names and nationalities of the shareholders and directors, the share capital of the company, and the type of business that the company will be engaged in.
  4. Pay the Registration Fees: The registration fees for a company in ADGM are AED 5,000.
  5. Obtain a Company License: Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a company license.

Once you have obtained a company license, you will be able to open a bank account, rent office space, and hire employees.

Activities Offered by Abu Dhabi Global Market

ADGM offers a wide range of activities for businesses, including:

  • Financial Services: ADGM is a leading financial center in the Middle East and Africa. It offers a wide range of financial services, including asset management, banking, and insurance.
  • Professional Services: ADGM is a popular destination for professional services firms, such as law firms, accounting firms, and consulting firms.
  • Technology: ADGM is a hub for technology companies. It offers several incentives for technology companies, such as a fast-track approval process and a tax-free environment.
  • Real Estate: ADGM is a growing real estate market. It offers several opportunities for real estate developers and investors.
  • Investment Funds: ADGM is a popular destination for investment funds, and it offers several fund licenses. This makes it an ideal location for businesses that manage investment funds, such as hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital funds.

Other Types of Businesses You Can Set Up in ADGM

  • Media and Entertainment: ADGM is a growing center for media and entertainment, and it offers several media and entertainment licenses, including publishing, broadcasting, and film production.
  • Shipping and Logistics: ADGM is a major shipping and logistics hub, and it offers several shipping and logistics licenses, including ship registration, ship management, and freight forwarding.
  • Tourism and Hospitality: ADGM is a growing center for tourism and hospitality, and it offers a number of tourism and hospitality licenses, including hotel management, restaurant management, and tour operator.
  • Islamic Finance: ADGM is a leading center for Islamic finance, and it offers a number of Islamic finance licenses, including Islamic banking, Islamic insurance, and Islamic asset management.

Office Requirement for Abu Dhabi Global Market

To set up a business in ADGM, you will need to apply for a license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). The FSRA has a number of requirements that you must meet in order to obtain a license, including having a sound business plan, having adequate financial resources, and having a qualified management team.

The requirements for setting up a company in ADGM vary depending on the type of business. However, some general requirements include:

  • The company must have a minimum of one shareholder and one director.
  • The shareholder(s) and director(s) must be natural persons or legal entities that are authorized to do business in the UAE.
  • The company must have a registered office in ADGM.
  • The company must have a valid business license.

How BizDaddy Can Help You

  • Advise on the Best Type of Business Structure: There are a number of different business structures available in ADGM, and the best structure for a particular business will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of the business, the type of business, and the client’s circumstances. BizDaddy can advise on the best structure for your needs.
  • Assist with the Application Process: The application process for setting up a business in ADGM can be complex, and BizDaddy can assist with the process by providing guidance and support.
  • Provide Information on Local Laws and Regulations: ADGM has a sophisticated legal and regulatory system, and businesses need to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to their particular business. BizDaddy can provide information on local laws and regulations.
  • Help to Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits: To operate a business in ADGM, businesses must obtain certain licenses and permits. BizDaddy can help to obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
  • Provide Support After the Business is Set Up: Once a business is set up, there may be a number of ongoing requirements, such as accounting, tax, and compliance. BizDaddy can provide support after

the business is set up to ensure that the business complies with all applicable requirements.

Overall, BizDaddy can provide a number of valuable services to help businesses set up and operate in ADGM. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish your first office or an established company planning to expand, BizDaddy is here to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.