Abu Dhabi Global Market

Abu Dhabi · ADGM Authority · Est. 2013

Financial ServicesFinTechWealth ManagementFamily Offices

ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial center located on Al Maryah Island, offering packages from AED 5,505 and up to 10 visa allocations. As one of only two common-law jurisdictions in the UAE, it provides an independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law, making it a top choice for financial services, fintech, asset management, and family offices. With over 11,100 active entities, moderate banking accessibility, and the Hub71 ecosystem, ADGM also offers an increasingly competitive environment for tech and consulting firms.

From

AED 5,505

Year 1

Quick facts

Registered companies11,128+

Processing time14–14 days

Banking difficultyModerate

Dependent visasAllowed

Pricing packages

Tech Startup Licence (0 Visa)

AED 5,505

Tech Startup Licence · None · 0 visas

Renews at AED 5,505

Non-Financial LTD (0 Visa)

AED 21,286

Non-Financial LTD · None · 0 visas

Renews at AED 21,286

1 Visa Package

AED 38,350

Non-Financial LTD · Flexi Desk · 1 visa

Renews at AED 35,113

2 Visa Package

AED 42,287

Non-Financial LTD · Flexi Desk · 2 visas

Renews at AED 35,813

Advisory Estimate

AED 30,400

— · 0 visas

Renews at AED 12,000

Estimated

Features

Mainland trading

Dual licence allowed

Yes

Forensic analysis

Substance

High

Audit risk

Intense

Forensic ease

8/10

The Sovereign Financial Node; English Common Law Jurisdiction.

ADGM is a premier international financial centre (IFC) that directly applies English Common Law, providing a level of legal certainty unique within the region.

Want to explore ADGM in more depth?

Go deeper — instantly with AI, or with a setup consultant.

Instant · AI

Ask Scout's AI agent

Get an instant, personalized answer on ADGM — cost, eligibility, banking, and compliance — scored against your specific business. No waiting.

Chat with AI now

Free account · instant access

2–3 business days

Speak to a setup consultant

Common questions

How much does it cost to set up in ADGM?

The cheapest published package for Abu Dhabi Global Market is Tech Startup Licence (0 Visa) at AED 5,505 for Year 1, renewing at AED 5,505. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.

How long does ADGM setup take?

Typical processing time is 14–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.

Is banking easy to set up with a ADGM licence?

Banking difficulty for ADGM is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Mashreq Bank, Emirates NBD.

ADGM might be right — or your business might need something else entirely

Scout runs your business model, ownership structure, and activity against every UAE free zone and mainland option — not just this one — and returns a ranked recommendation with full cost and compliance breakdown.

Get my business structure recommendation