Company Formation in
ADGM, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Global Market is an award-winning financial free zone offering a forward-thinking platform for financial firms, holding structures, fintechs, and professional services based on English common law.
Common Law Framework
ADGM operates under its own legal system, based on English common law, and is governed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). It is the clear choice for companies seeking a regulated presence in the Middle East, with direct access to both regional clients and global markets.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an award-winning financial free zone located on Al Maryah Island in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Built on international law and regulatory clarity, ADGM provides a forward-thinking platform for financial firms, holding structures, fintechs, and professional services.
ADGM operates under its own legal system, based on English common law, and has its own independent regulatory authority — the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
This makes it the preferred choice for entrepreneurs and institutions seeking strong governance, investor trust, and access to local and global markets.
Why choose ADGM?
ADGM is highly attractive to firms relocating or expanding from other jurisdictions. It offers a stable, English-speaking legal environment with a clear rulebook and modern business practices.
ADGM business scope
Independent common law legal system
100% foreign ownership with no currency restrictions
Recognised regulatory authority (FSRA)
Strategic access to Abu Dhabi and MENA investor base
Premium-grade commercial and office space
Simplified digital processes and fast-track licensing
Strong framework for family offices, trusts, and SPVs
Home to sovereign wealth funds, VCs, and global finance firms
Types of businesses supported in ADGM
If your activity requires regulatory approval, it will fall under the supervision of the FSRA. We can support you through both the company setup and the licensing process.
ADGM supports a wide variety of commercial and financial activities
Wealth and asset management
Private equity and venture capital
Fintech and regtech
Crypto and digital asset service providers
Legal and consulting firms
Holding companies and SPVs
Foundations, trusts, and family offices
Insurance and reinsurance
Proprietary trading firms
Business incubators and accelerators
Commercial and financial activities
Everything you need to know about ADGM setup
What is ADGM and where is it located?
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an award-winning financial free zone located on Al Maryah Island in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Built on international law and regulatory clarity, ADGM operates under its own legal system based on English common law and has its own independent regulatory authority — the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
How is ADGM different from other UAE free zones?
ADGM operates under its own legal system based on English common law, making it unique in the UAE. It has its own independent regulatory authority (FSRA) and offers a stable, English-speaking legal environment with clear rulebook and modern business practices. This makes it ideal for financial firms, holding structures, fintechs, and professional services.
What types of businesses can operate in ADGM?
ADGM supports a wide variety of commercial and financial activities including wealth and asset management, private equity and venture capital, fintech and regtech, crypto and digital asset service providers, legal and consulting firms, holding companies and SPVs, foundations, trusts, and family offices, insurance and reinsurance, proprietary trading firms, and business incubators and accelerators.
What are the advantages of setting up in ADGM?
Key advantages include an independent common law legal system, 100% foreign ownership with no currency restrictions, recognized regulatory authority (FSRA), strategic access to the Abu Dhabi and MENA investor base, premium-grade commercial and office space, simplified digital processes and fast-track licensing, strong framework for family offices, trusts, and SPVs, and being home to sovereign wealth funds, VCs, and global finance firms.
Does ADGM support crypto and digital asset businesses?
Yes, ADGM is one of the leading jurisdictions for crypto and digital asset service providers in the region. The FSRA regulates crypto activities in ADGM, providing a clear regulatory framework for exchanges, custody providers, and other virtual asset services.
How long does it take to set up a company in ADGM?
ADGM offers simplified digital processes and fast-track licensing. The timeline varies depending on the type of license and whether regulatory approval is required. For regulated activities, the FSRA approval process can take several weeks to months. Contact us for a detailed timeline specific to your business needs.