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Free zone · Abu Dhabi

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) company setup

International financial centre with English common law courts — for financial services, funds and holding structures.

Key facts

License starting fromAED 25,000
First year with 1 visa (indicative)from AED 35,675
Residence visa (each, approx.)AED 5,000
Establishment cardAED 2,000
Typical setup time15–30 working days
OfficeRegistered address; regulated firms need physical office
Visas in standard packagesUp to 4
Trade on UAE mainlandVia distributor / branch
Government contractsGenerally no
AuthorityAbu Dhabi Global Market

Best for

Financial services, funds, family offices, holding and SPV structures

Advantages and things to consider

Advantages

  • English common law framework
  • Globally recognised for finance
  • Ideal for holding/SPV structures

Consider

  • Higher cost
  • Regulated activities need FSRA approval
  • Heavier compliance

Example first-year cost — 1 shareholder, 1 visa

Indicative, from our current price list. Your own estimate is calculated from your answers in the online setup.

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) — trade license & registrationAED 25,000
Establishment / immigration cardAED 2,000
Residence visas × 1 (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID)AED 5,000
Professional service fee (end-to-end setup, PRO & document handling)AED 3,500
VAT 5% (on our services only)AED 175
Estimated totalAED 35,675

Documents you’ll need

Documents are checked automatically the moment you upload them in the online setup.

How to set up in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) with NexFounder

  1. Answer a few questions online — about 15 minutes.
  2. Get your recommendation and an itemised estimate by email.
  3. Upload passports and photos — checked instantly.
  4. A consultant calls you, then you pay securely.
  5. We handle the trade name, approvals, license, establishment card and visas while you track every step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)?

The ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) license starts from AED 25,000. With one residence visa, the establishment card and our service fee, a typical first year starts from about AED 35,675 (indicative). Your exact total is calculated in the online setup and confirmed in your estimate.

How long does ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) company setup take?

Typically 15–30 working days, depending on your business activity and how quickly documents are provided.

Can a ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) company trade with customers in the UAE mainland?

Not directly. Free zone companies trade inside the free zone and internationally; selling to UAE mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a mainland branch.

How many residence visas can a ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) company get?

Standard packages allow up to 4 visas; larger offices can allow more. Each visa costs about AED 5,000 including entry permit, medical and Emirates ID.

What documents are needed for ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)?

Passport copy (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo, CV / résumé, Proof of home address (utility bill / bank statement), Bank reference letter, Business plan (short). UAE residents also provide their Emirates ID. The online setup shows exactly what each shareholder needs.

Can foreigners own 100% of a ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) company?

Yes. Free zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.

Set up in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)

Get a personal recommendation and your estimate in about 15 minutes.

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Prices are indicative starting fees in AED from our current price list and may change; government fees are charged at actual cost. Last updated 2026-09-27.