Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market is a broad-based international financial centre for local, regional and international institutions, established in accordance with the Federal Law No (8) of 2004, Federal Decree No (15) of 2013, Cabinet Resolution No (4) of 2013, and Abu Dhabi Law No (4) of 2013. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre located on Al Maryah Island in the heart of the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi.
ADGM’s three independent authorities – the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts – ensure that our business-friendly environment operates in line with international best practice that are recognised by major financial centres across the world. In collaboration with other International Financial Centres, global institutions and regulators, Abu Dhabi Global Market develops and supports member institutions with the regulatory framework, legal jurisdiction and attractive business environment they need for sustainable business growth.
The striking feature of ADGM is that it is an English language, common law jurisdiction, separate from onshore civil law, Arabic language system of the UAE.

Company Formation Types

Public Company Limited by Shares – Company that has a share capital and limits the liability of each member to the amount unpaid on their shares. It may offer shares for sale to the general public and may be quoted on the stock exchange. A minimum of two directors and one secretary is required.
Private Company Limited by Shares – Company that has a share capital and the liability of the member is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on their shares. A private company cannot offer its shares for sale to the general public. A minimum of one director is required.
Private Company Limited by Guarantee – Company that does not have a share capital and its members are guarantors rather than shareholders. The members’ liability is limited to the amount they agree to contribute to the company’s assets if it is wound up. A minimum of one director is required.
Private Company Unlimited with Shares – Company that has share capital but there is no limit to the member’s liability. A minimum of one director is required.
Private Company Unlimited without shares – Company that does not have share capital and there is no limit to the member’s liability. A minimum of one director is required.
Restricted Scope Company (RSC) – A private company that may only be registered in ADGM if:

It is a subsidiary undertaking of another company that prepares and publishes group accounts under the Companies Regulations or such other enactment as the Registrar may recognise; or
It is a subsidiary undertaking of a company that is incorporated by a law issued by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
It is directly or indirectly owned by one person or a group of persons who are members of the same family.

Branch of Foreign Company – A branch of company incorporated or formed outside of ADGM, whether under the federal or local laws of the United Arab Emirates, or the law of the country or territory in question who is registered and licensed to operate in ADGM.
General Partnership – A partnership where an arrangement by which partners conducting business jointly have unlimited liability.
Branch of Foreign Partnership – A branch of General Partnership incorporated or formed outside of ADGM, whether under Federal or local laws of the United Arab Emirates, or the law of the country or territory in question who is registered and licensed to operate in ADGM.
Limited Partnership – A partnership that consists of two or more partners united to conduct a business jointly, and in which one or more of the partners is liable only to the extent of the amount of money that partner has invested.
Branch of Foreign Limited Partnership – A branch of Limited Partnership incorporated or formed outside of ADGM, whether under Federal or local laws of the United Arab Emirates, or the law of the country or territory in question who is registered and licensed to operate in ADGM.
Branch of Foreign Limited Liability Partnership – A branch of Limited Liability Partnership incorporated or formed outside of ADGM, whether under Federal or local laws of the United Arab Emirates, or the law of the country or territory in question who is registered and licensed to operate in ADGM.

Regulated Financial activities that may be carried out within the ADGM

Dealing in Investments as Principal
Dealing in Investments as Agent
Arranging deals in Investments
Advising on Investments or Credit
Effecting Contracts of Insurance
Carrying out Contracts of Insurance as Principal
Insurance Intermediation
Insurance Management
Accepting Deposits
Providing Custody
Arranging Custody
Providing Credit
Arranging Credit
Providing Money Services
Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility or Organised Trading Facility
Managing Assets
Managing a Collective Investment Fund
Acting as Administrator of a Collective Investment Fund
Acting as the Trustee of an Investment Trust
Shari’a-compliant Regulated Activities
Operating a Credit Rating Agency
Operating a Representative Office
Providing information in relation to Specified Benchmarks
Administering a Specified Benchmark
Providing Trust Services
Managing a Profit Sharing Investment Account (PSIA)

Corporate Features

Company Type

ADGM Free Zone

Licensing Authority

ADGM Free Zone

Legislation

ADGM Laws and Regulations. Independent, Common Law jurisdiction

Confidentiality

Complete Confidentiality

Accounts and Audits

Audited Accounts are required

Minimum Share Capital

Depending on the business activity

Taxation

No taxes

Currency

UAE Dirham

Time to Form

10 working days (non-regulated only)

Issuance of Visa

10 working days

Foreign Ownership

100%

Capital Repatriation

100%

Minimum Number of Directors

Minimum of One Director

Registered Office

An ADGM company must at all times have a registered office in Al Maryah Island