Looking for assistance with Abu Dhabi Global Market? Get in touch with us today.
We can help you with Abu Dhabi Global Market. Contact the team at CBD today.
ADGM Company Set Up & Regulations
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a world-class financial free zone with its own civil and commercial laws. Established by Federal Decree in 2013, ADGM is a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision, designed to act as a catalyst for the growth of a dynamic financial services sector in the UAE.
Setting up as an ADGM company comes with a number of impressive benefits, such as 100% ownership and 0% personal income tax.
ADGM company formation is open to various companies operating within the finance sector, including investment banks and advisory companies. These companies are governed by one of three independent authorities – the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the ADGM courts.
ADGM business setup is available for a range of company structures, including financial services, corporate headquarters, family businesses, holding companies and special-purpose vehicles to hold and protect assets.
The ADGM opens the door to many business opportunities, with various strategic partnerships locally and worldwide. Furthermore, the ADGM utilises some of the best regulatory frameworks in addition to the English Common Law.
Types of ADGM Company Set Ups
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): An SPV is a type of holding company whereby assets can be protected. The ADGM provides a flexible and efficient method for setting up and maintaining SPVs. SPVs are private companies established for a variety of purposes, including to isolate financial and legal risk by ring-fencing...
Read MoreApplying for ADGM Company Formation
The application for an ADGM company is simple, and at CBD, we can assist you with all aspects.
The first stage involves outlining the nature of your business and the structure you wish to use. These structures may include private limited companies, private unlimited companies, branch offices, limited partnerships and investment companies.
The next step involves selecting a business name and choosing an office space, which is a requirement for ADGM companies. The final step entails completing a range of documents to secure your commercial license for the ADGM. These documents include but are not limited to the following:
- Articles of Association
- Resolutions
- Nominee Arrangement forms
- Economic Substance
- ID documents for shareholders and signatories
- Evidence of wealth
FAQs
At CBD, we offer comprehensive assistance with the application process for an ADGM company. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Our services include the following.
- Acting as an incorporation agent for a new ADGM company set-up
- Providing company services to existing entities
- Acting as a registered office provider
- Providing directors, authorized signatories, company secretaries, registered agents, or other offices to an entity incorporated or registered in the ADGM
- Providing nominee shareholders of companies
- Assisting with ADGM filings such as annual filings, renewals and more
Yes, we provide an extensive range of services across the Middle East. We cover the entire UAE including ADGM and DIFC, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman.
We can assist you with all aspects of company formation, visa applications, PRO services in Abu Dhabi and business support services.
We offer a wide range of support services to start-ups and established businesses. Our business advisory services include the following.
- Formation
- Licensing
- Corporate structuring
- Labour and immigration (visas)
- Business support services
- WPS and payroll services
- Escrow administration
In case of specialized legal requirements or advice, CBD can refer you to one of our trusted legal partners.
There are many benefits of setting up a company in the ADGM.
- Robust, regulated legal framework
- 100% foreign ownership
- Zero tax rate on profits, capital and assets
- Zero tax on your personal income
- Common Law system
- World-class services
- Great for financial set-ups
In addition to financial companies, the ADGM is available for a range of other business structures. These include:
- Head offices
- Treasuries
- Holding companies
- SPVs
- Professional associations
- Foundation
- Tech start-ups
- Retail and entertainment establishments
You will need to ensure that your company meets the ADGM requirements for business activities and legal structures. There is a stringent due diligence process that is followed.
You will then be required to submit a range of documents, including:
- Articles of association
- Resolutions
- Nominee arrangement forms
- Economic substance
- Identification documents for Authorised Signatories and Directors of the company
- Source of wealth information
As a licensed CSP in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), CBD Formations can assist you with the process of a company set-up in the ADGM.
There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in the ADGM. This means that a foreign investor can have 100% ownership over a company. This is one of the many benefits of setting up an ADGM company.
Download Our Business Guide
Download our 2024 Guide to doing Business in The Abu Dhabi Global Market.