Clarity-driven business setup and advisory across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain — focused on structured decisions, compliance and long-term business growth.
A globally recognised international financial centre for financial services, professional businesses, investment structures, technology and regional expansion.
Nikki Advisory helps businesses assess ADGM's legal, regulatory and structural options and coordinate the appropriate company formation and registration process.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre in Abu Dhabi with its own legal and regulatory framework based on English common law.
ADGM accommodates financial, non-financial and retail businesses. Its structures and activities span financial services, wealth management, professional services, technology, holding companies, foundations and other approved activities.
ADGM is particularly relevant where the legal framework, regulatory environment or corporate structure is an important part of the decision.
Consider activity, structure and long-term objectives—not only the licence cost.
See ADGM's setup guidance and English common law overview. Eligibility depends on the proposed activity and structure.
ADGM broadly categorises businesses as financial, non-financial or retail. Technology startups may have a specific eligible route within its ecosystem.
For regulated banking, asset management, capital markets, money services and other financial activities. The FSRA process starts before RA incorporation; final permission follows the applicable conditions.
For approved consulting, corporate solutions, head offices, holding-related and other professional activities.
For eligible retail and consumer-facing activities permitted within ADGM.
The Tech Startup Licence has specific eligibility requirements, including a Hub71 eligibility letter before application.
Different activities follow different approvals and licensing requirements. See ADGM setup categories and Tech Startup Licence guidance.
A common structure for eligible ADGM businesses.
For an existing UAE or foreign company establishing an ADGM presence.
Structures for eligible holding, investment and corporate purposes.
Foundations, SPVs, regional headquarters and other eligible arrangements.
Ownership, activity and regulatory needs determine the route. Non-exempt SPVs and foundations must appoint an ADGM-licensed Company Service Provider. Read the CSP requirements.
The documentation depends on the activity, entity and applicant. It may include:
Final requirements are confirmed based on the proposed activity and structure. Financial, non-financial, retail and specialised routes can differ significantly.
Regulated financial applicants begin with FSRA assessment and in-principle approval before RA incorporation. Final Financial Services Permission follows satisfaction of applicable conditions. Non-financial and retail applicants follow the relevant RA route.
There is no universal ADGM setup cost. The right estimate follows the proposed business model.
Financial and non-financial applications can have materially different requirements.
Nikki Advisory assesses the proposed model and provides a quotation based on applicable ADGM, government, regulatory and service costs.
Discuss Your RequirementsADGM is most relevant when the quality of its legal framework, regulatory environment or corporate structures matters to the business.
ADGM can be a strong choice where structure, regulation and international positioning matter—but it should be assessed against the actual business model.
Regulated financial activities require FSRA permission and ongoing compliance.
ADGM entities are within the UAE Corporate Tax framework; treatment depends on activities and income.
Free-zone status alone does not confer a 0% rate. Qualifying income and conditions must be assessed.
Registration and compliance depend on applicable UAE VAT rules.
Address and presence requirements depend on the entity, activity and structure.
Specialised activities can require further approvals before operations begin.
See ADGM's current setup guidance and the Federal Tax Authority's Free Zone Persons guidance.
We assess whether ADGM is the right jurisdiction before coordinating a route aligned with your business.
Assess ADGM against the actual business model.
Identify the relevant activity, entity and regulatory pathway.
Support documentation, applications and registration.
Assist with applicable regulatory and post-incorporation needs.
Practical guidance on banking, visas and PRO requirements.
Help the business move from formation into operation.
It is to establish the appropriate structure for the business.
Clear answers on activities, structures, approvals and taxation.
No. ADGM supports financial, non-financial and retail businesses.
No. FSRA permission applies to regulated financial activities. Non-financial and retail businesses follow the applicable Registration Authority process.
Yes. ADGM supports 100% foreign ownership for registered entities.
Yes. Eligible UAE and foreign companies may establish branches, subject to applicable requirements.
Yes. ADGM offers structures for eligible holding and corporate purposes.
Yes. Non-exempt SPVs and foundations must meet ADGM's Company Service Provider requirements.
Yes, for eligible startups. The Tech Startup Licence requires a Hub71 eligibility letter and other applicable conditions.
Timing depends on the activity, documentation and approvals. The RA registration stage can be completed within a few days when a complete application is accurately submitted, while overall review timelines vary.
No. UAE Corporate Tax treatment depends on the entity, activities, income and relevant qualifying conditions.
Yes. ADGM has its own legal framework based on the direct application of English common law.
For current details, consult ADGM's setup FAQs and the FSRA application process.
Build your Abu Dhabi presence with a structure aligned to your business activity, regulatory requirements, market and long-term objectives.
ADGM combines an internationally aligned legal framework, financial expertise and sophisticated structures. The right choice depends on what your business actually needs.