Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Global Market
International Financial Center on Al Maryah Island. 100% foreign ownership, financial services (fsra-regulated) and more license types, UAE residence visas and bank account assistance — handled end-to-end by GoldenKey from Ajman Free Zone.
Key Facts About Abu Dhabi Global Market
Why ADGM in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Global Market is international Financial Center on Al Maryah Island, positioned in Abu Dhabi with a licensing framework built around banking & capital markets, fintech & digital assets and asset & wealth management. ADGM operates its own courts based on English common law — a major draw for international investors.
Like every UAE free zone, ADGM offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and 0% personal income tax. Qualifying free zone income can benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate under the UAE Corporate Tax regime, while non-qualifying income above AED 375,000 is taxed at 9% — GoldenKey's tax team structures this correctly from day one.
GoldenKey maps your real business model onto ADGM's official activity list, prepares the MOA and application forms, obtains approvals, and delivers a license that banks, landlords and clients accept without question — with a fixed written quote before any commitment.
Written quotation
Get the exact cost for ADGM
Every government fee itemised. The number never changes after you say yes.
Why Founders Choose ADGM
License Types & Activities
ADGM issues the following license categories. One license can typically carry multiple related activities — we help you select codes that keep banks and future clients comfortable.
- Financial Services (FSRA-regulated)
- Non-Financial / Professional
- SPV & Holding Company
- Tech Start-up (RegLab / FSRA sandbox)
- Foundations
Built For These Industries
Banking & Capital Markets
GoldenKey scopes banking & capital markets within ADGM the way we run all files: decision first, paperwork second, fixed quotation before any payment.
FinTech & Digital Assets
From first approval to final quote, our ADGM desk scopes fintech & digital assets end to end — licence class, authority steps and the visa plan, priced in writing.
Asset & Wealth Management
Our advisors run asset & wealth management setups in ADGM regularly: the approvals map, the realistic costs and the renewal picture, all in one written scope.
Family Offices & Foundations
For family offices & foundations in ADGM, we start with your revenue model, then match the licence wording and permits to it — quoted fixed, delivered sequenced.
Professional Services
ADGM treats professional services as a familiar file; we make it a fast one — documents prepared before submission and a fixed quotation on day one.
HQ & Holding Structures
The ADGM route for hq & holding structures, minus the guesswork: verified activity match, sequenced approvals and a two-year cost view before you pay.
Your ADGM Setup In 5 Steps
Consult
We understand your model and compare ADGM with alternatives.
Plan
Fixed written quotation — activities, visas and facility locked.
Process
MOA, forms, approvals and government submissions handled.
Launch
License issued; visas, Emirates ID and bank introduction begin.
Support
Renewal calendar, compliance reminders and WhatsApp-first updates.
Documents Required
Prepare these and GoldenKey handles the rest for a smooth, fast-track ADGM setup.
Government & Official Links
Verify ADGM details directly with the authority and UAE federal bodies — then let us do the paperwork.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ADGM license cost in 2026?
License packages in Abu Dhabi Global Market vary with the activity, visa quota and facility you choose. As your consultant, GoldenKey prepares a fixed written quotation with every government fee itemised — the number never changes mid-process, and instalments via Tabby and Tamara are accepted.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in ADGM?
Yes. Like all UAE free zones, Abu Dhabi Global Market allows 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits — no local sponsor or Emirati partner is required.
How long does company formation in Abu Dhabi Global Market take?
With a complete document pack, most ADGM incorporations complete within 2–7 working days. GoldenKey pre-validates your file before submission to protect that timeline.
Does an ADGM license come with UAE residence visas?
Yes — packages include investor and employee visa eligibility depending on the facility you take. We handle entry permits, medicals, Emirates ID and stamping end-to-end.
Is Abu Dhabi Global Market a good choice for banking & capital markets businesses?
ADGM is particularly strong for banking & capital markets companies thanks to its ecosystem, licensing scope and infrastructure. Our advisors compare it against alternative zones so you commit with a full picture.
Can I set up in ADGM without visiting the UAE?
In most cases, yes — incorporation can proceed remotely with attested documents and digital signatures, and GoldenKey acts as your on-ground team. Some banking steps may later require a short visit.
Get your business licence in just 60 minutes
Written prices, one consultant from first call to bank account, honest advice.