Abu Dhabi · UAE Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Global Market
The International Financial Centre of Abu Dhabi
Zone at a glance
Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.
Overview
About ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Established as a broad-based financial ecosystem, ADGM operates under English common law and provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for financial services, fintech, and related activities. It serves as a bridge between East and West, offering access to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Location & Connectivity
Nearest Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport
35 km away
Address
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Total Area
114 hectares
Nearby Landmarks
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Sectors
Key Industries
Ideal For
Licensing
License Types & Costs
Financial Services Permission
For regulated financial services activities including banking, insurance, asset management, and capital markets
Activities Allowed
Banking, insurance, asset management, capital markets, payment services
Commercial License
For non-regulated commercial activities supporting the financial ecosystem
Activities Allowed
Consulting, technology services, professional services, family office activities
Foundry License
Specialized license for fintech startups and innovative financial services companies
Activities Allowed
Fintech activities, innovative financial services, technology development
Processing Time
4-8 weeks for standard applications
Annual Renewal
Same as initial license fee
Validity
1 year, renewable
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Residency
Visa Information
Company shareholders, directors, and employees
3 visas
Desk Space
6 visas
Serviced Office
15 visas
Dedicated Office
Unlimited based on space
Custom Office
Investment
Estimated Costs
Costs vary significantly based on license type and regulated activities. Financial Services Permissions require higher capital requirements and fees.
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Assessment
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- English common law jurisdiction with independent courts
- Specialized financial services regulator (FSRA)
- Strong regulatory framework and international recognition
- Access to emerging markets in MENA, Africa, and South Asia
- Regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation
- Prime location on Al Maryah Island
- 50-year corporate tax exemption
- Strong banking relationships and financial infrastructure
- Golden Visa eligibility for investors
Considerations
- Higher costs compared to other UAE free zones
- Limited to financial services and related activities only
- Complex regulatory requirements for financial services
- Longer setup time for regulated activities
- Not suitable for general trading or manufacturing businesses
Comparison
ADGM vs DIFC: How the Two Financial Centres Compare
ADGM and DIFC are the UAE’s two common-law financial centres, and most firms weighing Abu Dhabi are also weighing Dubai. The two are closer than the marketing of either suggests: entry licences start from a similar subsidised rate, baseline visa quotas and processing times are broadly comparable, and corporate tax lands the same way in both. The real differences sit in the regulator, office cost and ecosystem.
Criteria | ADGM | DIFC |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority) | DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) |
| Legal system | English common law applied directly, with independent ADGM Courts | Own body of common-law statutes, with independent DIFC Courts |
| Entry licence | Tech Startup Licence from about USD 1,500 a year | Innovation Licence from about USD 1,500 a year subsidised, around USD 12,000 standard |
| Office rent | Roughly AED 180 to 280 per sq ft a year | Roughly AED 220 to 280 per sq ft a year, prime fitted Grade A above AED 450 |
| Baseline visa quota | About 1.5 visas per desk, commonly up to around four | Up to around four visas |
| Visa processing | Around 5 to 7 working days | Around 5 to 7 working days |
| Passive holding vehicle | Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Foundations | Prescribed Company and Foundations |
| Corporate tax | 0% on Qualifying Income if QFZP conditions are met, 9% otherwise | 0% on Qualifying Income if QFZP conditions are met, 9% otherwise |
| Typically chosen by | Founder-led groups, family structures, investment vehicles, fintech | Larger institutional groups wanting ecosystem scale and brand depth |
Figures are indicative and revised often, so confirm a current itemised quote before you decide. For the full cost model, the regulated-versus-non-regulated split and the holding-structure comparison, read ADGM vs DIFC 2026: cost and structure compared, or see the DIFC zone profile for Dubai International Financial Centre in detail.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Advantages
Why Choose ADGM?
Best For
- Financial services companies
- Fintech startups
- Asset managers
- Family offices
- International banks
- Insurance companies
Not Ideal For
- Trading companies
- Manufacturing businesses
- General consulting
- E-commerce
- Retail businesses
Last reviewed: August 2026. Figures are indicative and confirmed in a tailored quote.
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