DMCC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 26,780Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~14 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Commodity traders, Crypto and Web3 businesses
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Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Abu DhabiEst. 2015Updated Oct 2026
Setup time
~21 working days
Visa quota
Up to 10
Activities
Up to 5 per licence
Office
Shared office, Private office
Renewal from
AED 25,750
ADGM overview
ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre on Al Maryah Island. Like DIFC it uses English common law, and its regulator, the FSRA, oversees financial and virtual asset activity.
ADGM is a strong option for holding companies, SPVs, family offices, funds and fintechs. Non-financial companies can also set up, but costs are higher than in most free zones.
Best for
- Holding companies and SPVs
- Financial services and fintech
- Virtual asset firms
ADGM packages & prices
Buy online and upload your passport straight away, or request a tailored quote.
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Typically included
- Trade licence (1 year)
- Shared office facility
- Certificate of formation & Memorandum of Association
- Freezone King setup & document handling
- Establishment card
- 2 visa allocations
Not included
- Visa medical test & Emirates ID fees (per person)
- Bank account opening (optional add-on)
- Corporate tax registration (optional add-on)
Licence types & activities
Service / Professional Licence
Sell your skills and services.
Holding Company / SPV
Hold shares, assets and IP.
Crypto & Virtual Assets Licence
Blockchain, Web3 and virtual asset services.
Activity categories available
Not sure your exact activity is allowed? Search 50+ activities or ask an advisor.
Visa & office options
ADGM companies can sponsor up to 10 residence visas, depending on the office you choose. In most free zones, a flexi-desk supports a small number of visas, and larger quotas need a shared or private office. The investor (owner) visa usually counts towards the quota.
Available office options in ADGM: shared office, private office. If you expect to hire, choose a package with room to grow — upgrading later is possible but often costs more than starting with the right setup.
Minimum share capital: no fixed minimum for most activities.
Documents required
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Proof of residential address (some zones)
- Short business profile or CV (some activities)
You can upload these securely after checkout.
Setup steps & timeline
- Day 0Choose your package & pay online
- Day 0–1Upload passport & photo; we reserve your company name
- Day 1–21Initial approval, licence & incorporation documents issued
- +3–5 daysEstablishment card & visa entry permit
- +5–10 daysMedical test, Emirates ID & visa stamping
- Anytime afterBank account opening & corporate tax registration
Location
ADGM FAQs
How much does a ADGM licence cost?
ADGM packages start from an estimated AED 28,840 for a licence without visas. Visa packages cost more. Annual renewal is estimated from AED 25,750. Confirm the latest fees with our advisor before you pay.
How long does ADGM company setup take?
Around 21 working days for the licence once your documents are complete. Residence visas usually take 1–3 more weeks.
How many visas can a ADGM company get?
Up to 10 visas, depending on the package and office type you choose.
Can foreigners own 100% of a ADGM company?
Yes. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Does ADGM allow crypto activities?
Yes, ADGM licenses some crypto and Web3 activities. Regulated virtual asset services may also need a regulator licence.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in ADGM?
Usually not for the licence — it can be done online. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Compare ADGM with other zones
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