ADGM Costs & Review 2026

ADGM's non-financial commercial licence (LTD) costs AED 21,286/year (USD 5,500 registration + USD 300 data protection). The Tech Startup Licence costs AED 5,505/year for eligible technology companies. Workspace and visa costs are additional.

A discounted licence at AED 5,505/year (USD 1,500) for eligible technology-focused companies. It offers a lower entry point than the standard LTD but is limited to tech activities and requires separate workspace for visa eligibility.

Employment and investor visas cost approximately AED 3,237 each, including visa fee, medical, and Emirates ID. Processing takes about 2 weeks. Each visa also requires health insurance (from AED 700/year).

Yes. ADGM's FSRA regulates virtual asset activities under a comprehensive framework. Over 20 firms are licensed for crypto-related financial services, making it one of the UAE's two main regulated crypto hubs alongside DIFC.

Both are independent common-law jurisdictions with their own courts and financial regulators. ADGM has 11,100+ active entities and is Abu Dhabi-based, while DIFC is Dubai-based with 8,800+ entities. ADGM's LTD costs AED 21,286/year vs DIFC's Innovation Licence at AED 5,505/year, but ADGM's Tech Startup Licence matches at AED 5,505.

An ADGM flexi desk costs approximately AED 12,000/year at approved co-working providers on Al Maryah Island. Combined with a non-financial LTD licence at AED 21,286, establishment card at AED 1,127, one visa at AED 3,237, and insurance at AED 700, the total Year 1 cost with a flexi desk and one visa is approximately AED 38,350.

A workspace is required for visa eligibility. Co-working and flexi desk options start from approximately AED 12,000/year at approved providers on Al Maryah Island. Dedicated offices start from AED 30,000+/year. Without a visa, no workspace is needed.

ADGM operates under an independent common-law framework modelled on English law, with its own courts, arbitration centre, and financial regulator (FSRA). This provides strong legal certainty for international businesses.

ADGM business setup costs range from AED 5,505/year for the Tech Startup Licence to AED 21,286/year for a standard non-financial LTD licence. A complete 1-visa setup with flexi desk costs approximately AED 38,350 in Year 1, which includes the LTD licence (AED 21,286), co-working space (AED 12,000), establishment card (AED 1,127), 1 visa (AED 3,237), and health insurance (AED 700).

An ADGM employment or investor visa costs AED 3,237 per person, broken down as: visa processing fee AED 2,397, medical examination AED 450, and Emirates ID AED 390. Health insurance adds approximately AED 700/year per person. Dependent visas cost AED 2,607 each. Visa processing takes approximately 2 weeks, and visas are valid for 2 years with renewal at AED 2,310.

ADGM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) structures are set up under the non-financial LTD framework at AED 21,286/year for the licence. SPVs are commonly used for holding structures, family offices, and investment vehicles. Additional costs depend on the specific regulatory requirements and whether FSRA approval is needed. Contact ADGM Registration Authority for SPV-specific structuring guidance and any applicable reduced fees for holding companies.

ADGM foundations are registered under ADGM's Foundations Regulations. The registration fee structure follows ADGM's standard commercial licensing framework, with the non-financial entity registration at AED 21,286/year plus the AED 1,101 annual data protection fee. Foundations are popular for succession planning, charitable purposes, and asset protection. Contact the ADGM Registration Authority for the latest foundation-specific fee schedule as promotional rates may apply.

An ADGM flexi desk costs approximately AED 12,000/year at approved co-working providers on Al Maryah Island. This is the minimum workspace required for visa eligibility. The total annual cost with a flexi desk and 1 visa is approximately AED 38,350, covering the LTD licence (AED 21,286), flexi desk (AED 12,000), establishment card (AED 1,127), 1 residence visa (AED 3,237), and health insurance (AED 700). Dedicated private offices start from AED 30,000+/year.

ADGM does not offer a traditional flexi desk like Dubai free zones. Instead, workspace options start at approximately AED 12,000/year for co-working space on Al Maryah Island, with dedicated desks from AED 18,000/year and private offices significantly higher. The 1 Visa Package at AED 38,350/year includes the license and visa but workspace must be arranged separately. For the cheapest ADGM presence without a physical desk, the Tech Startup Licence at AED 5,505/year requires no office.

An ADGM forex broker license requires approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Minimum capital requirements depend on the license category: Category 3C (introducing broker/advisor) requires USD 10,000 base capital; Category 3B (matched principal) requires USD 250,000; Category 3A (dealing on own account) requires USD 2,000,000+. Application fees start at USD 10,000 plus annual supervision fees of USD 15,000-60,000 depending on category. FSRA also requires a compliance officer, MLRO, and adequate professional indemnity insurance. Processing takes 3-6 months.