JRE · Joshi Real Estate
Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi Global Market

ADGM Company Setup

Abu Dhabi's common-law financial centre on Al Maryah Island.

Ownership
100% foreign
Setup time
1 to 6 weeks (longer if FSRA-regulated)
Licence cost
from AED 20,000 (SPVs lower)
Visas
Tied to office space

Abu Dhabi Global Market applies English common law directly, the only jurisdiction outside the UK to do so wholesale, and regulates financial services through the FSRA, an early global mover on crypto-asset frameworks. Asset managers gravitate to ADGM for proximity to Abu Dhabi's sovereign capital: ADIA, Mubadala and ADQ sit minutes away.

Beyond regulated firms, ADGM's SPV regime is the region's workhorse for holding structures, hundreds of vehicles hold real estate, ships, aircraft and venture positions, and its foundations serve family wealth. Tech startups get discounted licences, making ADGM more accessible than its financial-centre branding suggests.

Who ADGM suits

  • Asset managers courting Gulf capital
  • SPVs and holding structures
  • Crypto firms under FSRA frameworks
  • Family foundations and wealth vehicles

Why choose ADGM

  • Direct application of English common law
  • FSRA, a globally credible regulator with crypto frameworks
  • Cost-efficient SPV regime for asset holding
  • Proximity to the world's largest sovereign-wealth cluster
  • Foundations regime for succession planning

ADGM frequently asked questions

What is an ADGM SPV and what does it cost?

An ADGM special purpose vehicle is a light holding company used to own assets, shares, property, IP, with no office requirement. Setup runs around USD 2,500 to 4,000 with modest annual renewals, making it the region's default holding wrapper.

ADGM or DIFC, which should I choose?

Both offer common law and strong regulators. DIFC has the deeper financial ecosystem and Dubai location; ADGM offers direct English law, cheaper SPVs and proximity to Abu Dhabi's sovereign investors. For fund managers raising from ADIA-adjacent capital, ADGM increasingly wins. We map it to your investor base.

Is ADGM good for crypto businesses?

ADGM's FSRA published one of the world's first comprehensive crypto-asset frameworks in 2018 and regulates exchanges and custodians operating today. Regulated crypto activity in Abu Dhabi runs through FSRA authorisation, a serious but well-trodden process we manage.

Where is ADGM located?

On Al Maryah Island in central Abu Dhabi, anchored by Abu Dhabi Global Market Square. The jurisdiction has expanded to cover Al Reem Island as well, giving licensees a wider set of office options at varying price points.

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