Starting a business in Abu Dhabi, particularly within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), involves several stages. ADGM, like the DIFC in Dubai, is an international financial center that provides an efficient and secure platform for businesses and financial institutions. It extends over the entire 114-hectares of Al Maryah Island and also includes Al Reem Island, making it one of the largest financial districts in the world.
To start a business in ADGM, you first need to determine the nature of your business. ADGM permits a wide range of business activities, which fall into three main categories: financial (such as banking and fintech), non-financial (like professional and business services, tech startups), and retail. Depending on the category of your business, there may be different authorization processes to follow.
Once you’ve identified your business category, you need to choose a suitable legal structure for your company. ADGM provides various options for business structures, ensuring flexibility for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.
A distinctive feature of ADGM registration process is the need to check if your proposed company name is available for use. Certain words within a company name may require specific approvals from relevant authorities, and if the name is similar to an existing one in ADGM, evidence of the right to use that name will be necessary.
A physical presence within the jurisdiction is a requirement for ADGM entities, with the only exception being for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Prospective businesses need to identify office space and register their lease as part of their registration or incorporation application.
The application process requires a number of supplementary documents, including Articles of Association, resolutions, nominee arrangement forms, and identification documents for authorized signatories and directors. Proof of address and source of wealth, dated within three months from the application submission, are also required. The completeness of the application determines how quickly a commercial license can be issued.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to complete the Pre-Registration form. This is specifically required for Category B, operational company (not tech-start up) and operational holding company applications. Other applicants can move directly to the registration and incorporation forms.
The application form comprises several sections: general details, addresses, authorized signatories, director, secretary, shares capital, data protection, beneficial owners, and review. Once you’ve completed all sections and assembled the required documents, you can submit your application for registration and incorporation.
Fees for commercial license applications vary and depend on the type of business you’re starting. ADGM provides standard pricing for financial, non-financial, and retail businesses. Special arrangements are available for different types of businesses like tech startups, SPVs, and investment companies.
Starting a business in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM involves identifying your business type and structure, checking the availability of your proposed company name, securing physical office space, and submitting a comprehensive application with the required documents and fees. This process, while comprehensive, offers entrepreneurs a secure and growth-oriented platform for their businesses.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM):
ADGM is a major financial center in the UAE that permits foreigners to start a business. The process of starting a business in ADGM involves the following steps:
- Select the nature of your business.
- Select the legal structure of your business.
- Check that your proposed name is available for use.
- Identify your office space and register your lease. Note: having a physical presence within the jurisdiction is a requirement for ADGM entities.
- Submit documents and information to support your application. This includes registration and incorporation documents, articles of association, resolutions, identification documents for authorized signatories and directors, and proof of source of wealth.
The registration fee varies depending on the type of business you’re planning to start.
ADGM has expanded its jurisdiction to include both Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, making it one of the largest financial districts in the world.
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