Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre and free zone on Al Maryah Island, operating under its own English common-law framework. It is the preferred base for financial services firms, fund managers, family offices, holding companies and professional advisers. AOPA member firms help ADGM companies with bookkeeping, audit and UAE Corporate Tax registration.
Overview
Established under Federal Decree in 2013 and operational from 2015, ADGM is one of the region's leading international financial centres. Unlike most UAE free zones, it applies English common law directly and is governed by three independent bodies: the Registration Authority for company incorporation, the FSRA for financial-services regulation, and the independent ADGM Courts. This legal certainty makes it a natural home for regulated finance and cross-border holding structures.
Who it suits
ADGM is built for banks, asset and wealth managers, fund and fund-management companies, fintech and virtual-asset firms, insurers, family offices and professional-services providers such as law, accountancy and consultancy firms. Businesses that need an internationally recognised, well-regulated Abu Dhabi base with common-law contract enforcement choose ADGM over lower-cost commercial zones.
Licences and activities
The Registration Authority issues non-regulated commercial, professional and retail licences, as well as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and holding-company registrations widely used for asset holding and structuring. Financial-services activities such as banking, asset management, brokerage and insurance require a separate Financial Services Permission from the FSRA, categorised by activity and risk. A physical office or flexi-desk within ADGM is required.
Setting up
Steps: (1) reserve a company name and choose the legal form; (2) submit incorporation documents to the Registration Authority; (3) secure office or flexi-desk space on Al Maryah Island; (4) receive the commercial licence, typically within 5 to 10 working days for non-regulated activity; (5) for regulated firms, apply to the FSRA for a Financial Services Permission, which usually takes several months; (6) complete visa and Emirates ID formalities.
Accounting and audit requirements
ADGM companies must maintain proper accounting records, prepare financial statements under IFRS and, in most cases, file audited accounts with the Registration Authority. Regulated firms face additional FSRA prudential and reporting obligations. All entities must assess UAE Corporate Tax, register with the Federal Tax Authority and, where relevant, meet Economic Substance and qualifying free-zone-person conditions. AOPA member firms provide ADGM-compliant audit, IFRS reporting and Corporate Tax services.
Frequently asked questions
What makes ADGM different from other UAE free zones?
ADGM applies English common law directly and has its own independent courts and financial regulator (FSRA), which most other UAE free zones do not. This gives investors internationally familiar legal and contractual certainty.
Do ADGM companies need audited accounts?
Most ADGM companies must prepare IFRS financial statements and file audited accounts with the Registration Authority. An AOPA member firm can act as your registered auditor.
Is ADGM good for holding companies?
Yes. ADGM Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and holding structures are widely used for asset holding, investment and group structuring, benefiting from the common-law framework.
Does ADGM pay UAE Corporate Tax?
ADGM entities are within the UAE Corporate Tax regime but can benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income if they meet free-zone qualifying-person conditions. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is still required.