Masar Al Ameen Business Setup

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Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a premier financial center situated in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It provides an extensive array of financial services, such as asset management, private banking, Islamic finance, capital raising, and a secure, regulated environment for international business.

Established in 2013, ADGM was created to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a global business hub. Combining world-class infrastructure with a robust legal and regulatory framework, ADGM serves as a reliable partner for businesses aiming to expand and thrive.

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Legal Framework
of ADGM

ADGM operates under a distinct legal framework separate from the UAE and is regulated by three independent authorities. These authorities ensure that businesses in Abu Dhabi adhere to international standards recognized by major financial centers around the globe.

Legal Framework

Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)

Responsible for the regulation and supervision of financial services within and from the ADGM.

Registration Authority

Responsible for the registration of companies, partnerships and other business structures incorporated in the ADGM.

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts

Responsible for the administration of justice in the ADGM.

Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in the ADGM

With its diverse and dynamic market, establishing a business in ADGM offers numerous benefits and incentives for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Here are some of the key advantages:

Strategic Location

ADGM is centrally located in the Middle East, giving easy access for trading business in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Proximity to airports such as the Dubai International Airport.

Business Ecosystem

Home to over 100 startups and accelerators, including Hub71, and startAD
Dynamic workforce
World-class facilities and infrastructures

Visa Packages

ADGM offers flexible visa packages to businesses and professionals interested in establishing a presence in the UAE. These give companies and individuals the opportunity to obtain a business license, residency visa and other necessary permits.

Ease of Doing Business

100% foreign company ownership
No restrictions on capital repatriation
No currency restrictions
No restriction on foreign employees

Regulatory

ADGM operates based on English common law, recognized globally, to ensure impartiality and transparency within the jurisdiction.
Legal framework supports cross-border activities.

Tax Benefits

No personal income tax
9% corporate income tax (where applicable) 

Types of Licenses Offered
in ADGM

These four (4) types of licenses are offered when doing a Sharjah Media City company setup:

Financial Business

Financial businesses set up in ADGM are entities that offer financial services and products to individuals, companies, and other organizations.

Activities under financial business:

  • Investment Banks
  • Asset Management and Funds
  • FinTech
  • Capital Markets
  • Investment Advisory and Wealth Management
  • Insurance Companies
  • Payment and Clearing Services
  • Credit Rating Agencies
  • Auditing and Accounting Firms
  • Brokerage

Non-Financial Business

Non-financial businesses under ADGM jurisdiction encompass any activities that do not involve the exchange of money or financial instruments.

Activities under non-financial business: 

  • Technology and Innovation Companies 
  • Business Consulting Firms 
  • Retail and Consumer Goods Businesses 
  • Real Estate and Property Development Companies
  • Healthcare and Medical Companies 
  • Education and Training Providers 
  • Hospitality and Tourism Businesses 
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses 

Business Structures
under ADGM

The types of companies that can be registered in Abu Dhabi Global Market are defined by its governing bodies. Typically, the common business structures available under ADGM include:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC is the most prevalent business structure in Abu Dhabi, particularly for foreign entrepreneurs. This structure safeguards owners from personal liability for the company's debts or obligations.
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Special Purpose Vehicles –Abu Dhabi Global Market
An SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) in Abu Dhabi Global Market is established to manage investments or other assets on behalf of its investors or beneficiaries.
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Branch Office
A branch office is an extension of a company based outside the UAE. Companies seeking to expand their operations into ADGM can establish branch offices to facilitate this growth.
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Sole Proprietorship
This type of company is owned and run by a single individual, who is fully responsible for the company's debts and obligations.
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Partnership
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals or entities join forces to conduct business activities. Partnerships can be established as general partnerships or limited partnerships. In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility for the company's obligations and debts, whereas in a limited partnership, some partners have limited liability.
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Steps in Setting Up Your Company in ADGM

The process for establishing a company in Abu Dhabi Global Market is generally consistent across all permitted business activities. Here are the typical steps to follow for setting up a company in ADGM:
1

Choose Company Name

The initial step in starting a business in ADGM is selecting a company name. It must be distinctive and not resemble any existing business names.
2

Choose a business structure

The next step involves choosing the most appropriate business structure for your company. This decision will affect the number of shareholders and the company’s liabilities.
3

Prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA):

An MOA (Memorandum of Association) is a crucial document for establishing a company in the UAE.

The MOA must be attested and include information about the company’s shareholders, policies, purpose, and operational methods.

4

Apply for registration

After drafting the MOA, the company must apply for registration with ADGM’s Registration Authority.
5

Obtain a business license

Following registration, the company needs to obtain a business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
6

Open a corporate bank account

Finally, once the business license is issued, the company must open a corporate bank account in its name, where all financial transactions will be conducted.
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