Setting up a business in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a presence in the Middle East. ADGM is an international financial center located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, providing a well-regulated and business-friendly environment for companies across various industries. Find here the key requirements for Abu Dhabi global market business set up:
Choose a business structure:
Before establishing a business in ADGM, entrepreneurs must choose an appropriate legal structure for their company. ADGM offers several options, including limited liability companies (LLCs), branch offices of foreign companies, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for specific purposes such as asset holding or financing activities. Each business structure has its own requirements and implications in terms of ownership, liability, and governance.
Select a trade name:
Selecting a unique and compliant trade name is a crucial step in the company formation process. The proposed trade name must comply with ADGM’s guidelines and regulations, avoiding any offensive or misleading terms. Additionally, the trade name must be available for registration and not already registered by another entity in ADGM.
Submit application and documentation:
Once the business structure and trade name are determined, entrepreneurs can proceed to submit the necessary application and documentation to the Registration Authority of ADGM. This typically includes a completed application form, articles of association, memorandum of association, proof of identity and residency for shareholders and directors, and other relevant supporting documents.
Obtain necessary licenses and permits:
Depending on the nature of the business activities, entrepreneurs may need to obtain specific licenses or permits from regulatory authorities within ADGM or relevant government entities in Abu Dhabi. This may include licenses for financial services, professional services, trading activities, or other regulated industries. Ensuring compliance with licensing requirements is essential to legally operate within ADGM.
Meet capital requirements:
Certain business structures in ADGM, such as LLCs and branch offices, may have minimum capital requirements that must be met as part of the company formation process. The amount of required capital varies depending on the type of business activities and regulatory requirements. Entrepreneurs should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient capitalization to support their proposed business operations.