Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Preliminary Consultation

1-2 days

Engage with ADGM specialists to discuss your financial services objectives, regulatory requirements, and operational framework. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the advantages of ADGM's financial ecosystem and identifies the optimal regulatory approach for your specific financial activities.

Regulatory Category Assessment

3-5 days

Conduct a detailed review of your proposed financial activities to determine the appropriate regulatory classification, authorization requirements, and compliance framework based on ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) guidelines.

Entity Type Selection

2-3 days

Determine the most appropriate legal structure for your ADGM entity based on your operational requirements, regulatory classification, and strategic objectives, selecting from options including private company, branch, representative office, or special purpose vehicle.

Name Reservation

2-3 days

Submit your proposed entity name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with ADGM naming conventions, regulatory appropriateness, and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the registry.

Business Plan Development

7-14 days

Prepare a comprehensive business plan detailing your financial services strategy, market approach, operational framework, compliance methodology, risk management systems, and growth projections specific to your ADGM operations.

Regulatory Business Plan Preparation

7-14 days

For regulated financial entities - develop a specialized regulatory business plan addressing specific FSRA requirements, compliance frameworks, governance structures, and operational controls relevant to your financial activities.

Compliance Framework Development

10-20 days

For regulated financial entities - establish comprehensive compliance policies, procedures, systems, and controls designed to ensure adherence to applicable ADGM regulations, industry standards, and international best practices.

Pre-Application Meeting

1 day

For regulated financial entities - conduct a formal pre-application meeting with FSRA representatives to discuss your proposed activities, regulatory approach, compliance framework, and specific requirements for your authorization category.

Initial Application Submission

2-3 days

Complete and submit the preliminary application forms for entity registration with company information, shareholder details, and proposed activities to initiate the formal review process with ADGM Registration Authority.

Regulatory Application Submission

3-5 days

For regulated financial entities - submit comprehensive regulatory application to the FSRA with detailed information on proposed financial activities, compliance frameworks, governance structures, and operational controls.

Document Submission

3-5 days

Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, director details, professional qualifications, and operational specifications through the ADGM online portal.

Application Review

10-15 days

Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by ADGM authorities who evaluate corporate structure, beneficial ownership, business viability, and compliance with registration requirements.

Regulatory Review

30-60 days

For regulated financial entities - your regulatory application undergoes detailed assessment by FSRA specialists who evaluate regulatory compliance, operational controls, governance frameworks, and suitability for the requested financial services permissions.

Regulatory Feedback

10-30 days

For regulated financial entities - receive and respond to regulatory queries, clarification requests, and additional information requirements from FSRA as part of the authorization process.

In-Principle Approval

5-10 days

For regulated financial entities - receive in-principle approval from FSRA indicating conditional authorization subject to fulfillment of specified requirements and operational readiness conditions.

Office Space Selection

5-10 days

Identify and select appropriate office space within ADGM to establish your physical presence, meeting the requirements for your entity type and regulatory classification.

Lease Agreement

3-5 days

Finalize and sign the lease agreement for your selected office space within ADGM, specifying terms, conditions, and operational parameters for your business premises.

Capital Deposit Confirmation

3-5 days

Provide documentation confirming the deposit or availability of the required capital for your business establishment and regulatory compliance, meeting the specific capital requirements for your entity type and regulatory category.

Registration Fee Payment

1 day

Pay the required registration fees including incorporation fee, name reservation fee, and commercial license fee through the designated payment channels.

Regulatory Fee Payment

1 day

For regulated financial entities - pay the required regulatory fees including application fee, authorization fee, and annual supervision fee according to your specific regulatory category.

Entity Registration

3-5 days

Receive confirmation of your entity registration with ADGM, including certificate of incorporation or registration and commercial license for non-regulated activities.

Regulatory Authorization

5-10 days

For regulated financial entities - receive formal regulatory authorization from FSRA granting permission to conduct specified financial services activities subject to ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Operational Readiness Assessment

5-10 days

For regulated financial entities - undergo operational readiness review to confirm implementation of required systems, controls, policies, and procedures prior to commencing regulated activities.

Bank Account Opening

10-20 days

Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Abu Dhabi, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding, transaction processing, and regulatory capital management.

Employment Visa Processing

10-15 days

Begin processing employment visas for your executives, professional staff, and support personnel according to your visa allocation and business requirements.

Office Setup

10-20 days

Establish your physical office including furniture, equipment, IT infrastructure, communication systems, and security measures according to your operational requirements and regulatory standards.

Systems Implementation

15-30 days

For regulated financial entities - implement required operational systems, compliance frameworks, risk management tools, and technological infrastructure necessary for your specific financial activities.

Staff Onboarding

15-30 days

Recruit and onboard key personnel including executives, compliance officers, risk managers, and operational staff with appropriate qualifications and experience for your specific activities.

Regulatory Notification

3-5 days

For regulated financial entities - submit formal notification to FSRA confirming operational readiness and intended commencement date for regulated activities.

Commencement of Operations

1-3 days

Launch your business activities, operational functions, and financial services following completion of all setup requirements, regulatory authorizations, and administrative processes.