ADGM Compliance Checklist for New Companies

Setting up in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is just the beginning. Once your company is incorporated, you must maintain ongoing compliance with ADGM's regulatory requirements to keep your licence active and avoid penalties. This checklist covers the key compliance obligations for newly formed ADGM companies.

Post-Incorporation Compliance Steps

Once your company is incorporated, complete these immediately:

• Obtain your business licence from the ADGM Registration Authority
• Register your trade name if operating under a brand name
• Secure a compliant registered office address within ADGM (a physical address is required)
• Open a UAE corporate bank account
• Appoint a company secretary if required by your entity type
• Register for VAT if your taxable supplies exceed the AED 375,000 threshold

Annual Filing Requirements

ADGM companies must file the following on an annual basis:

• Annual return — submitted to the ADGM Registration Authority
• Audited financial statements — required for most entity types
• Licence renewal — submitted before your licence expiry date
• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) register update — confirm or update beneficial ownership information

Economic Substance Obligations

Certain ADGM entities conducting "relevant activities" (banking, insurance, fund management, holding company activities, etc.) must demonstrate economic substance in the UAE:

• File an Economic Substance Notification annually
• File an Economic Substance Report if conducting a relevant activity
• Ensure adequate employees, expenditure, and premises are maintained within the UAE

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements

ADGM takes AML compliance seriously. All companies should:

• Conduct a business risk assessment and document AML risks
• Appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) if required
• Implement KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures for clients and counterparties
• Register with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (goAML) if you are a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP)

Data Protection

ADGM has its own Data Protection Regulations (DPR), based on GDPR principles:

• Register as a Data Controller with the ADGM Office of Data Protection if processing personal data
• Implement a privacy policy and data handling procedures
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk processing activities

Registered Office Maintenance

ADGM requires your registered office to remain active and accessible:

• Maintain your registered office address at an ADGM-licensed facility
• Ensure mail is collected or forwarded promptly
• Update the RA immediately if your address changes

Venus Business Center provides mail handling and registered office support as part of its desk space packages, ensuring you never miss critical correspondence.

Licence Renewal

• Renew your ADGM licence before expiry (typically annually)
• Confirm business activities remain accurately reflected on your licence
• Pay renewal fees to the ADGM Registration Authority

How Venus Business Center Supports Your Compliance

A key compliance requirement — maintaining a compliant physical workspace — is handled from day one when you use Venus Business Center for dedicated desk space. Our ADGM-licensed facility at Oceanscape Tower, Al Reem Island provides dedicated desks that satisfy ADGM's mandatory presence requirement. For compliance advisory and CSP services, we can refer you to trusted ADGM-licensed partners. Our packages include:

• A fully compliant ADGM business address
• Mail handling and notification services
• A professional environment for regulatory visits
• Flexible desk packages from AED 69/day

Conclusion

ADGM compliance is manageable with the right preparation. Use this checklist as your ongoing reference, and ensure your registered office remains active and compliant at all times.

Need a compliant ADGM dedicated desk? Contact Venus Business Center at venusdesks.com/contact. For company formation, licensing, or compliance advisory, we can refer you to trusted ADGM-licensed CSPs.