Complete ADGM Company Formation Cost Breakdown
Complete ADGM Company Formation Cost Breakdown (2026)
Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is one of the smartest business decisions you can make in 2026. This guide provides a transparent, table-based breakdown of every cost involved — from official ADGM government fees to premises, compliance, banking, and visa services — using the fixed conversion rate of 3.678 AED/USD.
Why Set Up in ADGM?
ADGM is a world-class international financial centre on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, operating under English common law with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and a robust regulatory framework via the ADGM Registration Authority (RA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
1. Official ADGM Government Fees (Effective January 2025)
The ADGM RA published updated fees effective 1 January 2025, reducing costs by 50%+ for non-financial and retail categories.
Non-Financial Commercial Licence
| Fee Item | USD | AED (@ 3.678) | When Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | USD 200 | AED 735 | At application |
| Incorporation Fee | USD 1,500 | AED 5,517 | At incorporation |
| Initial Registration (Year 1) | USD 5,500 | AED 20,229 | Year 1 |
| Year 1 Total (Gov Fees) | USD 7,200 | AED 26,481 | Year 1 |
| Annual Renewal (Year 2+) | USD 5,000 | AED 18,390 | Annually |
Retail Commercial Licence
| Fee Item | USD | AED (@ 3.678) | When Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | USD 200 | AED 735 | At application |
| Incorporation Fee | USD 1,500 | AED 5,517 | At incorporation |
| Initial Registration (Year 1) | USD 2,500 | AED 9,195 | Year 1 |
| Year 1 Total (Gov Fees) | USD 4,200 | AED 15,447 | Year 1 |
| Annual Renewal (Year 2+) | USD 2,000 | AED 7,356 | Annually |
Source: Official ADGM announcement, 2 January 2025. Verify current fees at adgm.com.
2. Registered Address & Premises (Required)
ADGM mandates a physical registered address within the jurisdiction. The minimum lease period is one year.
Non-Financial / Holding Companies
Venus Business Center offers dedicated desk space at AED 69/day (min. AED 25,185/year), fully all-inclusive with internet, utilities, reception, and mail handling.
Retail Commercial Licence
A retail business requires a dedicated retail shop or showroom within the ADGM jurisdiction. Annual lease costs vary significantly based on size, location, and fitout:
| Premises Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Shop / Retail Showroom | AED 50,000 – AED 500,000/year | Depending on size and location within ADGM |
Retail premises costs are an estimate. Actual costs depend on unit size, fit-out requirements, and specific lease terms.
3. Additional Setup Costs
| Cost Item | AED (Low) | AED (High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment Card | AED 2,000 | AED 3,500 | Required for visa quota |
| Visa (per employee) | AED 3,000 | AED 6,000 | Includes medical, Emirates ID |
| PRO / Typing Services | AED 1,000 | AED 3,000 | Document attestation etc. |
| Corporate Bank Account | AED 500 | AED 3,000 | Opening fees (bank-dependent) |
4. Complete First-Year Budget Summary
Non-Financial Commercial Licence
| Cost Category | AED |
|---|---|
| ADGM Registration & Licensing | AED 26,481 |
| Venus Business Center provides dedicated desk space, and can refer you to trusted ADGM-licensed CSPs (Corporate Service Providers) for company formation and licensing. All USD conversions at 3.678 AED/USD.* |
5. Ongoing Annual Costs (Year 2+)
| Cost Item | AED | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADGM Licence Renewal (Non-Financial) | AED 18,390 | USD 5,000 |
| ADGM Licence Renewal (Retail) | AED 7,356 | USD 2,000 |
| Venus Business Center Desk Space (Non-Financial) | AED 25,185 | AED 69/day |
| Retail Shop / Showroom Lease (Retail) | AED 50,000–500,000 | Varies by unit |
| Annual Audit & Financial Statements | AED 5,000–15,000 | Varies by auditor |
| Visa Renewals (per employee) | AED 2,000–4,000 | Every 2–3 years |
How Venus Business Center Supports Your ADGM Desk Space Requirement
For non-financial and holding company structures, Venus Business Center offers a fully all-inclusive ADGM-compliant business address and dedicated desk space at AED 69/day (minimum AED 25,185/year) — satisfying ADGM's registered address requirement while covering internet, utilities, and reception costs in one transparent price.
Request a personalised proposal. Visit venusdesks.com/contact or call +971 56 702 2054.
Knowledge notice: This article is provided for general knowledge and information purposes only. It is not business, legal, regulatory, tax, or setup advice. ADGM fees, licensing categories, desk-space requirements, visa rules, and other details change over time. Before making any decision, always verify the current requirements directly with ADGM (adgm.com), the FSRA, and the relevant UAE authorities, and consult a qualified professional advisor. Venus Business Center accepts no liability for actions taken based on this content.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Venus Business Center offers premium dedicated desk space and ADGM business address solutions from AED 99/day at Oceanscape Tower, Al Reem Island.