Start your business with ease and support
The Registration Authority is responsible for the registration, incorporation and licensing of legal entities in ADGM and supports with all government-related services. Providing a range of activities to facilitate market entry, growth and the emergence of a vibrant and sustainable business community, the Authority guides and supports companies through the application and set-up of ADGM-registered entities.
As one of the core pillars of ADGM, the Registrar's main functions under companies and commercial licensing regulations include registration of ADGM establishments; registration of business names and maintenance of register; registration of post-incorporation documentation; registration of changes in business name particulars; registration of changes in directors, officers, shareholders and share capital; enforcement of ADGM companies regulations, cancellation of commercial licences, prosecution and strike off; and dissolution or restoration of ADGM establishments.
Registration Authority Services
Setting Up
Operating In
General / Public
Registration Authority Services
Setting Up
Registration and Incorporation
After registering your business, you can take advantage of a number of registration and licensing services. Find out how you can benefit.
See detailsVisas and Government Services
The RA works closely with relevant government authorities and services to provide a simple, streamlined process, and one point of contact to guide you through the visa process.
See detailsTemporary Licences
Parties looking to set up promotional stands, kiosks or food carts on Al Maryah Island must file an application for a temporary licence.
See detailsRegistration of Real Property Interest
The Registration Authority is accepting applications for registration of all types of real property interests located within Al Maryah Island.
See detailsOperating In
Operating in ADGM
Find out what you need to know to operate and grow your business in ADGM.
See detailsChanges to Registered Entity Information
The RA needs to be officially informed by ADGM registered entities of specific changes to entity information within a set period of time. Failure to do so will result in fines.
See detailsLetters, Event and Photo Permits
RA issues all letters including NOC as well as events, photography and filming permits for activities on Al Maryah Island. Application is online through the ACCESSADGM portal.
See detailsOffice of Data Protection
Responsible for promoting data protection, maintaining the register of Data Controllers, enforcing the obligations upon Data Controllers and upholding the rights of individuals.
See detailsEmployment Affairs Office
Responsible for overseeing the operations of the Employment Regulations in respect to providing guidance, stakeholder liaison and ensuring best practice on employment matters.
See detailsMonitoring and Enforcement
The RA’s Monitoring & Enforcement function strives to prevent and deter improper conduct through risk based supervision and enforcement of ADGM’s commercial regulations and rules.
See detailsGeneral / Public
Complaints
The RA assesses complaints concerning potential contraventions of ADGM’s commercial legislation or potential misconduct by non-financial businesses registered in ADGM.
See detailsLaws, Regulations and Rules
A sound regulatory framework of clear and transparent rules, benchmarked against international standards and global best practices
Laws, Regulations and Rules
A sound regulatory framework of clear and transparent rules, benchmarked against international standards and global best practices
Federal Legislation
The Federal Legislation, including the UAE Constitution, established ADGM as a financial free zone.
See detailsGuidance, Templates and Forms
The RA issues guidance, templates and forms on certain aspects of ADGM's commercial legislation with the intention to communicate and explain processes, regulations and more.
See detailsAbu Dhabi Legislation
All governance, legislative, and regulatory framework and activities to be carried on in ADGM is set out by Abu Dhabi Law No. 4 of 2013.
See detailsRA Public Consultations
ADGM informs public and market place plans, and unveils comments on proposed initiatives and rules amendments through public consultations.
See detailsCommercial Regulations and Rules
ADGM published its first set of rules and regulations on 3rd March 2015. It was enacted by the board of directors and serves as the guiding force for our services.
See detailsNotices of Publication
ADGM Authorities have and will continue to issue relevant notices and circulars to explain changes and updates to stakeholders.
See detailsWaivers and Modifications
A Licensed Person may apply to the RA for a waiver or a modification of specific regulatory requirements. The firm shall submit written details of the reason for the request and all relevant facts to support the application.
See detailsBusiness Directory
Find details of ADGM service providers who chose to have their details included in the Business Directory. For a full list of ADGM registered entities, see the public registry.
Ensuring a business-friendly and recognised platform
The Registration Authority is focused on bolstering ADGM's local and cross-border activity through strategic partnerships, to offer entities and entrepreneurs a robust, innovative, business-friendly and global ecosystem.
Memoranda of Understanding
The RA is signatory to more than 22 bilateral MoUs with local and foreign government bodies and International Financial Centres.
Memberships and Associations
The RA's memberships include the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) in which ADGM is the first member from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC); and the International Conference of Data Protection & Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC).