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Abu Dhabi Global Market - ADGM

ADGM Foundation Office Setup

UAE

2813 activities available in Abu Dhabi Global Market - ADGM

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100% Foreign Ownership

Independent Legal Entity Status

Generational Succession Planning

Family Foundation Tax Transparency

No Physical Office Mandatory

100% Foreign Ownership

Independent Legal Entity Status

Generational Succession Planning

Family Foundation Tax Transparency

No Physical Office Mandatory

Introduction

For investors and families who want to plan succession, protect their wealth, and manage assets with
... Read more

Introduction

For investors and families who want to plan succession, protect their wealth, and manage assets within a well-regulated jurisdiction, an ADGM foundati
... Read more

Guides & Resources

Get your Compliance Calendar

View Compliance calendar

Access ready-madeCompliance Checklists

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Select Business activity

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Highlights & benefits

Asset Protection & Wealth Ring-Fencing

The framework functions as an independent legal entity, shielding underlying assets from the financial liabilities and creditor claims of operational parent companies or individual founders

Generational Succession Planning

Foundations provide a perpetual, stable mechanism to orchestrate long-term wealth succession strategies across multiple family generations without the disruption of probate courts

Flexible Governance Structure

The ADGM model allows founders to precisely define and customize the internal roles, authorities, and limitations for council members, guardians, and designated beneficiaries

Family Foundation Tax Transparency

Eligible entities can formally apply to the FTA for fiscal transparency, allowing wealth management and investment income to legally bypass the standard 9% corporate tax rate

Streamlined CSP Integration

The statutory requirement to appoint a licensed Company Service Provider guarantees professional regulatory compliance and provides a registered office address without physical facility lease overhead

Documents from the Authority

Accounts Extensi...

Application Guid...

Incorporation Of...

Registration Aut...

PROCESS FLOW

Initial Consultation & Structure Planning

The process begins by understanding the founder’s objectives, beneficiaries, and governance requirements for the ADGM Foundation office.

Drafting the Charter and Bylaws

The governing documents of the ADGM Foundation office are prepared, including the charter and bylaws that define the roles of founders, council members, and beneficiaries.

Application Submission to ADGM

The application for establishing the ADGM Foundation office is submitted to the ADGM Registration Authority with KYC, AML, and Ultimate Beneficial Owner documentation.

Regulatory Review and Approval

Authorities review the application to ensure the ADGM Foundation office complies with the regulatory framework governing foundations within ADGM.

Incorporation and Operational Setup

Once approved, the ADGM Foundation office becomes a separate legal entity and can begin holding assets and operating under its governance structure.

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FAQs

What is an ADGM Foundation?

An ADGM Foundation is an independent legal entity without shareholders, established primarily for wealth management, asset protection, estate planning, and philanthropic purposes under English common law.

What is the process for registering an ADGM Foundation?

To obtain Foundation status in ADGM, founders must draft a Charter and By-Laws, appoint a licensed Company Service Provider (CSP), and submit a formal digital incorporation application to the ADGM Registration Authority.

What steps are involved in securing an ADGM Foundation?

The setup steps include CSP appointment, digital KYC verification for all council members and founders, initial and security approvals, drafting the governance framework, and final Certificate of Establishment issuance.

What is KYC and what documents are required?

KYC is a mandatory compliance requirement to verify the identities of the founder, council members, and guardian. This primarily requires certified passport copies, detailed CVs, proof of wealth source, and verified residential addresses.

Terms & Conditions

Visa & immigration fees are excluded from the package
Arnifi does not guarantee approval of any license, visa, or registration; decisions rest solely with the relevant Authority.
Professional fees are non-refundable once services commence; government and third‑party fees are non‑refundable once paid.

Country Overview

UAE