ADGM Operating holding company - HoldCo

An Operating HoldCo is an active commercial entity established within ADGM designed to centralize ownership, actively manage subsidiaries, and hold valuable assets such as real estate or intellectual property.

An SPV is strictly a passive holding vehicle legally barred from operational trading, hiring staff, or leasing independent office space. Conversely, an Operating HoldCo can actively manage investments, hire employees, and must maintain a physical commercial lease.

ADGM does not impose a mandatory minimum paid-up share capital requirement for standard non-financial holding companies, eliminating the need for upfront bank deposits during incorporation.

The setup steps include initial business plan approval, digital KYC verification, corporate name reservation, securing a physical office lease, digital document execution, and final commercial license issuance.