Step-by-Step Guide for Chinese Entrepreneurs to Register an ADGM Company

Step-by-Step Guide for Chinese Entrepreneurs to Register an ADGM Company

Registering a company in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is a structured, online-first process that can be completed in as little as 10–15 working days for non-regulated commercial activities. This guide walks Chinese entrepreneurs through every step — from initial planning to receiving your commercial licence and opening your bank account.

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Before You Start: Key Decisions

Before submitting any application, you need to resolve three fundamental questions:

1. What Is Your Business Activity?

ADGM licences are tied to specific business activities. Common choices for Chinese entrepreneurs include:

• Management Consulting (Non-Financial, USD 4,800/year)
• Technology Services (Non-Financial, USD 4,800/year)
• Holding Company (Non-Financial or SPV, USD 4,800 or USD 900/year)
• Trading / General Trading (Non-Financial, USD 4,800/year)
• Financial Services (Regulated by FSRA — significantly higher fees and requirements)

2. What Is Your Ownership Structure?

Decide: Will the company be owned by you personally (individual shareholder) or by a Chinese corporate entity (corporate shareholder)? Corporate shareholders require additional documentation (see below).

3. Do You Need Visas?

If you or your team members plan to reside in the UAE on a company visa, you will need to factor in Establishment Card and E-Channels account costs, as well as desk space (ADGM requires 1 dedicated desk per 2 visas).

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Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

For Individual Chinese Shareholders/Directors:

• ✅ Valid Chinese passport (colour scan, notarised copy may be required)
• ✅ Proof of residential address in English or with certified translation (utility bill or bank statement, within 3 months)
• ✅ Professional CV or background summary (1–2 pages)
• ✅ Source of funds declaration (for shareholders)

For Chinese Corporate Shareholders (PRC Companies):

• ✅ Business Licence (营业执照) — notarised and apostilled via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• ✅ Articles of Association (公司章程) — notarised and apostilled
• ✅ Board Resolution authorising ADGM investment — notarised and apostilled
• ✅ Certificate of Good Standing (if the company is more than 12 months old)
• ✅ UBO declaration identifying all beneficial owners above 25%
• ✅ Passport copies of all UBOs

Tip: All Chinese documents must be translated into English by a certified translator. Allow 2–4 weeks for apostille processing through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs if documents originate in mainland China.

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Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Log in to the ADGM Registration Authority portal (ra.adgm.com) and submit a name reservation request.

• Cost: USD 200 (AED 735)
• Processing time: 1–3 working days
• Rules: Name must not conflict with existing ADGM entities; must not be misleading; must end in "Limited" or "Ltd"

Your name reservation is valid for 30 days, within which you must submit your full incorporation application.

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Step 3: Secure Your Dedicated Desk Space (ADGM Mandatory Requirement)

ADGM requires all companies to have an ADGM-compliant registered address before they can receive their commercial licence.

Venus Business Center (ADGM Licence No. 35670) provides:

• Dedicated desk space: AED 25,185–30,000/year
• Fully inclusive: internet, electricity, reception, mail handling
• Address: Suite 110, Level 1, Oceanscape Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

Contact Venus Business Center at cx@venusdesks.com to arrange your address confirmation letter, which you will need for the ADGM application.

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Step 4: Submit the Incorporation Application

Submit your application through the ADGM RA portal or via an authorised ADGM formation agent. The application includes:

• Proposed Memorandum and Articles of Association (ADGM provides standard templates)
• Director and shareholder details and KYC documents
• Dedicated desk / address confirmation letter from your workspace provider (e.g. Venus Business Center — dedicated desk space only)
• Business activity description
• Share capital structure (minimum: 1 share at any par value)

Government fees payable at submission:

• Application for Incorporation: USD 300 (AED 1,103)
• Commercial Licence Fee: USD 200 (AED 735)
• Business Activity Fee: USD 4,800 (AED 17,654) for Non-Financial
• Data Protection Fee: USD 300 (AED 1,103)
• Total government fees (Non-Financial): USD 5,600 (AED 20,594)

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Step 5: Complete KYC with ADGM

The ADGM Registration Authority will review your application and may request additional documentation for KYC purposes. Respond promptly — delays are usually caused by incomplete or inconsistent KYC documents.

Common requests for Chinese applicants:

• Certified English translation of Chinese documents
• Apostille confirmation for corporate shareholder documents
• Additional source of funds evidence

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Step 6: Receive Your Commercial Licence

Once approved, you will receive your ADGM Commercial Licence by email. You can download an official copy from the RA portal.

Typical timeline: 5–15 working days from complete application submission for non-regulated activities.

Your company is now legally incorporated and licensed under ADGM.

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Step 7: Apply for Establishment Card and E-Channels (If You Need Visas)

If you plan to sponsor UAE residency visas:

1. Apply for an Establishment Card (AED 1,127 incl. VAT, valid 3 years) — required to establish a visa quota
2. Register for an E-Channels Account (AED 4,197 incl. VAT, annual renewal AED 1,622) — required to process visa applications

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Step 8: Open Your Corporate Bank Account

With your ADGM Commercial Licence and KYC documents, approach UAE banks. Recommended for Chinese-owned ADGM entities:

• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) — ADGM branch on-site; strong relationship management for Chinese clients
• HSBC ADGM — familiar with international structures; strong for cross-border flows
• Standard Chartered — well-suited for businesses with Asia-Pacific connections

Timeline: 2–6 weeks. Prepare a clear business plan and be ready to explain your transaction profile.

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Step 9: Annual Compliance

Once operational, maintain your ADGM company by:

• ✅ Renewing your Commercial Licence annually (USD 5,000 for Non-Financial)
• ✅ Filing audited financial statements (within 6 months of year-end)
• ✅ Updating your Register of Beneficial Owners as needed
• ✅ Renewing your Venus Business Center desk space agreement
• ✅ Filing UAE Corporate Tax returns (or confirming QFZP status with your tax advisor)

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Summary: Year 1 Cost Estimate for a Chinese Entrepreneur

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Ready to Begin?

Venus Business Center provides ADGM-compliant dedicated desk space to satisfy your mandatory physical presence requirement. We can also refer you to trusted ADGM-licensed CSPs for company formation, banking introductions, and compliance support.

📧 cx@venusdesks.com 📞 +971 56 702 2054 🏢 Suite 110, Level 1, Oceanscape Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi