Guide · Tech start-up licence

The ADGM tech start-up licence

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The ADGM tech start-up licence is a lower-cost licence for young technology companies. ADGM charges a fixed annual fee, you choose a flexi-desk or your own office, and you can sponsor residence visas for founders and staff. We prepare and file the application for one flat fee and show every government cost on its own line.

Fees checked on 25 October 2026Updated 25 October 2026By Charterline formation team

StructureADGM fees, first yearADGM fees, renewalOur fee
Tech start-up licenceUSD 1,500USD 1,500AED 4,999

Indicative, checked on 25 October 2026, from ADGM's published fee schedule and market sources. Visas, office and service-provider costs are shown in the calculator. Your quote is confirmed in writing before you pay.

Who the licence is for

ADGM created the tech start-up licence so young technology companies can establish in an international financial centre without the cost of a full commercial licence. It suits software companies, platforms and digital service businesses in their first years.

What you get

  • A company registered in ADGM, under English common law.
  • The ability to sponsor residence visas for founders and staff.
  • A registered address in ADGM, through a flexi-desk or your own office.

What it costs

The table above shows ADGM's fee for the first year and on renewal. Use the calculator below to add visas, a flexi-desk and tax registrations; it shows government fees and our fees on separate lines, plus your estimated year 2 cost.

Steps and timing

  1. A 20-minute call to confirm the licence fits your business and to choose your activities.
  2. You share passports, proof of address and shareholder details; we draft the articles and registers.
  3. We file on ADGM's portal and answer every query from the Registration Authority.
  4. After the licence: establishment card, visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions.

Tax

Every ADGM company registers for UAE corporate tax. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and some free-zone income can qualify for 0%. We handle the registration; your tax adviser confirms your position.

Cost calculator

See your exact cost before you call.

Pick a structure and the extras you need. The estimate updates as you go.

Structure
Residence visas
1

For founders and staff. Each visa needs a short visit for the medical test and Emirates ID.

Office
Add-ons

Tech start-up licence, 1 visa

Government and partner fees, at costAED 33,700
ADGM registration and licenceAED 5,509
Flexi-desk, first yearAED 18,363
Establishment card and immigration fileAED 5,325
Residence visa × 1AED 4,500
Our feesAED 6,250
Formation feeAED 4,999
Visa processing × 1AED 750
Corporate tax registrationAED 499
Total for year 1AED 39,940
Estimated year 2 costAED 26,370Renewals + our compliance package
Estimated saving vs a typical agentAED 10,750Our estimate of agent fees
Send me this quote in writing

Indicative, checked on 25 October 2026. Government fees are set by ADGM and other authorities and can change. USD converted at 3.6725. Your final quote is confirmed in writing before you pay.

Questions

Common questions.

Who qualifies for the tech start-up licence?

Early-stage companies whose main activity is technology, such as software, platforms and digital services. ADGM sets the eligibility rules and can change them; we confirm whether your business qualifies on the first call.

Can I sponsor visas on a tech start-up licence?

Yes. Each residence visa needs a short visit to Abu Dhabi for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. The calculator shows the government cost per visa.

What happens when my company grows?

When your company no longer fits the start-up category, it moves to a standard licence. We track this on your compliance calendar so the change is planned, not forced.

Begin

Start with a written quote.

Tell us what you are setting up. We reply the same working day with a fixed quote, on WhatsApp or by email.

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