Guide · ADGM vs DIFC

ADGM or DIFC: which suits your company?

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ADGM in Abu Dhabi and DIFC in Dubai are both financial free zones with their own courts and common-law frameworks. ADGM applies English common law directly; DIFC has its own codified laws based on common-law principles. For non-financial companies and SPVs the choice usually comes down to cost, city and where your bank and investors are.

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
Operating companyPlus flexi-desk, about USD 5,000 a yearUSD 5,800USD 5,300AED 4,999
SPV or holding companyPlus licensed service provider, about USD 4,000 a yearUSD 1,900USD 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.

What they have in common

Both are financial free zones with independent courts, international legal frameworks and their own registrars for non-financial companies. Both let you own 100% of your company, sponsor UAE residence visas and register for UAE corporate tax.

Where they differ

ADGM DIFC
City Abu Dhabi Dubai
Law English common law applied directly DIFC's own laws, based on common-law principles
Courts ADGM Courts DIFC Courts
Financial regulator FSRA DFSA

Which fits which business

  • Holding structures and SPVs often choose ADGM for its SPV regime and English law.
  • Businesses whose team and clients are in Dubai sometimes prefer DIFC for the location.
  • Tech start-ups should compare each zone's start-up licence; ADGM's annual fee is shown in the table above.

Whichever you choose, compare the full first-year and year 2 costs rather than the headline licence fee.

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

Operating company, 1 visa

Government and partner fees, at costAED 49,490
ADGM registration and licenceAED 21,301
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 55,740
Estimated year 2 costAED 40,330Renewals + 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.

Is ADGM cheaper than DIFC?

For many non-financial companies and SPVs, ADGM's government fees are lower. Compare the full first-year and renewal costs for your exact structure; our calculator shows ADGM's.

Can I live in Dubai with an ADGM company?

An ADGM visa is a UAE residence visa, so you can live anywhere in the UAE. Your company's registered office stays in ADGM.

Do you set up DIFC companies?

No. We specialise in ADGM so we can offer one flat fee. If DIFC suits you better, we will say so.

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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