ADGM Tech Start-up Licence Toolkit

ADGM TECH START-UP LICENCE TOOLKIT Process for registering your tech start-up at ADGM Requirements What to include in the business plan Fees, process and assessment criteria Virtual office address Visa application process

ADGM Tech Start-up License Process for registering your tech start-up business and operating from ADGM 1a First start by applying for ADGM Tech Start-up License.. Enabling you to formally set up your company in ADGM 1b .. and Registered Address Choose a flexible office space, or virtual office solutions 2 .. then finally apply for Visas Enabling you to sponsor up to four employees to help you build and run your business effectively

Applying for ADGM Tech Start-up License (1/2) Requirements Who should you contact? If you think you are eligible to apply for the licence, please submit your business plan to techstartup@adgm.com To ensure you have provided the complete information, please review this Toolkit and FAQs carefully before submitting your business plan to the above email address. What we look for? Technology-focused start-ups with an innovative business concept that : Has the potential to scale. Promotes innovation, in terms of the business application and deployment. Can be deployed in the UAE and contribute to the development of the local economy Has a business plan with clearly defined milestones, against which your progress can be monitored Demonstrated evidence that you are making things happen (e.g., current traction if live or at least a prototype). What should you submit? Business Plan via email Once given pre-approval to proceed…. Business application to incorporate a Private Company Limited by Shares

What do you need to include in the business plan? Business Plan Guide Areas to be included in the plan What do you need to include in the business plan? 1. Business Details Founders Details: Name, e-mail, phone number, start-up name, company URL (if existing), current start-up location, start-up sector   2. Business Concept Start-up launch date Value proposition (Need/problem you are trying to address, and what is your solution) What technology is being developed. Is development done in-house or outsourced? Main competitors How far along are you? If you are live, please share your traction to date (e.g., users, revenue, monthly growth rates, etc.). Otherwise, what have you developed so far? Please share as much information as possible. Markets are you planning to serve Strategy to acquire customers Revenue model 4. Business Financials Potential 3 Year Financial Forecasts Bootstrapped or funded? If funded, how much have you raised so far? What is the source of investment? 5. The Team Team members Bios Please indicate what each team member’s current level of commitment to the business is (e.g. full time staff / contributing 25% of their time etc.) Anticipated timeline for converting all team member to full time roles in the business. 6. Business Milestones Target milestones to achieve over the next 2 years

What are the assessment criteria? Applying for ADGM Tech Start-up License (2/2) Fees, process and assessment criteria How much is the license? The licence Fees is $ 700 USD per annum *This is a two year program for start-ups to develop and prove their business model, after which time the company would need to be converted to a full operational license or a holding company. Registration process Business Plan Submission Initial Screening and Pre-Approval Evaluation and Final Approval *virtual address requirement Incorporation and Registration License Issued Begin operating! Renewal (annually)/ Conversion What are the assessment criteria? The quality of applications will be assessed based on the: Clarity of the concept and business plan Product-market fit Ability to scale beyond the UAE Experience and qualifications of the team Readiness to execute business plan Technology-focused product and business model

Applying for Registered Address Process and requirements What is the process? Applicant to connect with REI Team REI Team to share available options Applicant to fill RPI Form Submit documentation with application Applicant to finalise office/address agreement REI Team to connect applicant for next steps What are the options? We do not require you to take physical office premises, but but you must have a registered address on the island: Option 1: Virtual office address: Use of business centers on Al Maryah Island Use of agent / advisor registered address Option 2: Physical working spaces : Micro-offices on Al Maryah Island Other business centres on Al Maryah Island Who you should contact? Team: ADGM Real Estate and Infrastructure Team Email: REI@adgm.com How much you should pay? Virtual office solutions depend on the service provider costs Physical working spaces costs vary What you should submit? Real Property Interest (RPI) Form Form/ Template to be provided by the REI.

applying for Visas Process and requirements What are the steps? Who you should contact? Application is done directly on www.accessadgm.com But if you face any challenges connect with: Team: ADGM Government Services Team E-mail address: accessadgm.cases@adgm.com What are the steps? Obtain your commercial license Apply online for establishment card and e-channel account Pay related fees online Apply for visa and pay fees online Receive online notification for approved establishment card and e-channel account What you should submit? Establishment Card Form E-Channel Account Form (needed to be able to sponsor employees) Visa Application Form attaching the below: Passport Copy Personal Photograph Letter of Employment Form/ Templates to be filled online on www.accessadgm.com How much does it cost? Establishment Card (3 years): AED 1,030 E-Channel Account Fee Year 1: AED 4,100 Annual Renewal: AED 1,520 1 Year Visa Fee per individual: Year 1: 1,935 AED Annual Renewal: AED 1,325 3 Year Visa Fee per individual: Year 1: 4,250 AED Renewal: AED 2,620 If you require visas for your business you will first need to obtain an Establishment Card, and E-Channel account What are the options? You can apply for up to four Visas for your core team only Visa options: One Year Visa (renewable) Three Year Visa (renewable) All fees are to be paid online on www.accessadgm.com Fees above include VAT. You are eligible to apply for visas ONLY if you have already received your Commercial License!