1. ADGM Tech Start-up Licence Toolkit

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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
To ensure you have provided the complete information, please review this Toolkit and FAQs carefully before submitting your business plan to the above 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
Once given pre-approval to proceed….
Business application to incorporate a Private Company Limited by Shares

5. 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, , 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

6. 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

7. 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
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.

8. applying for Visas Process and requirements What are the steps?
Who you should contact?
Application is done directly on
But if you face any challenges connect with:
Team: ADGM Government Services Team
address:
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
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
Fees above include VAT.
You are eligible to apply for visas ONLY if you have already received your Commercial License!