How much does an ADGM licence cost in 2026?

A 3-year ADGM licence package starts at AED 30,000–40,000 plus a 5% Knowledge Fee. Verify current fee with ADGM.

Can I get 100% ownership on Al Reem Island?

Yes. Both ADGM and IFZA allow full foreign ownership for most activities.

How long does company registration take?

Digital licences are issued in 3–7 working days after document submission and payment.

Do I need an office or is a flexi-desk enough?

A flexi-desk (AED 1,200/month) meets visa and licensing requirements for most non-regulated activities.

Which banks accept Al Reem free-zone companies?

FAB, Mashreq, and HSBC open accounts for ADGM and IFZA entities; minimum balance starts at AED 10,000.

Companies in Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi 2026

a couple of tall buildings sitting next to each other

Quick answer

Al Reem Island hosts 2,500+ licensed companies in 2026, mainly financial services, professional services, and regional HQs. Most expats choose ADGM or IFZA free zones for 100% foreign ownership and fast online setup. Expect total first-year costs between AED 25,000–45,000 depending on the free zone and visa quota.

Why Al Reem Island attracts companies

Al Reem Island sits 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city centre and 30 minutes from Dubai via the E10. The island blends residential towers, Grade-A offices, and two free zones—ADGM and IFZA—giving companies zero tax on mainland profits, full foreign ownership, and access to 100% foreign banks. High-speed fibre (Etisalat and du) and proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport (20 km) make it the go-to location for fintech, advisory, and family offices.

Free zones on Al Reem Island

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

ADGM is the island’s flagship financial free zone. It follows common-law principles and is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Companies can conduct regulated activities such as wealth management, crypto trading, and fund management. In 2026, ADGM’s standard package costs AED 30,000–40,000 for a 3-year licence plus a 5% Knowledge Fee. Visas start at AED 3,500 each and are linked to an Ejari tenancy contract.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

IFZA’s Reem office is popular with SMEs. A 1-year mainland-eligible licence costs AED 12,900–15,900, including one visa. Extra visas cost AED 3,500. IFZA allows 100% ownership and issues digital certificates within 3–5 working days. The authority has MOUs with DEWA and ADDC, so utility connections are seamless for serviced offices.

Step-by-step: how to register a company

Choose your activity: ADGM for financial services, IFZA for general trading or consultancy.
Reserve your trade name via the free zone portal (AED 200–300 fee).
Submit passport copies, Emirates ID (if resident), and business plan (1–2 pages).
Pay licence fees; receive digital licence within 3–7 days.
Sign an Ejari tenancy contract for a flexi-desk or office (AED 15,000–35,000/year).
Apply for establishment card and open a corporate bank account (Mashreq, FAB, or HSBC).

Common mistakes expats make

Selecting a mainland licence when 100% ownership is required—mainland rules still need a 51% Emirati sponsor for many activities.
Under-budgeting for visas: each sponsored employee needs medical (AED 750), Emirates ID (AED 370), and GDRFA stamping (AED 1,200).
Skipping the tenancy contract: without Ejari, visas and bank accounts are rejected.
Ignoring the 5% Knowledge Fee on ADGM licences, which adds AED 1,500–2,000.

Office space and costs in 2026

Co-working flexi-desks start at AED 1,200/month in Reem towers such as Sky Tower and Marina Square. Private offices of 15–20 m² range from AED 35,000–55,000/year. Serviced offices in ADGM Square include reception, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms. DEWA deposits average AED 2,000–5,000 for commercial units. Always verify current fee with DEWA.

Banking and payments

Corporate accounts can be opened in 5–10 days at ADGM-approved banks. Minimum balance is usually AED 10,000–50,000. Online platforms like Wio and Novo allow instant IBANs for non-financial activities. Crypto companies must maintain separate wallets and submit quarterly FSRA reports.

Visa and residency rules

Each licence includes a set visa quota. ADGM allows 6 visas for a standard package; IFZA starts with 1. Employees earning above AED 15,000/month can sponsor spouses and children. Golden Visa eligibility applies after 3 years of continuous residence. Medical fitness tests are handled at DHA-approved centres in Abu Dhabi; results are uploaded directly to ICP.

Key takeaway

Al Reem Island combines Abu Dhabi’s stability with free-zone speed. Choose ADGM for finance and IFZA for services, budget AED 25,000–45,000 for year one, and secure your Ejari early. With the right licence, you can be fully operational in under two weeks.