Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Tech Startup Licence and RegLab

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Tech Startup Licence and RegLab is a free-zone startup programme in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Abu Dhabi's international financial centre. It offers tech startups a discounted Tech Startup Licence (a Hub71 approval letter is required) and a fintech regulatory sandbox called RegLab.

What it offers

• “The ADGM Tech Startup Licence is an operational commercial licence with an incentivised (discounted) licence fee structure to enable startups, that meet the criteria, to set up and scale their business for up to 5 years of initial operations in ADGM.” — adgm.com
• “If your application is accepted, a USD 4,000 annual licence fee is applicable and the startup has up-to 3 years before transitioning to full licence fee.” — adgm.com
• “The ADGM RegLab is a specially tailored regulatory framework which provides a controlled environment for fintech participants to develop and test innovative fintech solutions.” — adgm.com

Who can apply

• “All applications that will be considered, must be accompanied by a Hub71 approval letter.” — adgm.com
• “The licence requires the appointment of a signatory who resides in the UAE.” — adgm.com
• “Startups must have at least one dedicated desk or office space i.e. hot-desk is not accepted.” — adgm.com
• “Conducting regulated financial services in ADGM is not possible with a Tech Startup Licence.” — adgm.com
• “To qualify, fintech participants must demonstrate an innovative technological solution that is at the stage of development ready for testing and does not currently fall under our regulated activities.” — adgm.com

Stages

Seed

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Tech Startup Licence and RegLab's official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.