ADGM Foundation cost.
An ADGM Foundation is an orphan succession-and-asset-protection vehicle under English common law, governed by a Council and (optionally) a Guardian. Ministerial Decision 261 of 2024 lets an ADGM Foundation hold SPVs without triggering UAE Corporate Tax — a structuring advantage for family wealth. Here is the 2026 cost.
What you actually pay, line by line.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ADGM Foundation registration | AED 10,000 – 15,000 (USD 2,725 – 4,085) | One-off filing |
| Charter & by-laws drafting (legal) | AED 50,000+ (USD 13,600+) | Bespoke; Council/Guardian, succession terms |
| Corporate Service Provider / registered office | AED 11,000 – 22,000 (USD 3,000 – 6,000) | Per year |
| ArxSetup structuring & filing | from AED 29,000 (USD 8,000) | Multi-jurisdiction asset mapping |
| Setup all-in | AED 75,000 – 200,000 (USD 20,400 – 54,400) | Year 1 |
| Annual maintenance | AED 40,000 – 80,000 (USD 10,900 – 21,800) |
Government fees are pass-through and may be revised by the regulator without notice. AED/USD conversions are indicative. ArxSetup professional fees are fixed and quoted in writing before engagement. Figures current May 2026.
Reviewed by qualified counsel within ArxSetup and our affiliated practices, Neo Legal (UAE) and Cornwalls (Australia). Figures verified against primary regulator sources. Last reviewed: May 2026. Est. 2021 · DDA Licence 107229 · direct registry filing partner. How we review →
Common questions.
The questions clients ask most before committing. Current to 2026, reviewed by counsel.
How much does an ADGM Foundation cost in 2026?
Setup is AED 75,000–200,000 (USD 20,400–54,400) all-in — registration AED 10,000–15,000, charter and by-laws drafting from AED 50,000, CSP AED 11,000–22,000, plus the ArxSetup structuring fee. Annual maintenance is AED 40,000–80,000.
ADGM Foundation vs DIFC Foundation — which is better?
Both are credible English-common-law orphan structures. ADGM is marginally cheaper to maintain and benefits from Ministerial Decision 261 of 2024 (it can hold SPVs without triggering UAE Corporate Tax). DIFC has deeper private-banking access and the larger family-foundation cluster.
Can an ADGM Foundation hold operating companies?
It holds assets and shares — typically it sits above ADGM SPVs that hold the actual assets. The Foundation provides succession and governance; the SPVs ring-fence each asset class.
What is the MD 261/2024 advantage?
Ministerial Decision 261 of 2024 confirms an ADGM Foundation can hold SPVs without that holding triggering UAE Corporate Tax — making ADGM the leading UAE jurisdiction for tax-efficient family-wealth structuring.
How long does an ADGM Foundation take to set up?
4–6 weeks once the charter and by-laws are agreed. Complex migrations from a foreign foundation or trust take several months including exit-tax planning.
This page is general information, reviewed May 2026 — not legal, tax or immigration advice, and it does not create a client relationship. Advice specific to your circumstances is provided only under a signed engagement letter. Government fees are set by the relevant authority and may change without notice. Where local registered agents are required, we coordinate with licensed partners and disclose their role in writing.