Clara assists clients setting up holding companies, operational companies and foundations in ADGM and DIFC.
Holding Companies
In ADGM, we assist clients with setting up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) which are passive holding companies that hold shares or assets such as real estate and intellectual property. An SPV cannot be used for active commercial activities and it cannot sponsor employees. There are eligibility requirements for an ADGM SPV.
In DIFC, we assist clients with incorporating Prescribed Companies (PC) which are flexible corporate vehicles used as holding entities within wider transactions, financing or asset holding structures. There are eligibility requirements for a DIFC PC.
Operating Companies
In ADGM and DIFC, there are a wide range of options to choose from when establishing an operating company. For early-stage technology driven startups, both ADGM and DIFC offer highly subsidized tech startup licenses. Both jurisdictions also have a large range of business activities to choose from for those applicants who are outside the tech space or have progressed beyond a startup.
Tech Startup
In ADGM, we help our clients with the incorporation of ADGM Tech startup licences. These are low cost operating licence for early stage technology-driven startups with innovative business concepts. There are eligibility requirements to apply for an ADGM Tech Startup licence.
The DIFC Innovation Licence is a sector agnostic low-cost operating licence available to all technology and innovation startups. The licence was introduced to encourage entrepreneurship in the region and remove cost as a barrier for entry. There are eligibility requirements for a DIFC Innovation Licence.
General Operating Companies
In ADGM, there is an extensive list of non-financial business activities that applicants can choose from. You can use this tool to search ADGM's list. Subject to some limitations, multiple activities can be chosen at no extra cost.
DIFC offers a similar range of activities. In both jurisdictions, applicants will need to obtain their own office lease before the company will receive incorporation approval.
Foundations
ADGM and DIFC foundations offer a cost-effective and flexible solution for a range of financial planning challenges, including wealth management, asset preservation, family estate planning and business succession. A foundation is an independent legal entity that holds the assets contributed by the founder for the benefit of the beneficiaries and is overseen by a foundation council.
There are minor differences between the eligibility requirements, timeline and cost for registering a foundation in ADGM and DIFC. Our team can discuss these differences with you and guide you on the appropriate choice.