The ADGM Tech Startup Licence is a launch pad for tech startups and gives them a runway before they will have to convert to a full operational licence which has a higher licensing fee.
ADGM has structured the Tech Startup Licence as a two stage licence:
Stage 1: Seed Stage
Stage 2: Emergent Stage
Seed Stage
To be eligible for the Seed Stage licence, your business will need to have less than 10 employees and have operated in the UAE for less than three years.
The Seed Stage licence is available for a maximum of two years, following which the company would transition to the Emergent Stage. If you exceed the limits in the first 12 months following the incorporation of your ADGM Tech Startup Licence, you would also need to transition to the Emergent Stage when you renew the commercial licence.
Emergent Stage
To be eligible for the Emergent Stage licence, your business will need to have less than 50 employees and have operated in the UAE for less than five years.
The Emergent Stage licence is available for a maximum of three years, following which the company would transition to a non-tech startup operational licence which carries much higher licensing fees. If the company exceeds the limits during the three years, it will also need to transition out of being a tech startup at its next commercial licence renewal.
The fees for an ADGM Tech Startup Licence are:
Seed Stage: USD 2,745 + VAT
Emergent Stage: USD 6,045 + VAT
This includes the ADGM licensing fees and Clara's service fees. It excludes any lease or employee services fees.