DIFC or ADGM
Compare the two UAE financial free zones that run their own common-law frameworks: DIFC in Dubai, with the DFSA regulating financial activity, and ADGM on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, with the FSRA. They are not interchangeable.
Your situation
Answer for the default situation: one visa. Change an answer above to update it.
Ajman Free Zone fits your answers, and it is not in this comparison.
Choose Dubai Mainland if you will sell or work onshore.
DIFC publishes the faster licence, 3–5 business days against 10 business days for ADGM. No like-for-like starting price is published for DIFC and ADGM, so the cost side of this comparison is open.
Read from the same published figures as the table. Activity eligibility, approvals and the full first year still decide the route.
Side by side
Package figures cover their stated inclusions only. Activity eligibility, the full first-year cost and renewal still need confirmation for your case.
| Metric | DIFCFree zone | ADGMFree zone |
|---|---|---|
| From, one visa | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM Not published: Not published |
| Lowest package price | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM Not published: Not published |
| Licence issued in | DIFC 3–5 business days Fastest | ADGM 10 business days |
| Residency visa in | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM Not published: Not published |
| Renewal price | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM USD 500 Renewal quoted alongside Foundation initial fee |
| Licence types | DIFC Non-regulated commercial, DFSA-regulated financial | ADGM Non-regulated, FSRA-regulated financial |
| Facility options | DIFC Office, Coworking within DIFC | ADGM Office, Coworking within ADGM |
| Visa options | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM Not published: Not published |
| Remote paperwork | DIFC No | ADGM No |
| Activity guides catalogued | DIFC Not published: Not published | ADGM Not published: Not published |
| Next step | Explore DIFC | Explore ADGM |
Check before choosing
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FAQ
Are DIFC and ADGM regulated the same way?
No. Regulated financial activity in DIFC is supervised by the DFSA and in ADGM by the FSRA. Each has its own rulebook, application process and courts, so confirm which regulator covers your activity before comparing costs.
Do non-financial companies use these zones?
Their facilities and requirements are shaped around financial firms. Confirm that your non-financial activity is licensed there, and compare a general free zone if it is not regulated.
Which costs less on published figures, DIFC or ADGM?
DIFC publishes the faster licence, 3–5 business days against 10 business days for ADGM. No like-for-like starting price is published for DIFC and ADGM, so the cost side of this comparison is open.
Still torn?
Explore the full guides to compare package costs, visa requirements and how you plan to trade.