ADGM Structuring Advisory
Choose The Right ADGM Structure To Protect Your Wealth And Assets
Expert-led advice for families, founders and corporate groups weighing up an ADGM SPV, Holding Company, Foundation or Family Office.
Trusted by leading businesses, institutions and law firms
The Right Structure Starts With Your Objectives
Abu Dhabi Global Market is the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, with its own legal framework that directly applies English common law. It is widely used for SPVs, foundations, holding companies, family offices and investment platforms.
Each ADGM structure serves a different purpose, and choosing one is a structuring decision first. We start with what the entity needs to do, whether that is holding assets, managing subsidiaries or securing succession, then advise on the structure, governance and tax position that best supports it.
Who We Advise
Our ADGM structuring advice is built for international investors, family offices, business owners, investment groups and multinational companies.
Founders & Corporate Groups
Organising group ownership, holding regional subsidiaries and preparing for investment or exit.
Multinational Corporations
Groups operating in or investing across the Middle East that need local structuring and tax expertise alongside their in-house teams.
Families & Family Offices
Families from Hong Kong, China, the UK, Europe, the US, Singapore and Australia planning succession and protecting wealth.
Law Firms & Advisers
Law firms, private equity firms, auditors and financial advisers looking for a trusted structuring partner for their clients.
Which ADGM Structure Fits Your Objective?
Select what you want to achieve to see the structure clients in your position typically consider.
Explore The ADGM Structures We Advise On
Each structure has its own purpose, governance model and long-term fit. Select one to see how it is commonly used and who it typically suits.
ADGM SPV
A private company limited by shares, designed to be passive. It holds assets and keeps legal and financial exposure separate from shareholders and other group entities, and does not trade, employ staff or carry on day-to-day commercial activity.
Worth knowing: An ADGM SPV needs a genuine connection to the UAE or GCC, such as GCC-based ownership, UAE-located assets or UAE-connected transactions.
Discuss An ADGM SPV With An AdviserCommonly used for
- Investment holding, including shares in operating companies
- Real estate ownership, ring-fencing property-specific risk
- Joint ventures and risk-sharing arrangements
- Holding intellectual property away from trading risk
- Bringing assets held across entities or jurisdictions together
- Moving existing BVI or Cayman holding vehicles to ADGM
Typically suited to
- Multinational groups
- Family offices
- High-net-worth individuals
- Investors holding regional or international assets
ADGM Holding Company
A Private Company Limited by Shares, suited where the holding company plays an active role: managing subsidiaries, employing staff, charging management fees or providing group-level services.
Worth knowing: Whether the entity will be passive or operational shapes its tax, banking and compliance profile, so we confirm this before choosing between an SPV and a Holding Company.
Discuss An ADGM Holding Company With An AdviserCommonly used for
- Centralising control of UAE and international subsidiaries
- Group-level services and management functions
- Holding shares in UAE mainland or free zone companies
- Preparing a group for financing, investment or exit
- Acting as the regional headquarters for a wider group
Typically suited to
- Business owners and privately owned groups
- Multinational companies
- Investment groups
- Groups expanding across the GCC
ADGM Foundation
A legal entity with its own legal personality but no shares or shareholders. The Foundation owns its assets and manages them for its beneficiaries under its Charter and By-Laws, and it continues after the founder passes away.
Worth knowing: The Charter is a public document, while the By-Laws, which cover beneficiary rights, distributions and succession provisions, remain private.
Discuss An ADGM Foundation With An AdviserCommonly used for
- Wealth preservation
- Succession planning
- Asset protection
- Sitting above operating companies or SPVs as a holding layer
Typically suited to
- Entrepreneurs who have built significant assets
- Investors with assets across multiple jurisdictions
- Family offices
- Families planning succession
ADGM Family Office
ADGM is particularly strong for family offices, including single family offices. A family office may hold its investments through ADGM SPVs, with an ADGM Foundation above them for succession and family governance.
Worth knowing: Single family offices can, in certain circumstances, use a Restricted Scope Company, which limits what is publicly visible.
Discuss An ADGM Family Office With An AdviserCommonly used for
- Coordinating family investments
- Holding investments through dedicated SPVs
- Family governance and succession, alongside a Foundation
Typically suited to
- Families with assets across several jurisdictions
- Families seeking proximity to Abu Dhabi-linked capital
- Families planning multi-generational succession
Compare ADGM Structures
A side-by-side view to help you narrow down the options before we talk.
| Feature | SPV | Holding Company | Foundation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Passive holding of shares, investments, IP, real estate interests or specific assets | Operational holding: managing subsidiaries, group services or employing staff | Succession planning, asset protection, family governance and long-term ownership control |
| Legal structure | Private company limited by shares | Private Company Limited by Shares | Separate legal entity with no shares or shareholders |
| Governance | Directors and shareholders | Directors and shareholders | Council under a Charter, often with a Founder and Guardian |
| Staff | Not designed to employ staff | Can employ staff, depending on its activity | Not typically used to employ staff |
| Physical office | Usually not needed | Generally needed, depending on activity | Not needed |
| Key consideration | Needs a genuine UAE or GCC connection | Activity determines what the entity can do | Charter is public; By-Laws stay private |
| Relative cost | Usually the most efficient for passive holding | Higher than an SPV | Depends on governance complexity |
Family offices in ADGM often combine these structures, for example holding investments through SPVs with a Foundation above them. General guidance only: rules change over time, and the right structure depends on your circumstances. We confirm the position for you during your consultation.
How We Advise On Your ADGM Structure
A consultative process that puts your objectives first and explains the trade-offs at every stage.
Confirm The Purpose
Will the entity hold assets, manage subsidiaries, employ people or support succession? This decides the structure.
Map Ownership & Control
We map shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, intermediate entities and controlling parties.
Structure Recommendation
We set out whether an SPV, Holding Company, Foundation or a combination fits best, with the trade-offs explained.
Tax & Governance Planning
We review the Corporate Tax position, substance and governance before you rely on the structure.
Ongoing Advisory
We review your structure as your family, group or assets evolve, and as rules change.
Structuring, Tax And Compliance Advice In One Place
An ADGM structure rarely stands alone. Our specialists consider the wider picture so your structure works in practice.
Tax Advisory
Corporate Tax, international tax and transfer pricing considerations for your structure and wider group.
Corporate Structuring
Group design, ownership arrangements and governance frameworks aligned with your long-term goals.
M&A Support
Due diligence and deal structuring for acquisitions, investments and reorganisations.
Ongoing Business Support
Accounting, bookkeeping and corporate governance support as your structure evolves.
Why Clients Choose Creation Business Consultants
Structuring And Tax Together
Big Four-trained tax advisors work alongside our structuring specialists, so structure and tax position are considered as one.
Advice Tailored To You
No off-the-shelf structures. Every recommendation starts with your objectives, assets and family or group situation.
Cross-Border Perspective
Offices in Dubai, the DIFC, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Hong Kong and Melbourne, and a team speaking more than 20 languages.
Proactive Guidance
We flag changes in rules and regulations that may affect your structure, so you can plan ahead.
Alongside Your Advisers
We work closely with private equity and law firms, auditors and financial advisers who seek our counsel on structuring matters.
Integrity At The Core
Clear, honest advice on what each structure can and cannot do for you, including when it isn’t the right fit.
What Our Clients Say
We have enjoyed a longstanding and highly satisfactory relationship with Creation Business Consultants. Their team has provided valuable guidance through an evolving tax and compliance landscape. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise have made them a trusted partner throughout our journey.
“Creation have identified large savings and a way to decrease our corporate risks by restructuring our business. Their professional advice and in-depth understanding of corporate structuring will help our business become more profitable and grow in the future.”
“Creation stood out for being straight forward, supportive and proactive. … There was always clear communication and a client-focused approach … Furthermore, the team at Creation is completely up to date with the ever-changing local rules and regulations … and was able to provide the right guidance for what we needed.”
6x
Middle East award winner
Our team’s insights have featured in
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which ADGM structure is right for me?
What is the difference between ADGM and DIFC?
Can a foreign investor fully own an ADGM structure?
Is an ADGM Foundation suitable for succession planning?
Do ADGM Foundations offer privacy?
How does UAE Corporate Tax affect ADGM structures?
Can an ADGM structure hold assets outside the UAE?
Can an existing offshore holding vehicle move to ADGM?
Do you work with our existing lawyers, auditors or financial advisers?
What happens in the first consultation?
Book A Consultation With An ADGM Structuring Adviser
Tell us a little about your objectives and a member of our advisory team will contact you to arrange a time.
- A focused conversation about your goals and current holdings
- An initial view on which ADGM structures could fit
- Clear next steps, with no obligation
Prefer to talk now? Call Dubai on +971 4 878 6240