ADGM statutory audit
Audit under the ADGM Companies Regulations for filing with the Registration Authority.
ADGM Approved Auditors: Audit, Accounting and Corporate Tax for Abu Dhabi Global Market Companies
ADGM companies file annual accounts with the ADGM Registration Authority within nine months of the year end, audited by an ADGM registered auditor unless an exemption applies, such as the small company exemption. A company claiming the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person rate needs audited accounts regardless. SGA World provides ADGM approved audits, IFRS accounting, corporate tax and VAT.
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism approved auditor
- 500+ clients
- Dubai & Abu Dhabi
ADGM at a glance
- Company law
- ADGM Companies Regulations 2020
- Accounts filing
- Within 9 months of year end
- Audit
- ADGM registered auditor, unless exempt
- Financial regulator
- FSRA
- Corporate tax
- 0% QFZP / 9% standard
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, with its own English common law framework, courts and financial regulator. It is home to holding companies, family offices, funds, fintechs and professional firms, and each year they must file annual accounts with the ADGM Registration Authority.
SGA World provides ADGM approved audits and the work around them: IFRS accounting, consolidation, corporate tax, QFZP reviews and VAT. We confirm whether your company needs an audit, plan it well inside the 9-month filing deadline, and make sure the same accounts support your corporate tax return, from our branch in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi and our office in Dubai.
Working across several zones? See our overview of all UAE free zones.
- To file annual accounts after year end
- 9 months
- Small, subsidiary and dormant companies
- Exemptions
- Audited accounts needed for 0%
- QFZP
- Our branch in Al Bateen
- Abu Dhabi
At a glance
ADGM Approved Auditors: Key Points
- Law: accounts and audit follow the ADGM Companies Regulations 2020.
- Filing: annual accounts go to the ADGM Registration Authority within 9 months of the year end.
- Audit: by an ADGM registered auditor, unless the company qualifies as small, subsidiary or dormant.
- Small company: turnover up to USD 13.5 million and no more than 35 employees, subject to conditions.
- QFZP: claiming the 0% corporate tax rate requires audited accounts, even if ADGM would not.
- Regulated firms: FSRA-authorised firms have additional audit and regulatory reporting rules.
Our services
Which Services Do We Provide for ADGM Companies?
Audit exemption review
Confirm whether the small, subsidiary or dormant exemption applies, and what that means for tax.
IFRS accounts and consolidation
Monthly books, group consolidation and IFRS financial statements.
Corporate tax and QFZP
Registration, QFZP assessment, participation exemption and the annual return.
Transfer pricing
Intercompany loans, management fees and group charges at arm's length.
VAT
VAT registration and returns, including financial services.
Audit rules
Does Your ADGM Company Need an Audit?
| Type of company | ADGM audit? | Corporate tax angle |
|---|---|---|
| Private company (not exempt) | Yes, by an ADGM registered auditor | Audited accounts support the return |
| Small company (turnover up to USD 13.5m, up to 35 employees) | May be exempt, subject to conditions | Still needs an audit to claim QFZP |
| Subsidiary or dormant company | May be exempt, subject to conditions | Check QFZP and group position |
| FSRA-authorised firm or fund | Yes, plus regulatory reporting | Exemptions for small companies do not apply |
| Revenue above AED 50 million | Depends on ADGM status | Audit required for corporate tax |
About ADGM
What Is Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)?
ADGM is a financial free zone that applies English common law directly, with its own ADGM Courts. Three authorities run it:
- the Registration Authority, which registers companies and receives annual accounts;
- the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), which authorises banks, asset managers, brokers, insurers and funds;
- the ADGM Courts.
Beyond regulated firms, ADGM is popular with holding companies, family offices, foundations, fintechs and professional services firms that want a common law base in Abu Dhabi.
How we work
How Does Our ADGM Audit Process Work?
Step01
Scope
Confirm whether the company is regulated, small, a subsidiary or a QFZP, and what must be filed.
Step02
Plan
Agree a timetable that finishes well inside the 9-month filing deadline.
Step03
Fieldwork
Test balances, investments, intercompany positions and confirmations.
Step04
Report
Issue the audited IFRS financial statements.
Step05
File
Support the filing with the Registration Authority and the corporate tax return.
Why SGA World
Why Choose SGA World as Your ADGM Approved Auditor?
Filed inside the deadline
Audits planned backwards from your 9-month filing date, with the tax return in mind.
Ministry-approved audit firm
SGA World is a Ministry of Economy and Tourism approved audit firm, so our reports are accepted where it matters.
Audit and tax in one team
Auditors, VAT, corporate tax and transfer pricing specialists work together, so nothing falls between advisers.
Qualified chartered accountants
A team of chartered accountants qualified in India and the UK, focused on UAE rules.
500+ clients
Mainland and free zone companies, from start-ups and SMEs to regional groups.
Listed with major UAE banks
Our audit work is recognised by major UAE banks for facilities and account reviews.
Tax in brief
How Do Corporate Tax and VAT Apply in ADGM?
Corporate tax. ADGM entities are free zone persons and must register for UAE corporate tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income, which can include holding of shares, fund and wealth management, treasury and financing to related parties and headquarter services, and 9% on other taxable income. Dividends and gains on qualifying shareholdings are often exempt under the participation exemption. Audited accounts are a condition of QFZP status.
VAT. ADGM is not a designated zone, so normal UAE VAT rules apply. Many financial services are exempt or zero-rated when supplied abroad, while fee-based services are usually taxed at 5%.
For more detail, see our QFZP guide and Accounting Firms in Abu Dhabi page.
Worked example
Example: A Small ADGM Holding Company
- Situation
- An ADGM holding company with turnover of USD 2 million and 3 employees owns shares in two operating companies abroad.
- ADGM audit?
- It may qualify for the small company exemption and file simplified accounts.
- Corporate tax
- Dividends from the subsidiaries may be exempt under the participation exemption; other income needs review.
- QFZP?
- If it wants 0% on qualifying income as a QFZP, it needs audited accounts anyway.
- Decision
- Compare the cost of an audit with the tax saved by QFZP status, then decide before the year end.
Industries
Which ADGM Businesses Do We Support?
Holding companies and SPVs
- Consolidation and investment accounting
- Participation exemption for dividends and gains
- Intercompany financing and transfer pricing
Family offices and foundations
- Investment portfolios and valuation
- Foundation and family entity accounts
- Corporate tax position of family structures
Funds and asset managers
- Fund accounting and NAV reconciliation
- Management and performance fees
- Support for regulatory reporting
Fintech and technology
- Revenue recognition for platforms and subscriptions
- Investor reporting and cash runway
- Small company exemption and QFZP planning
Professional and consulting firms
- Time-based billing and work in progress
- Owner pay and connected persons
- VAT on cross-border services
What to prepare
What Documents Do We Need for an ADGM Audit?
Company records
ADGM certificate, articles, register of members and directors, and board minutes.
Accounts
Trial balance, ledgers, bank statements and confirmations.
Investments
Share certificates, investee accounts and valuation support.
Group
Group chart, intercompany agreements and balances.
Tax
Corporate tax registration, QFZP analysis and VAT returns.
Regulated firms
FSRA licence, regulatory returns and client money records, where relevant.
Fees and timing
How Long Does an ADGM Audit Take and What Affects the Fee?
For a holding or service company with organised books, fieldwork typically takes one to three weeks. Plan to finish at least one to two months before the 9-month filing deadline.
The fee depends on the number of entities and investments, whether consolidation is needed, regulated status, the condition of the books and whether corporate tax and QFZP work is included. We confirm a fixed fee after reviewing your trial balance.
Avoid problems
Common Mistakes ADGM Companies Make
Missing the 9-month filing deadline
Late filing penalties
Using an auditor not registered with ADGM
The audit report does not meet the filing requirement
Relying on the small company exemption as a QFZP
Audited accounts are still needed
Treating all financial services as VAT-exempt
Fee-based services are usually standard-rated
Undocumented intercompany loans
Transfer pricing adjustments
Out-of-date registers
Non-compliance with ADGM filing rules
ADGM desk
Get Your ADGM Audit and Filing Done on Time
Tell us your company type and financial year end. We will confirm whether an audit is required and plan it well inside the filing deadline.
We handle
- ADGM approved audits
- Audit exemption review
- IFRS accounts and consolidation
- Corporate tax and QFZP
- VAT and transfer pricing
Location: Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Office
Our Abu Dhabi branch in Khalidiya Towers, Al Bateen is close to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, supported by our Dubai office in Business Bay.
Dubai
Office 1923, The Exchange Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Khalidiya Towers M-B6, W10, Al Bateen, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi
Talk to an auditor
Tell us your company type, jurisdiction and deadline. We will confirm the scope, timeline and fee.
- WhatsApp us+971 50 627 3556
- Call us+971 4 570 1795
- Email us[email protected]
- Book an appointmentChoose a time that suits you
Prefer a form? Send us a detailed enquiry.
Who prepared this page
Written and reviewed by SGA World's audit and tax team
This guide is prepared by chartered accountants at SGA World Auditing Accounting L.L.C S.P.C in Business Bay, Dubai, a Ministry of Economy and Tourism approved audit firm, and checked against Federal Tax Authority legislation and guidance. It is reviewed whenever the rules change.
- Last reviewed 14 October 2026
- Chartered accountants from India and the UK
- FTA representation through Saif Chartered Accountants
Have a question about your company?
Tell us your activity, jurisdiction and deadline. A chartered accountant will reply.
Ask an expertFrequently asked questions
ADGM Approved Auditors – FAQs
Short answers to the questions UAE businesses ask us most. Still unsure?
Talk to our team01.Do ADGM companies need an annual audit?
Yes, by an ADGM registered auditor, unless the company qualifies for an exemption such as the small company, subsidiary or dormant company exemption.
02.Do I need an ADGM approved auditor?
Yes. ADGM statutory audits must be carried out by an ADGM registered auditor. SGA World provides ADGM approved audits.
03.When must ADGM accounts be filed?
For most private companies, within nine months of the end of the financial year, with the ADGM Registration Authority.
04.What is the ADGM small company audit exemption?
A company with turnover up to USD 13.5 million and no more than 35 employees may be exempt from audit, subject to conditions. Regulated firms cannot use it.
05.Does an ADGM company claiming QFZP need an audit?
Yes. Audited financial statements are a condition of QFZP status, even if ADGM rules would allow unaudited accounts.
06.Can an ADGM holding company pay 0% corporate tax?
Holding shares can be a qualifying activity for a QFZP, and dividends and gains on qualifying shareholdings are often exempt under the participation exemption. All QFZP conditions must be met.
07.Is ADGM a designated zone for VAT?
No. Normal UAE VAT rules apply in ADGM. Many financial services are exempt or zero-rated, while fee-based services are usually standard-rated at 5%.
08.Who regulates ADGM companies?
The ADGM Registration Authority registers companies and receives accounts, the FSRA regulates financial services firms, and the ADGM Courts apply English common law.
09.Do FSRA-regulated firms have extra audit requirements?
Yes. Authorised firms have additional audit and regulatory reporting requirements under FSRA rules, and the small company exemption does not apply.
10.What happens if ADGM accounts are filed late?
The Registration Authority can impose late filing penalties, and the company may face further enforcement if filings remain outstanding.
11.Can a dormant ADGM company skip the audit?
A dormant company may be exempt from audit, subject to the conditions in the Companies Regulations. Corporate tax registration and filing obligations still apply.
12.Does ADGM cover Al Reem Island?
Yes. ADGM's jurisdiction covers Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.
13.How long does an ADGM audit take?
For a holding or service company with organised books, fieldwork typically takes one to three weeks. Start well before the 9-month deadline.
14.Do you have an office near ADGM?
Yes. Our Abu Dhabi branch is in Khalidiya Towers, Al Bateen, close to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands.
15.Which services does SGA World provide for ADGM companies?
ADGM approved audits, audit exemption reviews, IFRS accounting and consolidation, corporate tax and QFZP reviews, transfer pricing and VAT.
References:Abu Dhabi Global Market · Federal Tax Authority · UAE Ministry of Finance — reviewed 14 October 2026
