Establishing a Public Fund in Abu Dhabi in 2025
Abu Dhabi has emerged as a leading international destination for business and financial innovation, driven by its dynamic economic vision and the globally recognized Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). As one of the world’s premier financial centers, ADGM provides a well-regulated and resilient platform that supports a broad spectrum of financial services.
At the heart of ADGM’s regulatory ecosystem is the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), an independent body responsible for supervising financial activities. Together, ADGM and FSRA enforce high regulatory standards aligned with global best practices, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and economne ic resilience.
A Public Fund within ADGM refers to a fund that is incorporated and domiciled in the jurisdiction, promoted in or from ADGM, and managed by either a local or foreign fund manager. These funds are categorised as Domestic Funds under the FSRA regulatory framework.
Throughout this article, the SALVUS Investment Funds Licensing team, showcases the numerous benefits of establishing a Public Fund in Abu Dhabi, along with the information required in addressing the following:
1. Why establish a Public Fund in Abu Dhabi?
2. Public Fund Key Features
3. Application and Annual Fees
4. How can SALVUS support your Public Fund application?
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1. Why establish a Public Fund in Abu Dhabi?
Setting up a Public Fund in Abu Dhabi taps into the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) strong regulatory framework and strategic positioning in the international financial arena. As a rapidly growing FinTech powerhouse, Abu Dhabi continues to drive innovation and build trust across financial markets. ADGM, together with the FSRA, play a central role in maintaining a regulatory environment modelled on globally recognized financial jurisdictions—ensuring investor confidence, stability, and transparency.
One of Abu Dhabi’s most compelling advantages is its pro-business tax environment. With zero personal and corporate income taxes for extended durations and an extensive network of double taxation treaties, it stands out as an appealing jurisdiction for foreign investment.
Operating under a legal framework based on English Common Law and enhanced by its own commercial regulations, ADGM delivers legal clarity and business predictability.
Further strengthening its appeal, Abu Dhabi imposes no restrictions on foreign workforce recruitment, profit repatriation, or currency movement—creating a seamless operating environment for global businesses.
Strategically located at the nexus of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), Abu Dhabi offers direct access to a broad and diverse investment landscape. Additionally, the UAE’s robust economic partnerships with key global economies provide Public Fund managers and investors with exposure to international financial trends and opportunities.
2. Public Fund Key Features
The features of a Public Fund, indicating the different services and requirements, are as follows:
| Features | Public Fund |
|---|---|
| Legal Form | – Open or Closed Ended Investment Company – Limited Investment Partnership – Investment Trust |
| Eligible Investors | - Professional - Retail |
| Number of Investors | Unlimited |
| Minimum Initial Investment per person | Not subject to minimum initial investment requirement |
| Fund Manager Capital Requirements | 150,000 USD |
| FSRA Registration or Notification | Registration required |
| Placement of Units | Public |
| Prospectus | Required to be submitted to the FSRA before registration |
| Regulatory Oversight arrangements | One of: – Oversight Committee – Eligible Custodian or Trustee of the Fund |
| Investment and Borrowing Requirements | Restricted |
| Fund Manager | - Mandatory appointment - Must apply for registration of the Fund |
Contact us via email at info@salvusfunds.com if you are interested in establishing a Public Fund with FSRA in ADGM or if you would like more information about our UAE licensing services; our SALVUS Investment Funds Licensing team is ready to answer your questions.
3. Application and Annual Fees
The FSRA application and annual fees payable by the Fund Manager, or the person proposing to be the Fund Manager for registering a Public Fund, depend on if the Public Fund is an Umbrella Fund or not and on the number of additional sub-funds.
In addition, further costs may apply if an authorized person or a Fund Manager is filing a Prospectus or a supplementary/replacement Prospectus with the FSRA, respectively.
4. How can SALVUS support your Public Fund application?
The SALVUS Investment Funds Licensing team offers extensive expertise in setting up investment funds tailored to a wide range of strategies and objectives. Our project management approach is designed to identify and implement the ideal fund structure and type that best supports your firm’s unique goals and long-term vision.
Serving as a trusted liaison between your organisation and the regulatory authority, we manage the end to end registration process, ensuring all required documents and information are compiled and submitted accurately and efficiently. We also support the formation of a capable team and advise on the optimal allocation of resources across staffing and technological infrastructure.
Once your Public Fund is established, our dedicated Regulatory Compliance team professionals remain at your side to help you stay fully compliant with all post-registration obligations..
Contact us at info@salvusfunds.com if you are interested in establishing a Public Fund with FSRA in ADGM or if you would like more information about our UAE licensing services; our SALVUS Investment Funds Licensing team is ready to answer your questions.
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The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. You should always seek professional advice suitable to your needs.