ADGM vs Hub71: Side-by-Side Comparison
ADGM is a regulated financial free zone with common-law courts — built for financial services, funds, and fintech that need a regulatory framework. Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's tech startup ecosystem with subsidized office, housing, and health insurance for qualifying startups.
- Fintech
- Crypto/blockchain
- Financial services
- Tech startups
- Funded companies
- AI/ML ventures
- English common law
- Virtual asset regulation leader
- Growing ecosystem
- Massive subsidies for qualifying startups
- Access to sovereign wealth fund ecosystem
- Strong VC community
- Expensive
- Abu Dhabi location
- Primarily financial services
- Application-based — not guaranteed
- Must be a tech/innovation company
- Abu Dhabi location
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| ADGM | Hub71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | abu dhabi | abu dhabi |
| License from | AED 30,000/yr | AED 0/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 25,000 | AED 0 |
| Setup time | 10-15 business days | Application-based, 4-8 weeks |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2013 | 2019 |
| License types | service | service |
| Office options | co-working, private office | co-working, hot desk, private office |
Cost breakdown
ADGM
- License (starting from)
- AED 30,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 25,000
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 6,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 15,000
Hub71
- License (starting from)
- AED 0/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 0
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 5,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 13,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick ADGM if
You're in financial services, need regulatory licensing, or run a fund.
See full ADGM profilePick Hub71 if
You're a tech startup seeking subsidized setup, housing, and a startup community.
See full Hub71 profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, ADGM or Hub71?
Hub71 is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 0/year vs AED 30,000/year for ADGM — a difference of AED 30,000 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at ADGM vs Hub71?
ADGM advertises 10-15 business days and Hub71 advertises Application-based, 4-8 weeks. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.