# ADGM Entity Formation for Crypto Companies

Set Up Clean

An operating company, a holding company and an SPV do different jobs. Start by deciding what your ADGM entity needs to own, who it will contract with and how it fits your business.

At a glance

## Is this the right service?

Crypto founders choosing an ADGM entity or reviewing an existing setup.

What it can cover

- Entity purpose
- Ownership and control
- Formation document plan
- Banking and licensing questions

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

[Check if this fits](https://ape.law/services/adgm-entity-formation-crypto-companies#service-fit)

01 · Check the fit

## When this service fits

### You are choosing an entity

You need to separate the purpose of a holding vehicle from the company running the business.

### Your group has several moving parts

An offshore issuer, UAE team, investors or IP owner needs a clear place in the structure.

### Your plans have changed

The company was formed for one activity, but you now want to raise, launch tokens or seek a licence.

02 · What we can help with

## What the work covers

### Entity purpose

Compare the possible roles for the ADGM company against the activities you intend to carry out.

### Ownership and control

Map founders, investors, directors, IP ownership and the companies signing your contracts.

### Formation document plan

Identify the corporate records and decisions needed for the chosen setup.

### Banking and licensing questions

Flag the work that sits beyond incorporation so it can be planned separately.

03 · How to get started

## What to bring

Start with what you have. These details help frame the first discussion.

Send the basics

- Your business model and proposed activities
- An ownership chart and any existing company documents
- Plans for IP, hiring, banking and fundraising

Then define the scope

### Focus the first conversation on the decision you need to make.

This is a company-structure service. Any financial-services authorisation, tax advice or specialist filing work must be identified in the agreed scope.

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

04 · See related matters

## How Ape Law approached similar questions

These published matters show the decision process. Another project's facts, rules and outcome may differ.

![Video thumbnail for This Company Was Incorporated. It Still Wasn’t Ready to Launch.](https://ape.law/assets/legacy-pages/6fb28d092ea6edfa77e55d54df1996938f9aa226ebd14db530da7fd91e4d6839.png)

CORPORATE

### [The company existed. The business was not ready.](https://ape.law/case-studies/incorporation-does-not-mean-ready-to-launch)

Thought they were ready to launch

Watch or read the case study

05 · Common questions

## Common questions

Is this the same as an ADGM VASP application?

No. This service focuses on the company and ownership structure. A virtual-asset licensing assessment examines the activities and permissions separately.

Can you review a company that already exists?

Yes. The starting point is its current activity, ownership, contracts and intended role in the group.

What if the token issuer is offshore?

The review can map the issuer alongside the ADGM entity, including IP, treasury, contracts and decision-making responsibilities.

## What will your ADGM company do?

Share the role you have in mind and the companies or founders already involved.

[Get Expert Advice](https://ape.law/#contact)

Canonical page: https://ape.law/services/adgm-entity-formation-crypto-companies