What documents does an Italian national need to start a gym & fitness business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your gym & fitness venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a gym & fitness company in ADGM?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my ADGM Gym & Fitness licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from ADGM, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What documents do I need to set up a Gym & Fitness business in ADGM?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Sports Council. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What business activities can I include on my ADGM licence?

Your ADGM licence can include gym & fitness as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the tax implications for a Gym & Fitness business in Abu Dhabi Global Market?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in ADGM may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Gym & Fitness company in ADGM?

Most of the setup process for a gym & fitness business in ADGM can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Gym & Fitness in Abu Dhabi Global Market for Italian nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Gym & Fitness in ADGM

Starting From

AED 11,700

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Gym & Fitness

As an Italian national looking to establish a Gym & Fitness business in Abu Dhabi Global Market, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Italy has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Italian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Abu Dhabi's commercial laws, your Gym & Fitness business will benefit from international financial centre and common law jurisdiction. The ADGM licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 11,700.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your gym & fitness setup in ADGM. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why ADGM for Gym & Fitness?

There are several compelling reasons why Abu Dhabi Global Market continues to attract gym & fitness entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers international financial centre, which is particularly valuable for gym & fitness operations. Additionally, common law jurisdiction ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 15,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 4 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Own courts system further enhances the appeal of ADGM for gym & fitness professionals. Furthermore, robust regulatory framework positions your gym & fitness business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, ADGM remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

International financial centre

Common law jurisdiction

Own courts system

Robust regulatory framework

Abu Dhabi's premier business hub

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your gym & fitness licence is issued by ADGM, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your gym & fitness business in ADGM, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for gym & fitness), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to ADGM.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Sports Council

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Signed application form from ADGM authority

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Gym & Fitness is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Sports Council is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	11,700
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	15,000
Shared Office	30,000
Private Office	70,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,200

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your gym & fitness business plan and the best ADGM licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the gym & fitness licence application to ADGM. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official ADGM trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your gym & fitness business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. ADGM allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Gym & Fitness in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750