ADGM Courts Filing Fees and Forms (2026 Creditor Guide)
Quick Answer
Filing a claim in the ADGM Courts is inexpensive relative to the sums usually in dispute. For a small claim (generally up to USD 100,000), the court fee is 1.5% of the claim value, with a minimum of USD 250 and a maximum of USD 1,500. Larger claims in the Court of First Instance carry higher fees. Claims are started with a Claim Form filed through the ADGM Courts’ online system, and fees are published in US dollars.
Key Takeaways
- The small-claims court fee is generally 1.5% of the claim, capped between USD 250 and USD 1,500 — so even a six-figure claim stays cheap to file.
- ADGM fees are set in US dollars, not dirhams.
- A claim starts with a Claim Form; the debtor replies with an Acknowledgment of Service, then a Defence or Counterclaim.
- Beyond the court fee, budget for translation, enforcement and any legal fees — but for a simple small claim the court fee is usually the main cost.
- Fee schedules change; always confirm the current figure on the ADGM Courts’ website before filing.
At a Glance: ADGM Court Fees
| Item | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Small-claims fee | Generally 1.5% of the claim value |
| Minimum small-claims fee | USD 250 |
| Maximum small-claims fee | USD 1,500 |
| Court of First Instance | Higher fees for larger/complex claims — check the schedule |
| Currency | US dollars (USD) |
| Other costs | Translation, expert evidence, enforcement, legal fees where they arise |
What Fees Apply, and Where
The ADGM Courts run two tracks that matter to a creditor: the Small Claims Division for money claims generally up to USD 100,000, and the main Court of First Instance for larger or more complex claims. The small-claims fee is deliberately low — 1.5% of the claim, floored at USD 250 and capped at USD 1,500 — which keeps the cost of pursuing a defined debt proportionate to what is at stake. Because it is capped, a claim near the USD 100,000 ceiling costs no more to file than the cap allows. Larger claims in the Court of First Instance attract higher fees, so if your debt is above the small-claims limit, check the current schedule when you plan the claim.
The Forms You Will Encounter
ADGM claims run on a defined set of documents, filed through the Courts’ online case-management system. In broad terms:
| Form / Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Claim Form | Starts the claim; sets out what is owed and why, with supporting documents |
| Acknowledgment of Service | The debtor’s initial response confirming receipt of the claim |
| Admission / Defence / Counterclaim | The debtor admits, disputes, or brings a claim back against you |
| Judgment / enforcement application | Obtaining and then enforcing the Court’s decision |
The exact forms and current guidance are published on the ADGM Courts’ website. Because these are updated from time to time, use the live versions rather than a copy you saved earlier.
Costs Beyond the Court Fee
The court fee is only part of the picture. Depending on the matter, you may also incur certified translation costs, expenses for expert evidence, enforcement costs when you move to collect, and legal fees if you use representation — though the Small Claims Division is designed so many creditors can proceed without full representation. For a clean, documented small claim, the court fee usually remains the main outlay, and its USD 1,500 cap keeps it modest.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
- Assuming the fee is recoverable. Whether you get the fee — or your costs — back from the debtor depends on the outcome and the Court’s rules; it is not automatic. Budget as if the fee is a cost of pursuing the debt.
- Reading the fee in dirhams. ADGM fees are in US dollars. If you are comparing forums, line up the currencies before you compare the numbers.
- Relying on an old schedule. Fees change. Confirm the current figure before you file.
Summary
ADGM court fees are among the more predictable parts of recovering a debt: a small claim costs 1.5% of its value to file, floored at USD 250 and capped at USD 1,500, through a defined set of online forms. Larger claims in the Court of First Instance cost more, so match the track to the debt and check the live schedule before filing. For the full route — jurisdiction, filing, and getting paid — see our guide to debt recovery through the ADGM Courts.
Not sure which track or what it will cost? Global Debt Collector will review your debt, tell you whether the ADGM Courts are the right forum, and map the likely costs and next steps — confidentially and with no obligation. Submit Your Case
Frequently Asked Questions
01How much is the ADGM small-claims court fee?
For a small claim, the court fee is generally 1.5% of the claim value, subject to a minimum of USD 250 and a maximum of USD 1,500. Confirm the current figure on the ADGM Courts' website, as fee schedules are updated periodically.
02Are ADGM court fees in dollars or dirhams?
US dollars. The ADGM Courts publish their fees in USD, which is worth remembering when you budget a claim or compare the ADGM with a dirham-based forum.
03What forms do I need to start a claim?
A claim begins with a Claim Form filed with the Court. The defendant then files an Acknowledgment of Service, followed by an Admission, Defence or Counterclaim. The current forms and guidance are published on the ADGM Courts' website.
04Is the court fee refundable if my claim is rejected or settles?
Refund treatment depends on the stage and the rules in force. Do not assume a fee is recoverable — check the current fee rules, and factor the fee into your decision to file.
05Are there costs beyond the court fee?
Yes — potentially certified translation, expert evidence, enforcement costs, and legal fees if you use representation. For a straightforward small claim, though, the court fee is usually the main cost, and it is capped at USD 1,500.
06Can I recover my costs from the debtor?
Cost recovery depends on the outcome and the Court's discretion under its rules. It is not automatic, and how costs are treated in the Small Claims Division can differ from the main Court of First Instance.
07How do the ADGM fees compare with the onshore courts?
The onshore UAE courts generally charge a percentage of the claim value with a higher cap, while the ADGM small-claims fee is capped at USD 1,500. The right comparison depends on your claim size and where enforcement will ultimately happen.
Last reviewed: July 2026.
Reviewed by: [Legal Reviewer — Associated UAE Law Firm — replace with the real reviewer’s name and credentials before publishing].
This article provides general information about the ADGM Courts and does not constitute legal advice. Fees, limits, procedure and enforcement depend on the specific facts of your case and on rules that change over time. For guidance on your situation, consult a licensed ADGM or UAE legal professional.
