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Abu Dhabi free zone · Clean-tech & sustainability

Masdar City Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

Masdar City Free Zone is Abu Dhabi’s hub for renewable energy, clean technology and sustainability start-ups and corporates. It offers offices and an innovation ecosystem for companies working on climate and energy solutions.

Indicative AED 15,000–55,000 depending on office (quote required) Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official Masdar City website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationMasdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time2–4 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to office
Banking easeGood
RenewalAnnual licence and office renewals

Masdar City company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Indicative AED 15,000–55,000 depending on office (quote required) — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: AED 15,000–55,000.

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the Masdar City licence

  • Sustainability-focused ecosystem
  • Start-up and innovation support
  • Offices in a planned low-carbon city
  • Access to corporate and government partners in clean tech
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is Masdar City best for?

  • Clean-tech and renewable-energy companies
  • Sustainability consultancies
  • Climate and energy start-ups

Typical permitted activities

  • Renewable energy and clean tech
  • Sustainability consulting
  • Energy efficiency and smart-city technology
  • Research and innovation

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Narrow sector focus
  • Check that your activity is on the permitted list

How to set up a company in Masdar City

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

Masdar City compared with similar UAE free zones

Masdar CityADGMKEZADtwofour54
EmirateAbu DhabiAbu DhabiAbu DhabiAbu Dhabi
Best forClean-tech & sustainabilityFinancial centre & regulated businessIndustrial, manufacturing & logisticsMedia, entertainment & gaming
Licence costIndicative AED 15,000–55,000 depending on office (quote required)Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost moreIndicative AED 55,000+ for industrial or warehouse setups (quote required)Entry packages indicative AED 15,000–25,000 (quote required)
Setup time2–4 weeks2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms)2–6 weeks2–4 weeks
Banking easeGoodHighGoodGood
Fee dataIndicative bandIndicative bandIndicative bandIndicative band

FAQs: Masdar City Free Zone company formation

Do I need to be a clean-tech company to set up in Masdar City?

The zone targets sustainability and clean technology, so eligibility depends on your activity. Confirm with the zone.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Masdar City Free Zone?

Indicative cost: Indicative AED 15,000–55,000 depending on office (quote required). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 15,000–55,000. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does Masdar City company setup take?

Typically 2–4 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Masdar City?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in Masdar City trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in Masdar City?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are Masdar City companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in Masdar City?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for Masdar City is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in Masdar City?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is Masdar City best for?

Clean-tech and renewable-energy companies; Sustainability consultancies; Climate and energy start-ups.

Get a written quote for Masdar City Free Zone

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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