UAE FREE ZONE GUIDE

Masdar City company setup

An Abu Dhabi innovation ecosystem for technology, clean industry and knowledge companies.

ABOUT MASDAR CITY

Understand the jurisdiction before choosing the package.

Masdar City Free Zone sits within Abu Dhabi’s sustainable urban development and is positioned around innovation, clean technology and knowledge enterprise.

Research reference: Official jurisdiction information ↗

Masdar City UAE business environmentMasdar City · UAE business environment
WHO IT SUITS

A focused setup for your next stage.

Technology, sustainability and professional services. Our team compares the activity, ownership, visa allocation and facility requirements before recommending a structure.

PACKAGE PRICEPrice on requestFinal pricing depends on activity, visa allocation and authority requirements.
KEY BENEFITS
  • Innovation-focused ecosystem
  • Abu Dhabi credibility
  • Office options
  • Eligible dual-licence pathways
  • Technology and research community
BUSINESS ACTIVITY TYPES

What businesses can consider Masdar City?

These categories explain the likely fit. Exact activity wording and approvals must be confirmed before application.

01

Clean technology and renewable energy

Availability depends on licence mapping, the detailed business model and external approvals.

02

AI, software and IT

Availability depends on licence mapping, the detailed business model and external approvals.

03

Research and engineering

Availability depends on licence mapping, the detailed business model and external approvals.

04

Professional and holding activities

Availability depends on licence mapping, the detailed business model and external approvals.

05

Sustainability and mobility services

Availability depends on licence mapping, the detailed business model and external approvals.

IDEAL BUSINESS PROFILES

Best matched to practical needs.

  • Climate-tech ventures
  • AI and R&D companies
  • Engineering consultancies
  • Firms seeking an Abu Dhabi base
CHECK BEFORE YOU APPLY
  • Specialist activities may need approval
  • Confirm lab or office requirements
  • Tax benefits are not automatic
  • Activity must match the revenue model
WHAT TO EXPECT

A clear formation process.

We help you select activities, prepare KYC documents, submit the application and coordinate post-license requirements.

01Confirm activities and structure
02Prepare shareholder documents
03Submit authority application
04Receive license and formation documents
05Continue with visa, banking and tax support
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Prepare the essentials.

  • Passport copy for each shareholder
  • Recent passport-style photo
  • UAE entry stamp or visa copy, if applicable
  • Proposed company names
  • Selected business activities
  • Additional KYC or approval documents when required
REAL SAVINGS

Transparent before you commit.

Where a reliable market comparison is available, we show the market price, First Venture price and your estimated saving. If it is not available, we clearly show a starting price.

Calculate my cost →
COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers before you start.

Is foreign ownership available?

Most UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, subject to the selected activity and authority rules.

How long does setup take?

Timing varies by jurisdiction and approvals. Straightforward applications may be completed within a few working days.

Can I add visas later?

Often yes, subject to your package, facility and authority immigration allocation.

Is bank approval guaranteed?

No. Banks conduct independent compliance reviews. We help you prepare a stronger application.

YOUR UAE BUSINESS STARTS HERE

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