Abu Dhabi free zone, Masdar
Set up your company in Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar, Arabic for source, is the UAE's flagship project for sustainable urban development, a city of the future set in the desert between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A smart, rapidly developing community with airports, seaports and highways nearby, it brings together the sustainability technologies and concepts known to man, and offers notably lower operating costs, making it ideal for businesses that benefit from operating sustainably.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Renewable-energy powered
- Lower operating costs
- Innovation & clean-tech hub
Why Masdar City
A sustainable business hub with lower operating costs.
Masdar City combines 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits with a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem and competitive operating costs, making it an ideal choice for clean-tech, technology and future-focused businesses.
100% ownership
Own your company outright, with no local sponsor or partner.
Tax advantages
Low corporate tax regime and 0% on personal income tax.
Full repatriation
Move 100% of your capital and profits with no currency limits.
Lower costs
Cost-effective leasing and lower operating costs than many zones.
Sustainability
A renewable-energy-powered city built for sustainable business.
Fast setup & visas
Quick, efficient licensing and a fast-track visa process.
What Masdar issues
Three licenses for your business.
Masdar City Free Zone issues licenses across trade, services and industry. We match the right one to your activity.
Trading license
Import, export and trade of goods.
Service license
Consultancy and professional services.
Industrial license
Manufacturing and industrial activities.
Choose your structure
Choose the structure that fits your business.
Masdar City offers flexible incorporation options for startups, SMEs and established companies.
FZ-LLC
A Free Zone Limited Liability Company.
Branch office
A branch of an existing local or international company.
Representative office
A representative presence for an overseas company.
Built for your industry
Made for clean energy and innovation.
Masdar City is home to an innovative, entrepreneurial community, from start-ups to global names. These are the activities it suits best.
Clean energy
Renewable energy and sustainability ventures.
AI & technology
Artificial intelligence, software and deep tech.
R&D & innovation
Research, development and clean-tech innovation.
Professional services
Consultancy and professional firms.
Trading
Trade and distribution of goods.
Startups & SMEs
Early-stage ventures and growing businesses.
What it costs
Masdar City setup cost.
Masdar City cost depends on your license, facility and visas. These are the parts that make up the figure, and a quote based on your exact needs is more accurate than a single advertised price.
License and registration
Name approval and your Masdar trade, service or industrial license.
Facility
An office, warehouse or flexi-desk in the city.
Visas and immigration
Establishment card and each residence visa for your team.
Activity approvals
Some regulated activities need additional approvals.
How we help
From activity to open for business.
- 01
Choose activity & structure
We confirm your activity, structure and the right Masdar license.
- 02
Apply with documents
We submit your application, lease and legal documents for approval.
- 03
License and office
We secure your office or flexi-desk and issue the license.
- 04
Visas and bank
We assist with residence visas and corporate banking introductions once your company is established.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior Advisor.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- Sustainable
- Smart city base
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- Lower cost
- Efficient leasing
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Abu Dhabi.
Good to know
Masdar City questions, answered.
- What is Masdar City Free Zone best for?
- Masdar City Free Zone is Abu Dhabi's sustainable, renewable-energy-powered city, best for clean energy and sustainability ventures, AI and technology, R&D and innovation, professional services, trading and start-ups. It is home to the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and global names such as Siemens, Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain.
- Why is Masdar City cheaper to operate in?
- Masdar City is designed for sustainability, with renewable energy and architecture that reduces energy use, which can cut operating costs significantly compared with conventional locations. Combined with cost-effective leasing, that makes it attractive for businesses that want a lower-cost, sustainable base.
- How much does it cost to set up in Masdar City?
- Masdar City cost depends on your license, facility and the number of visas you need. The main components are the license and registration, your facility (office, warehouse or flexi-desk), and visas and immigration. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote, including visas, before you commit.
- What company structures and licenses does Masdar offer?
- Masdar City offers three structures, a Free Zone LLC, a branch office and a representative office, and three license types: trading, service and industrial. We confirm the right structure and license for your activity.
- Do I get 100% ownership in Masdar City?
- Yes. A Masdar City free zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor, exemption from corporate and personal income taxes, and full repatriation of capital and profits.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.