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Free zone · Abu Dhabi

Company setup in Masdar City Free Zone.

Abu Dhabi's free zone for clean energy, sustainability and technology companies, inside the Masdar City community near Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Masdar City Free Zone sits within Masdar City, Abu Dhabi's sustainable urban development, which is also home to the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency. The zone is built around renewable energy, clean technology and innovation, and licenses a broader range of service, trading and technology activities alongside them.

Applications run through the zone's e-services portal, with approvals from the free zone and Abu Dhabi authorities. We prepare the file, confirm your activity fits the approved list, and manage the process through to licence and visas.

(Highlights)

Why open your business in Masdar City Free Zone.

Built around sustainability

A zone designed for renewable energy, clean-tech, ICT and innovation companies, with a community to match.

A recognised Abu Dhabi address

Masdar City hosts the headquarters of IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and a growing technology cluster.

More than 1,000 approved activities

The activity list reaches well beyond energy, covering services, technology, trading and regional headquarters.

Choice of structure

Register a Free Zone Limited Liability Company, or a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company.

Online application

Name reservation, application and initial details are submitted through the zone's e-services portal.

Close to the capital's airport

Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, with road links into the city and across the emirate.

(Who it suits)
Renewable energy and clean-techSustainability consultancyTechnology and ICTResearch and innovationRegional headquartersProfessional services

Licences and structure

Licences are issued across service, trading and light industrial categories, within the zone's approved activity list. Companies register either as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company or as a branch of an existing company.

Because the zone has a sector focus, the first step is confirming that your activity fits. We check this with the authority before you commit to a package.

Documents you will need

The typical starting list is below. The authority may ask for more depending on your activity, and we tell you exactly what applies before you gather anything.

  • Passport copies for every shareholder and manager
  • A recent passport-size photograph of each
  • Proof of residential address
  • Current UAE visa page or Emirates ID, if you are already in the UAE
  • For a corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, and a board resolution approving the new company

Each free zone sets its own rules, activity lists and visa quotas, and these change from time to time. We confirm the current position with the authority before you commit to anything.

(Process)

How setup works.

01

Brief

A short conversation about what the company will do, how many visas you need, your timeline and where your clients are.

02

Structure

We map your business to the right licence type, activities and workspace, and confirm the current requirements with the authority.

03

Application

We prepare your documents, submit the application and follow up on approvals, so you are not chasing anyone.

04

Licence and visas

Licence issued, then establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, with help preparing for your bank account.

(FAQ)

Questions we are asked.

Does my business need to be in clean energy?

The zone is built around sustainability and technology, but its activity list is broader than that. We check whether your specific activity fits before you apply.

What structure should I choose?

Most new businesses register a Free Zone LLC. If you already have a company in the UAE or abroad, a branch may suit you better. We talk it through with you.

How many visas can I get?

It depends on the package and workspace you choose. We confirm the exact quota before you commit.

How much does it cost?

It depends on your activity, package, workspace and visas. Tell us what you need and we will send a written quote.

Can the process be done remotely?

The application is submitted online. Residence visas need you in the UAE for the medical test and biometrics.

Get a quote for Masdar City Free Zone.

A few quick questions, then we come back with the right route and a written quote.

Step 1 of 3

What are you setting up?

Where would you like to set up?
What will the company do?
Step 2 of 3

Visas and timing

How many residence visas do you need?
When do you want to start?
Where are you now?
Step 3 of 3

How should we reach you?

Confidential Reply within business hours NDA on request