Masdar City Free Zone is Abu Dhabi’s free zone for technology, clean energy and knowledge-based businesses, located next to Zayed International Airport, about 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 45 minutes from Dubai. More than 2,500 companies are registered there, from one-person consultancies to Siemens Energy and G42. If you want an Abu Dhabi licence with 100% foreign ownership, a modern office and a community built around innovation, Masdar City is the free zone to look at. Set Hub registers your company, arranges the lease, and handles visas and banking. For other options in the capital, see business setup in Abu Dhabi.
Why entrepreneurs choose Masdar City Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and no restrictions on repatriating capital and profits.
- Online registration through the free zone’s e-services portal, with licences typically issued within days once the documents are approved.
- Office options that scale, from shared desks and serviced offices to fitted offices and larger units.
- Priority sectors with dedicated programmes: life sciences, space technology, sustainable aviation, agriculture and water technology (AGWA), artificial intelligence and energy. Consultancy, e-commerce, marketing and other professional services are also licensed.
Company types
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): one or more shareholders, individual or corporate.
- Branch of a UAE or foreign company: keeps the parent’s name and activities.
Licence types
Service licences for consultancy and professional work, trading licences for goods, and industrial licences for light manufacturing and R&D facilities, with activity lists aligned to the zone’s technology and sustainability focus. Set Hub confirms that your activity is available before you reserve a name.
How to set up a Masdar City company, step by step
- Choose activities and structure. We match your activities to the zone’s list and pick FZ-LLC or branch.
- Reserve the trade name. Names must follow UAE naming rules (no religious or political references, no abbreviations of personal names).
- Submit documents through the e-services portal. Passport copies and proof of address for shareholders and the manager, a short business profile, and the parent-company documents for a branch.
- Choose the office and sign the lease. The lease sets your visa quota.
- Pay the fees and receive the licence. The licence and certificate of registration are issued through the portal.
- Establishment card, visas and bank account. We apply for your immigration card, residence visas and Emirates IDs, then introduce you to partner banks.
How much does a Masdar City Free Zone licence cost?
The cost depends on the licence type, the number of activities, the office you lease and the visas you need. Government fees for immigration, visas, medicals and Emirates IDs are charged separately. Tell us about your business and we will send an itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be in Abu Dhabi to set up?
No. Registration is online and Set Hub submits everything on your behalf. You visit for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics once the company exists.
Can a Masdar City company do business in Dubai?
Yes, in the same way as any UAE free zone company: directly with other free zone and international clients, and with mainland customers through a distributor or a mainland branch.
Is Masdar City only for clean-tech companies?
No. Sustainability and technology are the zone’s focus sectors, but it licenses consultancies, trading companies, marketing agencies, e-commerce businesses and many other activities.
How many visas can I apply for?
It depends on the office you lease. A shared desk supports a small quota; a fitted office supports more. We confirm the number before you choose a package.
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa through a Masdar City company?
The Golden Visa has its own criteria (investment, business ownership, talent). Owning a company can support an entrepreneur application if the other conditions are met. Check with our Golden Visa eligibility tool.
What taxes apply?
No personal income tax. The 9% federal corporate tax applies, with a 0% rate on qualifying income for companies that meet the qualifying free zone person conditions. VAT at 5% applies once your taxable supplies pass the registration threshold. Our tax team handles registration and filing.
Ready to start? Book a consultation and a Set Hub consultant will confirm your activities, office and visa quota, and the full cost before you commit.