FreezoneMatch

Masdar City Free Zone

Masdar City Free Zone — Affordable Clean Energy & Sustainability Hub Starting from AED 7,000

AED 7,000 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas 4.9★ 0.0k reviews

What is Masdar City Free Zone?

Sustainability-focused free zone in Abu Dhabi's clean energy hub, offering competitive packages for startups, innovation, and enterprise companies.

Sustainability-focused free zone in Abu Dhabi's clean energy hub, offering competitive packages for startups, innovation, and enterprise companies.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/income tax (QFZP)
  • Sustainability-focused ecosystem
  • Startup packages from AED 7,000
  • All fees subject to 5% VAT

Pricing & Costs

From AED 7,000/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Masdar City Free Zone — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Startup Package

AED 7,000/year
  • Up to 2 activities
  • License & registration

Business One Package

AED 17,500/year
  • Up to 3 activities
  • 1 free visa
  • Flexi desk lite
  • Establishment card
  • Medical
  • Emirates ID

Innovation Package

AED 12,000/year
  • Up to 3 activities
  • Flexi desk
  • 2 visa quota

Enterprise Package

AED 27,000/year
  • Up to 6 activities
  • Flexi desk plus
  • 3 visa quota

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person
Establishment Card
Establishment CardⓘGovernment immigration file, renewed annually AED 1,600

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 5,600 – 6,300
Establishment Card Renewalⓘ AED 1,600
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,050 – 3,050

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — verify directly with the freezone authority before making decisions. Last verified: 12 February 2026

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
📋
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Masdar City Free Zone's approved list

📄
Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

💳
Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

✅
Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Masdar City Free Zone

🛂
Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

🏦
Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

🎉

You're Open for Business!

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Masdar City Free Zone.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

3/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★ ★★ Moderate
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

Not sure if Masdar City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation ✓ Independent
Book a Free Call

Why Masdar City Free Zone?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Masdar City Free Zone?

What makes this free zone stand out.

⚡

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

🏦

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 3/5 (Moderate). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

👥

Up to 15 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

💰

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

🌍

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including ADDED Permit and branch licensing.

📍

Abu Dhabi Location

15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center

🏢

Sustainability-focused ecosystem

A key advantage of setting up your business in Masdar City Free Zone.

🔧

Startup packages from AED 7,000

A key advantage of setting up your business in Masdar City Free Zone.

Best For
  • Technology and software companies
  • Management and business consultants
  • Education and training providers
Consider Alternatives If
  • Businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
  • Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Reviews

4.9★ (34 reviews)

Customer reviews and alternatives
Top Rated Service 2026 4.9 based on 34 reviews
NABILA YASMEEN March 2026

I recently established my free zone company with the assistance of Miss Nour. She is a very kind and helpful advisor who guided me through the process and remained supportive in completing all the necessary steps on time and without any issues. I highly recommend masdar city free zone services to everyone looking for free zone estabalishment.

Gerard Milligan March 2026

I recently set up Caledonia Resources in Masdar City Free Zone. Excellent advice and communication from Nour Ghrib, who was an absolute pleasure to work with and a huge asset to MCFZ. In the 20 years I have been in business across Europe and Asia this business set up in Abu Dhabi was the most straightforward of all. Thanks again. Highly recommended.

JJ March 2026

Masdar just doesn’t get AI, which is surprising given the strategic priority for the Abu Dhabi govt. Their definition of AI is building robots. Nothing around the development of AI models to interpret data and support decision-making. We will be going to another UAE freezone that is more open to start-ups.

Matt Weir March 2026

I have just set up my new business at Masdar Freezone. Anush helped me every step of the way. His communication was fantastic and his superb advice was exactly what I needed. I thoroughly recommend setting up a business with Masdar, the process is straight forward and Anush was incredibly professional and supportive throughout the process.

Frank Mahuhushe March 2026

I'm truly impressed by the outstanding support l've consistently received from Gehad Madkour. Their timely responses, professionalism, and dedication make every interaction smooth and efficient. It's always a pleasure working with someone so reliable and committed to excellence.

Review data as of 29 March 2026. For the latest reviews, visit Google Maps.

Find Masdar City Free Zone on Google Maps

View location, hours, photos, and real-time reviews from Google Maps.

See reviews on Google Maps Leave a review

Reviews shown on Google Maps are from verified visitors and updated in real-time by Google.

Is Masdar City Free Zone Right for You?

✅ Choose Masdar City Free Zone if you...

  • • technology and software companies
  • • management and business consultants
  • • education and training providers

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
  • • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone

Compare with Similar Freezones

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Higher cost but more features; strong in financial services, fintech

Compare

twofour54

Higher cost but more features; strong in media, film production

Compare

Dubai Internet City

Strong in ict, software; Dubai-based alternative

Compare

FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Masdar City Free Zone.

How much does it cost to set up in Masdar City Free Zone?
First-year costs typically range from AED 7,000 – 30,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Masdar City Free Zone?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Masdar City Free Zone?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on package selected + office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,050 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Masdar City Free Zone license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Masdar City Free Zone?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Masdar City Free Zone?
No, Masdar City Free Zone offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a Masdar City Free Zone license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.
Official source

Masdar City Free Zone official website and published tariffs

Last verified: February 2026

Report incorrect data Verify at source →

FreezoneMatch provides comparison tools based on publicly available data. We are not affiliated with Masdar City Free Zone. Costs and regulations change — always confirm directly with the freezone authority before making decisions.

Independent Advice

Not sure if Masdar City Free Zone is right for you?

Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.

WhatsApp Quick reply
Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
100% free No obligation We don't work for any freezone

Or contact Masdar City Free Zone directly

masdarcityfreezone.com
Back to All Freezones
Overview Costs Banking FAQ