Masdar City Free Zone Setup 2026: Cost, Licences and Steps

Masdar City Free Zone is Abu Dhabi's sustainability and technology free zone, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport. It hosts renewable energy, cleantech, ICT, healthcare and research companies, as well as regional headquarters and holding structures.

For a free zone in the capital, its entry price is low. This guide explains the 2026 licence packages, how visa quotas work, the office options and the documents you need.

The short answer: Masdar City Free Zone's Startup licence starts at AED 7,000. Packages with visa quotas run from AED 12,000 (Innovation, 2-visa quota) to AED 27,000 (Enterprise, 3-visa quota). Prices include 5% VAT, except leases. Visa processing and workspace are extra. Prices were checked on 2 November 2026 and change often, so always get a written quote before you pay.

Masdar City at a glance

Masdar City Free Zone setup cost in 2026: starting prices and packages

Source and date: Masdar City Free Zone licence prices as published in October 2026 (including 5% VAT, excluding leases), checked 2 November 2026. Confirm exactly what each package includes when you get your quote.

Costs to budget for on top of the licence

A low headline price rarely covers everything. Before you compare quotes, check whether each one includes these:

• Workspace: virtual desk, flexi-desk, dedicated desk or office. A flexi-desk lease needs a refundable deposit of about two months' rent.
• Visa processing for each person: entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and insurance.
• Establishment card before visas are issued.
• Share capital: sources differ on whether a minimum applies to an FZ-LLC, so ask Masdar directly.
• Corporate tax: a free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions; other income is taxed at 9%. All companies must register for corporate tax, so take tax advice before you choose a structure.

Licence types and activities

Masdar issues commercial, service, industrial and freelance licences across 1,000+ activities. Typical sectors are renewable energy, cleantech, ICT, healthcare, oil and gas services, regional HQ and holding companies, and data centres. A company that also wants to trade on the Abu Dhabi mainland needs a dual licence approved by ADDED.

How to set up a company in Masdar City: step by step

1. 1Choose activity and structureFZ-LLC or a branch of an existing company.
2. 2Apply on the e-portalSubmit the application, trade name and documents.
3. 3ApprovalsSector approvals where the activity needs them.
4. 4Sign documents and receive the licenceUsually a few working days after documents are approved.
5. 5Workspace and visasSign the lease, get the establishment card and process visas.
6. 6Bank account and taxOpen the bank account and register for corporate tax.

Typical timeline: Registration in a few working days once documents are approved. Corporate-shareholder attestation, banking and visas take longer.

Documents you need

Individual shareholders usually need:

• Passport copy for every shareholder and manager (at least six months' validity)
• Passport-size photo
• Proof of residential address
• Two or three trade name options and your chosen activities

Corporate shareholders (a company owning the new company) usually need its certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution approving the setup, a certificate of good standing and, often, a power of attorney for the person signing. Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested (notarised, legalised and stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and translated into Arabic or English where needed before the free zone will accept them.

Where DocuGulf helps

DocuGulf does not sell free zone licences. We handle the documents that delay most setups, so your application goes in complete the first time:

• Attestation of overseas corporate documents, board resolutions and degree certificates, from AED 230 per document.
• Certified true copies of passports and company papers for banks and free zones, AED 300 per set.
• Legal translation by MOJ-certified translators.
• Power of attorney drafting and notarisation if someone signs on your behalf.
• Trademark filing to protect your new brand name in the UAE.

Who Masdar City suits

• Tech, cleantech and sustainability companies
• Startups that want a low-cost Abu Dhabi licence
• Regional headquarters and holding structures

How Masdar City compares with other UAE free zones

Starting prices for the free zones we cover, checked 2 November 2026. Each name links to its own guide.

Key takeaways: Masdar City Free Zone starts from AED 7,000 (Startup licence, Masdar published price incl. 5% VAT). Add visas, the establishment card, medicals, Emirates ID, insurance and workspace to compare quotes fairly, and get any overseas shareholder documents attested early, because that is the step that most often holds up a setup.

Frequently asked questions

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All regulated work is performed by licensed notaries, lawyers, translators and approved typing centres, and we do not provide legal, tax or company formation advice. Free zone prices on this page are published or typical partner prices as of 2 November 2026; the free zone and its licensed partners set the final price. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.