New Freezone Incentives—Up to 30% Fee Reduction for Startup
Masdar Free Zone Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
2,000+
Companies
90+
Countries
2006
Established
Business Overview
Business Setup in Masdar Free Zone
What is Masdar Freezone?
- One of Abu Dhabi's leading sustainability and innovation-focused free zones, part of Masdar City
- Located within Masdar City, five minutes from Zayed International Airport and approximately 45 minutes from Dubai
- Established in 2006, hosting over 2,000 companies from more than 90 countries
Minimum capital requirement
- No fixed minimum share capital publicly stipulated by the Free Zone Authority
- Capital requirement is set according to the license type and business activity selected
Banking facilities available
- Support opening corporate accounts with major UAE and international banks
- Banking guidance provided through the One-Stop Shop as part of the setup process
Processing time
- Licenses are typically issued within a few working days once documents are submitted and approved
- Timelines vary by license type, activity, and legal structure
Who is it for?
- Trading companies, e-commerce businesses, and distributors
- Renewable energy, cleantech, and technology companies
- Startups, SMEs, consultants, and international investors of all sizes
Types of business activities allowed
- Over 1,000 approved business activities across trading, technology, healthcare, energy, HR, and professional services
- Multiple related activities can be included under a single license
Key advantages
- 100% foreign ownership
- 0% import duties on qualifying goods
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Location within one of the world's largest clusters of LEED Platinum-certified buildings
Eligibility
- Any individual or corporate entity, from any nationality
- No local sponsor or partner required
Required Documents
- Passport copy of all shareholders/directors
- Visa copy (if applicable)
- Completed application form
- Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
- Parent company documents, attested, for branch applications
Freezone Cost Calculator
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Why Masdar?
Why Businesses Choose Masdar
Sustainable, LEED Platinum Campus
Home to one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum-certified buildings in the world, with net-zero buildings underway.
Flexible Setup
Scale from a flexi desk to dedicated office space as you grow, without committing to a long-term lease upfront.
Cost-Efficient Licensing
Packages start from AED 7,000, with tiers built for startups through to larger enterprises.
Prime Regional Location
Five minutes from Zayed International Airport, around 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and about 45 minutes from Dubai.
An Active Business Community
Home to 2,000+ companies, including Siemens Energy, MBZUAI, and G42 Healthcare, plus The Catalyst clean-tech venture fund.
100% Foreign Ownership
No local partner required, with full repatriation of capital and profits and 0% customs duties on qualifying goods imported into the free zone, subject to applicable UAE customs regulations.
License Types
Types of Licenses Offered
Service License
Built for consultants, advisors, and knowledge-based businesses IT, marketing, HR, and professional services. No warehouse, no physical stock, just a clean path to serving clients from day one.
Trading / Commercial License
The right choice if you're importing, exporting, distributing, or storing physical goods. Warehouse space scales with your operation, and a licensed distributor opens the door to mainland sales when you're ready for them.
Industrial License
For businesses that manufacture, assemble, process, or package within approved facilities particularly clean energy and sustainable production. Built for serious operators, not heavy or hazardous industry.
Freelancer License
The fastest way for independent professionals designers, developers, content creators, coaches to operate under their own name, with no staff and no corporate overhead.
Sector-Specific License
For businesses operating in Masdar's core growth sectors renewable energy, cleantech, healthcare, property development, oil & gas, media and events. Some of these carry additional regulatory sign-off, and we'll guide you through exactly what applies.
How It Works
How to Setup a Business in Masdar Freezone
Choose Your Business Activity
Select the approved activity that matches your actual operations from Masdar Freezone’s activity list.
Select the License Type
Choose the appropriate license, such as Service, Commercial, Industrial, Freelancer, or Sector-Specific, based on your business model.
Submit the Required Documents
Provide shareholder passport copies, application forms, and any additional documents required for corporate shareholders or regulated activities.
Receive Approval and License
Once the application is reviewed and approved by the Masdar Free Zone Authority, your trade license and incorporation documents are issued.
Apply for Visas and Open a Bank Account
After incorporation, you can proceed with UAE residence visas and corporate banking, depending on your office package and business requirements.
Infrastructure
Office & Infrastructure Options
Flexi Desk
Shared workspace solution with access to meeting rooms and business lounge. Ideal for startups and small businesses.
Office Space
Private furnished or unfurnished offices within Masdar City. Available on ready-to-go, shell-and-core, or design-construct-lease terms.
Warehousing
Light industrial units, warehouses, and land plots for manufacturing and storage. Sizing and customisation options available.
Dedicated Workstation
A reserved, permanent desk within the free zone's coworking space, with priority access and a higher visa allocation than shared flexi desks.
Serviced Office
Private, fully furnished office space with reception, utilities, and infrastructure support included, delivered on ready-to-go, shell-and-core, or design-construct-lease terms.
Compliance
Annual Renewal & Compliance
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Masdar Free Zone
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