cigbusinesssetup.ae

Masdar City Free Zone is a purpose‑built economic zone in Abu Dhabi, designed to attract clean‑tech, renewable energy and R&D companies. Backed by Mubadala, it offers:

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits
  • Zero personal and corporate tax for 40 years, renewable thereafter
  • World‑class green infrastructure, including smart grids and solar‑powered systems

Key Benefits for Your Business in Masdar City FZ

  1. Sustainability‑Driven Brand
    Locating in Masdar City associates your company with global environmentall standards ideal for clients and investors seeking responsible partners.
  2. Advanced Facilities
    From LEED‑certified office towers to dedicated research labs, the zone provides plug‑and‑play workspaces tailored for high‑tech operations.
  3. Strategic Abu Dhabi Location
    Just 17 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport and adjacent to Khalifa Port, you gain seamless air and sea logistics.
  4. Access to Innovation Networks
    Join accelerators, university partnerships and government innovation programmes designed to spark collaboration and funding.

Who Should Choose Masdar City Free Zone?

  • Clean‑tech Startups seeking R&D grants and pilot‑testing facilities
  • Renewable Energy Firms aiming to scale solar or wind projects in the Middle East
  • Tech Developers focused on smart‑city solutions, IoT or AI applications
  • Consultancies and Service Providers supporting green infrastructure projects

Step‑by‑Step Company Formation Process in Masdar City Freezone

Open Bank Account & Visa Processing
Apply for corporate and shareholder visas. Masdar City Free Zone includes fast‑track visa services typically completed within 7–10 days.

  • Select Your License Type
  • Consultancy/Professional Licence for advisory services
  • Industrial Licence for manufacturing or assembly within the zone
  • R&D Licence for research‑focused entities

Reserve Your Company Name
Propose three unique names, respecting the zone’s naming guidelines (no religious, political or offensive terms).

Submit Application & Documents
Provide:

  • Passport copies of shareholders and directors
  • No‑objection certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of address

Sign Lease & Pay Fees
Choose from:

  • Flexi‑desk packages (virtual office)
  • Dedicated office units with full amenities
    Fees start from AED 13,000/year for a flexi‑desk.

Obtain Initial Approval
Within 3–5 business days your trade licence will be issued, provided all paperwork is in order.

Open Bank Account & Visa Processing

  • Apply for corporate and shareholder visas. Masdar City Free Zone includes fast‑track visa servicestypically completed within 7–10 days.

Masdar Freezone Busienss Setup Cost Breakdown

ItemStarting Fee (AED)
Trade Licence15,000
Flexi‑Desk Office13,000
Dedicated Office (per year)25,000
Visa Processing (per visa)3,000–4,000
Administrative & Registration2,500

(Not actual cost)

Masdar City Free Zone Location

Masdar City Free Zone sits just outside Abu Dhabi city proper, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Key location facts:

  • Proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport: ~ 17 km (10 mi) north via E10/Zayed Bin Sultan Street
  • Distance from Abu Dhabi downtown: ~ 25 km (15 mi) northwest of the Corniche
  • Adjacent to Khalifa Port: ~ 2 km (1.2 mi) west—ideal for import/export logistics
  • Road links: Direct access from Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) and the upcoming Al Falah Road extension
  • Public transport: Planned Abu Dhabi Metro link; existing bus routes from central Abu Dhabi terminals

These make Masdar City Free Zone highly accessible by air, sea and road—perfect for both local operations

Why Work with CIG?

Navigating application requirements, lease agreements and visa quotas can be time‑consuming. A specialist partner will:

  • Advise on the optimal licence type for your activity mix
  • Coordinate with Masdar City authorities to expedite approvals
  • Manage bank‑account setup, PRO services and ongoing compliance

This lets you focus on product development and client acquisition, not paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my business activity later?
Yes. You can apply to add or amend activities through a quick amendment process, usually within 1–2 days.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?
All costs are disclosed upfront. No administration or renewal surprises they’re built into your annual invoice.

Q: How many visas can I sponsor?
Visas depend on your office size. A dedicated 100 m² unit can sponsor up to 10 visas; flexi‑desk packages typically allow one visa with add‑ons available.

Ready to Launch in Masdar City Free Zone?

Masdar City Free Zone offers a unique blend of sustainability, innovation and commercial opportunity. If you’re targeting the future of green technology, this is where your business belongs.

Next step: Contact CIG we’ll handle your licence application, office lease and visa formalities so you can start operations in as little as 7 business days.

👉 Email:dm@cigbusinesssetup.ae
👉 Call: +971 52 120 7238