Home/ UAE Free Zones/ Abu Dhabi/ Masdar City Free Zone

Masdar City
Free Zone

Masdar City Free Zone, built inside the world’s first purpose-built carbon-neutral city development, is designed for renewable energy, clean tech, healthcare and research businesses, with licences starting from around AED 12,000. Applications go through a brief sustainability alignment review, and the entire setup can be completed remotely except for UAE visa biometrics with neighbours including Siemens Energy, IRENA and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Zone at a Glance
RegulatorMasdar City Free Zone Authority
LaunchedMasdar Initiative, 2006
Companies Hosted1,000+, incl. IRENA & Siemens Energy
Designated Zone No (standard UAE VAT)
Entry-Level LicenceFrom AED 12,000 / year
Minimum Capital DepositApprox. AED 50,000 (FZ-LLC)
Annual AuditGenerally required
Remote SetupYes, except visa biometrics
MASDAR CITY REGISTERED CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER
Masdar City Free Zone Certificate of Partnership

IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.

Licence No.
1017774
Issue Date
28/12/2021
Valid Through
27/12/2026
Zone Overview

What Is Masdar City Free Zone?

Masdar City Free Zone is a leading destination for Masdar City Free Zone company formation, located within Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built sustainability and innovation hub. Developed by Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), the free zone is strategically located around 17 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport and supports businesses in renewable energy, clean technology, ICT, AI, healthcare, education, and research.

A Masdar City Free Zone business setup is designed for sustainability-focused companies and is home to more than 1,000 organisations, including Siemens Energy, IRENA, MBZUAI, G42 Healthcare, and The Catalyst. Hub71 also supports technology and clean-tech startups within the ecosystem.

For Masdar City Free Zone company formation, applicants complete a simple sustainability alignment review, usually within 1–3 working days, to confirm their activities fit the free zone’s focus. Most renewable energy, clean-tech, healthcare, and ICT businesses qualify without difficulty, making Masdar City Free Zone business setup an ideal choice for innovation-driven companies.

The Ecosystem

Sustainability-Focused Campus

Global Anchor

IRENA Headquarters

Headquarters of IRENA, Masdar, Siemens Energy and GE Renewable Energy.

Location

17 km from Abu Dhabi Airport

Easy access to Abu Dhabi Airport and major commercial areas.

Entry Review

Sustainability Alignment

Your activity is reviewed within 1–3 days for sustainability alignment.

Ideal Profiles

Businesses Masdar City Is Built For

Masdar City is a mission-driven zone. The strongest candidates are businesses with a genuine connection to energy, sustainability, technology or research.

Renewable Energy

Solar and clean energy storage businesses, and energy efficiency consultancies.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Including telemedicine and digital health platforms, subject to the relevant UAE healthcare regulations.

Clean-Tech & ICT

Companies building software, digital infrastructure or smart mobility platforms.

Education, Research & Development

Academic training, skill development programmes and R&D organisations.

Property, Trading & Holding

Sustainable property development and facilities management firms, plus trading, regional headquarters and holding companies that want a credible Abu Dhabi sustainability address.

Not Suitable For

Activities with no genuine connection to energy, sustainability, technology or research the sustainability alignment review exists specifically to keep the community focused on that mission.

Sector Profile

What Masdar City Is Famous For

Masdar City is globally recognised as one of the world’s leading sustainable urban developments. Built to LEED Platinum and Estidama Pearl standards, the city is home to IRENA (the International Renewable Energy Agency), Siemens Energy, GE Renewable Energy and Masdar itself, along with 200+ clean energy, cleantech and sustainability-focused businesses. Registered here you will find clean energy companies across solar, wind and hydrogen; cleantech startups and scale-ups; sustainability and ESG advisory firms; carbon management businesses; research institutions; international organisations and NGOs.

The Core Commercial Case

Sustainability credibility. A company operating from a purpose-built, solar-powered sustainability campus offers stronger credibility to clients, investors and regulators than one based in a conventional commercial office. For businesses pursuing ESG-focused contracts with government entities, sovereign wealth funds and multinational organisations, a Masdar City address is a commercially valuable asset that reinforces their sustainability credentials.

Designated Zone for VAT Purposes

No. Masdar City is not classified as a Designated Zone under UAE VAT law (Cabinet Decision No. 59), so standard UAE VAT rules apply to goods and services supplied within the free zone. The tax benefits of a Masdar City setup come from potential Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax treatment, subject to eligibility, together with 100% foreign ownership rather than from VAT exemptions on goods transactions.

Structures & Requirements

Licence Types, Company Structures & Share Capital

Explore the licence types and company structures available in Masdar City Free Zone.

Licensing

License Types Available

Renewable Energy Licence: Solar system design, installation, energy efficiency consulting, and clean energy storage.
Clean Tech & ICT Licence: Software development, digital infrastructure, green technology and smart mobility.
Healthcare Services Licence: Health consultancy, wellness centres, telemedicine and digital health solutions.
Education & Research Licence: Academic training, skills programmes and research facilities.
Property Development Licence: Real estate development, facilities management and infrastructure advisory.
General Trading, Regional HQ & Holding: For companies operating more broadly within the Masdar City community.
Every application undergoes a 1–3 day sustainability review to confirm alignment with the free zone’s clean energy focus. Regulated sectors, particularly healthcare, require additional UAE authority approvals.
Structures & Capital

Company Structures

FZ-LLC

The standard operating structure, with a minimum capital deposit commonly cited around AED 50,000.

Branch (UAE Company)

For companies already registered elsewhere in the UAE.

Branch (Foreign)

For companies incorporated outside the UAE, including offshore entities.

Requirements
An AED 2,000 name reservation deposit, credited toward registration.
A sustainability alignment review, typically 1 to 3 working days.
A business plan and incorporation documents with the application.
Share Capital

An FZ-LLC carries a minimum capital deposit commonly cited around AED 50,000. A Masdar City company holds its own legal identity and can open branches outside the free zone, subject to the relevant approvals from other authorities. Confirm the exact figure for your specific licence and structure directly with Masdar City Free Zone.

Setup Costs

Masdar City Setup Costs at a Glance

Expect an AED 2,000 name reservation deposit and a typical AED 50,000 FZ-LLC capital deposit. Regulated activities, especially healthcare, require additional approval fees.

Start-Lite (Single Shareholder)

From approx. AED 12,000 for freelancers, solo consultants and early-stage startups.

Start-Up Package

Above Start-Lite and activity dependent, for small teams with multiple activities.

Specialised / Regulated Licences

Higher and subject to additional approvals, for healthcare, energy and other regulated sectors.

Name Reservation Deposit

AED 2,000, non-refundable but credited toward registration.

Minimum Capital Deposit

Commonly cited around AED 50,000 for an FZ-LLC.

Masdar City Cost Calculator

Not sure what your business setup will cost? Receive a personalised, itemised quote based on your activity, licence and company structure—in under 2 minutes.

Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free consultation call.

Formation Guide

The 5-Step Masdar City Formation Process

Five stages from activity selection to a fully operational bank account. Each links to a full guide below.

1
Reserve Your Name
1 – 2 business days
Reserve your company name with an AED 2,000 deposit, then submit it for Abu Dhabi DED approval.
2
Apply & Pass the Review
1 – 3 business days
Submit your licence application, business plan and incorporation documents for Masdar City’s sustainability review.
3
Fees & Licence
5 – 10 business days
Submit your documents, pay the required fees, sign the incorporation documents and receive your trade licence.
4
Visas
7 – 10 business days
Apply for UAE residency visas. Only biometrics, the medical test and Emirates ID require your physical presence.
5
Bank Account
4 – 6 weeks
Open a corporate bank account—a separate process from licensing, handled directly with your chosen UAE bank.
Key Benefits

Why Businesses Choose Masdar City

The World’s Most Sustainable Development

A presence in one of the world’s leading sustainable developments, built to LEED Platinum and Estidama Pearl standards.

IRENA Headquarters On Site

Home to IRENA, placing you alongside the world’s leading renewable energy organisation.

Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport

Around 17 km from the airport and near Abu Dhabi’s major government and commercial districts, giving easy access to global markets.

Clean Energy Sector Cluster

The UAE’s largest clean-tech ecosystem, uniting business, academia and government.

Government Backing & Mubadala Sponsorship

Masdar City is backed by Mubadala, one of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment companies, lending credibility with government entities, investors and multinationals.

Consider Alternatives

When Masdar City Isn’t the Right Fit

Heavy Industry & Logistics

If you need heavy logistics infrastructure or large-scale industrial land, KEZAD’s Khalifa Port access and plot capacity suit that model better.

Regulated Financial Services

If your business needs FSRA regulation, ADGM common law jurisdiction or DFSA oversight, Masdar City’s model provides no pathway to those frameworks.

No Sustainability Component

For a standard trading, manufacturing or logistics licence with no genuine clean-tech angle, IFZA or JAFZA will deliver it at lower cost.

Dubai-Focused Operations

If your clients are concentrated in Dubai, the distance and the absence of a Dubai address may outweigh the sustainability credentials.

IncHub compares Masdar against KEZAD, ADGM and generalist Abu Dhabi free zones before recommending it; Masdar is strongest when sustainability sector credentials, Abu Dhabi government relationships and IRENA proximity are all genuine business requirements.

Free Zone Comparison

Masdar City vs KEZAD vs ADGM

Abu Dhabi’s three leading free zones serve very different business models. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.

Factor Masdar City Free Zone KEZAD ADGM
Core Industries Clean energy, cleantech, ICT, research Manufacturing, industrial, logistics Financial services, funds, professional services
Major Infrastructure Sustainability campus, LEED Platinum buildings Khalifa Port + large industrial plots Al Maryah Island financial district
Clean Energy & ESG Businesses Excellent Limited Moderate
Heavy Industry & Logistics Limited Excellent Not applicable
Regulated Financial Services No pathway No pathway FSRA regulated, common law
Sustainability Credentials Best in class Limited Moderate
Entry-Level Licence Cost From AED 12,000 Activity dependent Premium
Ideal Company Types Renewable energy, cleantech, ESG advisory, research Manufacturing, industrial, distribution Funds, asset managers, fintech, legal and advisory

IncHub holds direct relationships across Abu Dhabi’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.

Compliance

What Masdar City Companies Must Stay Compliant With

Standard UAE compliance requirements, including corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewals, and FTA amendments, are covered in IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide. Masdar City-specific obligations are listed below.

Annual Audit

Most Masdar City companies must submit annual audited financial statements. Clean energy and sustainability businesses may also face additional ESG reporting requirements.

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)

Companies conducting relevant activities must file annual ESR notifications and, where applicable, ESR reports with the FTA. Penalties start at AED 50,000 and can reach AED 400,000 for repeat violations.

Estidama Pearl & Sustainability Compliance

Businesses in LEED Platinum or Estidama Pearl-rated buildings must maintain compliance with those standards. Significant changes to occupancy or fit-out require Masdar City approval.

Masdar City Compliance Guide

Standard UAE federal compliance obligations for free zone companies corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewal, and FTA amendments covered in one detailed guide.

Want IncHub to manage compliance for your Masdar City company? Book a free review call.

Prefer to read it yourself first?

Read the Compliance Guide →
Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Watch how IncHub helped businesses set up in the UAE’s dedicated sustainability free zone.

Video Stories
Google Reviews 1 / 20
L
L S R Holiday Homes L.L.C
3 weeks ago

Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.

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D
DigitalX Tech – FZCO
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.

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C
Cosmium IT – FZCO
2 months ago

Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.

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BLUEDCM FZE
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.

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ABI Quality Goods Wholesalers Co. L.L.C
2 weeks ago

Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.

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Optimity L.L.C
1 month ago

I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.

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Univex L.L.C-FZ
3 months ago

Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.

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E
Ecom Vacation Homes Rental L.L.C
1 month ago

We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.

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C
CMAR Management FZE
3 months ago

Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.

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Toyo Mea L.L.C-FZ
2 months ago

We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.

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Nicube International FZCO
4 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.

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Well Mate L.L.C-FZ
5 months ago

I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.

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Telora Global L.L.C – FZ
2 months ago

Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.

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Gaia Resources DMCC
2 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.

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Nextgen Brokers FZE
3 months ago

We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.

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M
Mw Holding Group Ltd
4 months ago

We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.

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J
Jannali Foundation
3 months ago

We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.

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D
Drops By Nada Portal
1 month ago

We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.

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P
Peopex LLC
5 months ago

Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.

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Aube International Commercial Brokers
4 weeks ago

We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Work with IncHub

Set Up Your Masdar City Company with IncHub

IncHub manages the full Masdar City process end-to-end free zone suitability assessment and licence selection, Estidama Pearl and LEED occupancy guidance, ADGM-Masdar dual structure coordination, visa processing, bank account introduction, and ongoing ESR and audit compliance. One partner, from application to fully operational.

Al Fajer Business Centre, Al Garhoud, Dubai  |  www.inchub.ae