Build an Abu Dhabi company in a technology, research and sustainability ecosystem.
ITQAN helps assess the activity, structure, workspace, visas and compliance before application.
Masdar City Free Zone is an Abu Dhabi business jurisdiction within a community centred on sustainability, technology and research. Companies can access licensing and workspace near organisations in related fields.
Masdar City Free Zone and Masdar, the renewable-energy company, are not the same legal entity. A location in the city does not automatically confer partnerships, approvals or incentives.
Ecosystem participation does not replace activity approval or external permission.
Software, intelligent systems and data products.
Renewable-energy services and clean-tech solutions.
Health, biotechnology and research ventures.
Space technology and research, subject to approval.
Smart and autonomous mobility technologies.
Food, water and agricultural innovation.
Research, testing and innovation activities.
Technology, consulting and knowledge services.
It may suit technology startups, AI and software companies, clean-energy advisers, environmental engineers, R&D and life-science ventures, SpaceTech teams, mobility businesses and professional consultancies.
Businesses needing manufacturing, extensive warehousing, heavy utilities or port logistics should compare Masdar City with KEZAD.
Approved segments cover renewable energy, clean technology, ICT, marketing, HR, healthcare, services, regional headquarters, trading, holding companies, data centres, oil-and-gas services, retail and food and beverage.
Activity combinations require approval. Qualifications, premises or government consent may apply, while the selection also shapes workspace, visas, banking and compliance.
Approved trade or holding activities
Consulting and technology services
Eligible R&D activities
Additional review may apply
Routes include a Free Zone Limited Liability Company, UAE-company branch and foreign-company branch. An FZ-LLC is separate; a branch extends its parent.
Individual and corporate shareholders may apply, with 100% foreign ownership available. Corporate applicants need ownership records, resolutions and authenticated documents. Companies must maintain beneficial-owner information and required records.
Choices include flexi or shared arrangements, dedicated desks, offices, commercial or retail space and build-to-suit options, subject to availability.
Visa capacity depends on the package, lease and immigration approval. Licensing, establishment, visas, medical fitness and Emirates ID are separate stages.
Business activity
Package and structure
Trade name
Documents
Application
External approval if needed
Licence and registration
Lease, establishment and visas
Bank account
Accounting and tax
Actual steps and timing depend on the activity, structure, document readiness, authority review and external approvals.
Cost can include registration, activities, legal structure, workspace, establishment card, visas, immigration, approvals and annual renewal.
Packages can change or exclude operating costs. ITQAN provides an itemised quotation rather than a licence-only figure.
Banks review ownership, funds, business evidence and expected transactions. ITQAN can prepare the file but cannot guarantee approval.
Companies need records, Corporate Tax registration as applicable and a VAT assessment. The 0% Corporate Tax rate requires Qualifying Free Zone Person and Qualifying Income conditions; it is not automatic.
| Decision factor | Masdar City Free Zone | KEZAD |
|---|---|---|
| General fit | Office-based, technology, research and sustainability-led companies | Industrial, manufacturing, logistics and wholesale operations |
| Facilities | Flexible workspace, offices, commercial and specialist premises | Warehouses, industrial facilities, land and logistics infrastructure |
| Selection test | Compare activity, facilities, customers, supply chain, visas and expansion plan. | |
ITQAN supports jurisdiction and activity assessment, package comparison, documents, workspace and visa planning, application coordination, banking preparation, accounting, tax, renewal and compliance.
ITQAN is independent from the free zone and government authorities; they make the final decisions.
Answers for founders comparing Abu Dhabi free-zone options.
It is an Abu Dhabi free-zone licensing jurisdiction located within the wider Masdar City sustainability, research and technology ecosystem.
Approved activities span technology, renewable energy, clean technology, services, healthcare, marketing, trading, regional headquarters and other categories. The authority confirms the exact activity.
No. Its ecosystem also supports AI, life sciences, SpaceTech, smart mobility, AgriTech, digital services, research and professional businesses, subject to activity approval.
Masdar City Free Zone states that 100% foreign ownership is available. The selected structure, shareholders and beneficial owners still require authority review and disclosure.
Cost depends on the licence, activities, structure, workspace, visas, immigration services and approvals. ITQAN provides a current itemised quotation after reviewing the requirements.
A standard free-zone licence does not grant unrestricted mainland access. Eligible companies may explore an Abu Dhabi dual-licence or another approved route, subject to activity and authority conditions.
No. The free zone, government bodies, immigration authorities and banks decide independently. ITQAN prepares and coordinates the application within the agreed scope.
Share the planned activity, ownership, visa requirements and workspace needs for a structured review.
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