2 zones compared in Abu Dhabi
For tech & it in Abu Dhabi, Masdar is the one we'd start with — about AED 18,500 for Year 1 with one visa. Across the 2 Abu Dhabi zones we compared, costs run from AED 18,500 to AED 38,350 — a spread of roughly AED 19,850 driven by office type and visa count. It is also the cheapest on the list. Abu Dhabi offers fewer but more specialised free zones, anchored by ADGM for financial services and Kizad for industrial operations. Here is how each stacks up on cost, banking, and visa scalability.
By Daniel Harmon, Senior Editor
AED 18,500
Year 1
Masdar City Free Zone is the UAE's only free zone purpose-built around sustainability. At AED 7,000 for the zero-visa startup package, entry is remarkably affordable for an Abu Dhabi zone backed by government clean-energy investment.
View full Masdar profile →AED 38,350
Year 1
ADGM is where tech meets regulation. Its common-law framework, modelled on English law, gives legal certainty that UAE federal law cannot always provide — critical for fintech, blockchain, and data-driven companies.
View full ADGM profile →Get a free quote from our verified partners. No spam, no obligations — just honest pricing for your setup.
Masdar offers the lowest Year 1 cost at AED 18,500 with one visa. This includes license, visa processing, and mandatory government fees.
We evaluated 2 free zones in Abu Dhabi that offer licensing for tech & it activities. Prices range from AED 18,500 to AED 38,350 for Year 1 with one visa.
Masdar is our top pick for tech & it in Abu Dhabi, offering the best balance of cost, banking access, and activity flexibility. ADGM is a strong runner-up.
Most Abu Dhabi free zones offer virtual office or flexi-desk options for tech & it licenses. Physical office requirements vary by zone — check individual zone profiles for package details.
Yes. All 2 free zones we evaluated in Abu Dhabi offer at least one residence visa with their tech & it packages. Visa quotas range from 6 to 10.
Starting from
AED 7,000 /yr
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