Masdar City, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a prime example of sustainable urban development. The government of the UAE aims to make this city one of the world’s most sustainable cities, therefore Masdar is powered predominantly by renewable energy sources.

For foreign investors, Masdar City offers a compelling opportunity for business setup, particularly within its free zone. Masdar City Free Zone has designed world-class facilities ideal for all types of businesses. As a special economic zone, it fosters sustainable development, attracting companies keen to contribute to innovation and sustainability.

Advantages of Setting Up a Business In Masdar City Free Zone

Strategic Location

100% Foreign Ownership

Industrial Plots

Sector-Specific Zones

Deep-Water Port Access

Modern Infrastructure

Cost-Effective Setup

Complete Tax Exemption

Types of Business Structures in Masdar City

Companies intending to establish themselves in Masdar City are required to adhere to the Masdar City Companies Registration Regulations. These regulations streamline the incorporation process and offer three distinct choices for legal structures:

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

A popular entity for corporate or individual shareholders, requiring a minimum capital of AED 50,000 (approx. US$13,624). This structure provides flexibility for various business sizes.

Branch of a Foreign or Offshore Company

Allows foreign companies to expand into Masdar City without forming a new entity. It operates under the parent company’s legal framework while complying with local regulations.

Branch of a UAE-based Company

Includes companies from other UAE Free Zones extending operations into Masdar City. Activities within Masdar City must adhere to the Free Zone license stipulations.

Documents Required for Business Setup in Masdar City

To begin the company formation process, you must submit the following information and documentation.

Proposed Name of the Entity Submit your new company’s proposed name. It must reflect your business activity and comply with all Masdar City naming regulations.
Proposed Legal Structure of the Entity Provide documents confirming your company’s legal structure, such as LLC or Branch Office, to determine ownership and regulatory needs.
Activity of the Proposed Company Provide detailed information about all the business activities your company intends to conduct and carry out within Masda City’s jurisdiction.
Ownership Documentation This varies by structure. An LLC needs a Certificate of Incorporation (if company-owned) or a passport (if individual-owned). A Branch needs the parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
Manager’s Documentation You must provide a copy of the proposed manager’s passport, including the visa page, along with their complete contact details (email, phone, and mobile).
Application Deposit A non-refundable application deposit of AED 2,000 is required upon submission. This amount will be adjusted against the final registration fee.
Additional Legal Documents You must also provide an Original Arabic No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a signed, stamped Undertaking Letter as required by the free zone authority.

Step-by-Step Business Setup in Masdar City Free Zone

The process of setting up a business in the Free Zone of Masdar City is simplified and investor-friendly, involving several key steps:

Choose Business Type and Structure

Decide on the type of business (e.g., LLC, branch) and legal structure suitable for your operations.

Select Business Activity

Identify the main business activities your company will undertake to determine the appropriate license type.

Engage with a Business Consultant (Optional)

Consider consulting a business advisor for insights, document preparation, and legal requirements.

Prepare Required Documents

Proposed name and legal structure of the entity.
Ownership documentation: certificate of incorporation or passport copies.
Detailed description of proposed business activities.
Manager’s passport copy, visa page, and contact details.
Original Arabic NOC and an Undertaking letter.
Application deposit of 2,000 Dirhams.

Submit Your Application

Submit all prepared documents to the Masdar City Free Zone Authority through their online portal or in person.

Obtain Initial Approval

The Free Zone Authority reviews the submitted documents and grants initial approval if all requirements are met.

Pay Registration Fees

Pay the necessary registration fees as directed by the Free Zone Authority.

Lease Office Space

Choose and lease office space or other required facilities within Masdar City.

Finalize Legal Documentation

Finalize the incorporation documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and lease agreements.

Receive Business License and Certificates

Once all documents are processed and fees paid, receive the business license, share certificate, incorporation certificate, and lease agreement.

Apply for Visas

Apply for employment visas for staff and dependent visas for family members through the Free Zone’s visa services.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Use your company documents to open a corporate bank account for business transactions.

Begin Business Operations

Once all steps are completed, commence business operations in Masdar City Free Zone.

Start Your Business in Masdar City Free Zone with Expert Support

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Masdar City Free Zone Company Packages for License and Business Setup

There are diverse packages available in Masdar, designed to cater to different business needs and scales:

Package Name	Starting Cost (AED)	Best For
Business Package	From AED 24,000 (License + Lease)	Entrepreneurs needing multiple activities and 2+ visas
Start-Up Package	From AED 19,000 (License + Lease)	Small startups with up to 2 visas
Women Entrepreneurship Package	From AED 15,000 (License + Lease)	Women entrepreneurs launching solo ventures
Space Zone Package	From AED 26,000 (License + Lease)	Businesses requiring flexible office or lease space

Comprehensive Licensing Opportunities at Masdar Free Zone

Masdar City offers a diverse array of business categories eligible for licensing, catering to a broad spectrum of industries. The business segments for which applications are accepted in:

Clean Technology License

For companies focusing on renewable energy solutions, environmental technologies, and sustainable development projects.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) License

Ideal for businesses engaged in software development, IT services, telecommunications, and cybersecurity operations.

Healthcare Services License

Designed for medical service providers, pharmaceutical firms, and manufacturers of medical devices and equipment.

Renewable Energy License

Best suited for companies involved in solar, wind, and other renewable energy production and research projects.

Marketing and Media License

For advertising agencies, content creators, media production houses, and digital marketing companies.

Human Resources Development License

Tailored for firms offering HR consulting, recruitment, talent management, and professional training services.

Consulting Services License

For businesses providing management, financial, environmental, or IT advisory and consultancy services.

Education and Training License

For educational institutions, vocational training centers, and professional skill development organizations.

Industrial Land:

Industrial plots starting from 2,500 sqm for custom-built facilities. Competitive lease rates and rent holidays during construction ease financial pressures.

Logistics and Transportation License

Suited for freight forwarders, warehousing providers, and transportation or supply chain management companies.

General Trading License

For businesses in freight forwarding, logistics management, and transportation services.

General Trading License

Allows import, export, distribution, and storage of a broad range of consumer and industrial products.

Research and Development (R&D) License

For entities engaged in scientific research, innovation, prototyping, and new product development.

Manufacturing License

Designed for companies focused on production, assembly, fabrication, and material processing operations.

Masdar City Free Zone Business Setup Consultants

How Riz & Mona Consultancy Can Help?

Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.

We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Masdar City Free Zone Business Setup, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!