Introduction to Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone is a premier business destination in Abu Dhabi, offering a dynamic environment for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. Designed as a hub for innovation and sustainability, the free zone provides entrepreneurs with world-class infrastructure, cost-effective business setup packages, and seamless access to global markets. Starting a business in Masdar City Free Zone is an attractive option due to its strategic location near Abu Dhabi International Airport, tax benefits, and simplified company registration process. The cost of business setup in Abu Dhabi is highly competitive, with Masdar City Free Zone offering some of the cheapest business licenses in the UAE. Whether establishing a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) or opening a branch office, investors can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and full profit repatriation.
Business setup consultants in the UAE provide expert guidance to streamline the process, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing business potential.
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What is Masdar City?
Masdar City is a globally recognized sustainable urban development in Abu Dhabi, committed to pioneering green initiatives and technological advancements. As a leader in renewable energy and eco-friendly infrastructure, Masdar City integrates business, research, and residential communities to create a forward-thinking ecosystem. The city serves as a hub for companies in clean technology, ICT, healthcare, and more, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Rooted in the UAE’s vision for sustainability, Masdar City plays a crucial role in the nation’s transition to a green economy. Businesses setting up in Masdar City Free Zone benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, strong regulatory support, and access to key regional and international markets.
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Why Choose Masdar City Free Zone to Set Up a Business in UAE?
Masdar City Free Zone is one of the most attractive business hubs in the UAE, offering a sustainable and innovation-driven environment for entrepreneurs and corporations. With its strategic location in Abu Dhabi, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, it provides an ideal platform for companies across various industries. Below are key reasons to consider Masdar City Free Zone for your business setup:
1. 100% Foreign Ownership & Full Profit Repatriation
Masdar City Free Zone allows complete foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local sponsor. Investors can also enjoy full repatriation of profits and capital, ensuring maximum financial flexibility.
2. Tax Benefits & Cost-Effective Setup
- 0% Corporate & Income Tax – Businesses in Masdar City Free Zone benefit from a tax-free environment, reducing operational costs.
- No Import & Export Duties – Companies involved in international trade enjoy exemption from customs duties.
- Low-Cost Business Setup in UAE – Entrepreneurs can establish their business at competitive rates compared to other free zones.
3. Strategic Location & Connectivity
Masdar City Free Zone is strategically located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, offering easy access to global markets. Its proximity to major highways and ports enhances logistics and supply chain efficiency.
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4. Business-Friendly Regulations & Fast Setup Process
The streamlined registration process ensures quick business setup in Masdar City Free Zone. Investors can expect:
- Easy company registration
- Minimal paperwork & bureaucracy
- Business license issuance in a few days
5. Industry-Specific Clusters & Business Opportunities
Masdar City Free Zone is home to various industry clusters, fostering collaboration and growth. Key sectors include:
- Renewable Energy & Clean Technology
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Healthcare & Biotechnology
- Media & Entertainment
- Education & Research
6. World-Class Infrastructure & Innovation Hub
Masdar City offers state-of-the-art office spaces, co-working facilities, and research centers, making it a leading destination for businesses focused on innovation and sustainability.
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Key Benefits of Business Setup in Masdar City Free Zone
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 100% Foreign Ownership | No local sponsor required, full business control |
| Tax-Free Environment | 0% corporate and income tax |
| Full Profit Repatriation | No restrictions on capital and earnings repatriation |
| No Import/Export Duties | Cost savings for trading businesses |
| Strategic Location | Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and global markets |
| Quick Business Setup | Fast company registration and license issuance |
| Industry-Specific Clusters | Opportunities in renewable energy, ICT, healthcare, and more |
| Sustainable & Green Business Hub | Ideal for eco-conscious companies and startups |
Masdar City Free Zone is the ideal destination for entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost business setup in the UAE. With business-friendly regulations, tax advantages, and a focus on sustainability, it provides companies with the perfect ecosystem for growth and success.
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Legal Structures in Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone provides multiple legal structures for businesses, allowing investors to choose the most suitable entity for their needs. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a multinational corporation, or a UAE-based company, you can establish a business in Masdar City Free Zone with ease. Below is a breakdown of the available legal structures:
1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Masdar City Free Zone
A Free Zone LLC is an independent legal entity that provides flexibility in ownership structure. It can have individual or corporate shareholders, making it ideal for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
✅ Key Features of a Free Zone LLC:
- Can be owned by individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both.
- Has a separate legal identity from its owners.
- Offers 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
- Limited liability protection for shareholders, ensuring personal assets remain secure.
- Eligible for multiple business licenses in Masdar City Free Zone.
Who Should Choose a Free Zone LLC?
✔ Entrepreneurs launching a startup in Masdar City Free Zone.
✔ International investors seeking a low-cost business setup in UAE.
✔ Companies planning to establish a new business entity in the region.
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2. Branch of a Foreign or Offshore Company in Masdar City Free Zone
A branch of a foreign or offshore company allows international businesses to expand their operations into the UAE while maintaining their existing corporate structure. The branch operates as an extension of the parent company.
✅ Key Features of a Foreign or Offshore Branch:
- 100% owned by the parent company.
- Operates under the same name and business activities as the parent company.
- Can conduct business services in Masdar City Free Zone under the parent company’s authorization.
- No minimum capital requirement, reducing the cost of business setup in Abu Dhabi.
Who Should Choose a Foreign or Offshore Branch?
✔ Global companies looking to enter the UAE market without forming a new entity.
✔ Offshore businesses aiming to establish a presence in the UAE.
✔ Companies seeking a quick and cost-effective business setup.
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3. Branch of a UAE-Based Company in Masdar City Free Zone
A branch of a UAE-based company is an extension of an existing UAE-registered business. This allows local companies to expand into Masdar City Free Zone and benefit from its tax advantages and business-friendly environment.
✅ Key Features of a UAE-Based Branch:
- Fully owned by the parent company.
- Operates under the same trade name and activities as the UAE parent company.
- No additional share capital is required.
- Enjoys tax benefits and 100% profit repatriation.
- Offers easy access to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable business ecosystem.
Who Should Choose a UAE-Based Branch?
✔ Existing UAE companies looking to expand into Masdar City Free Zone.
✔ Local businesses seeking tax exemptions and cheapest business license in Abu Dhabi.
✔ Companies aiming to operate within a sustainable and innovation-driven hub.
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License Options in Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone offers a variety of business licenses tailored to different industries. Below is a table outlining each license option and its key focus area:
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | For businesses involved in solar, wind, and sustainable energy solutions. |
| Clean Tech & ICT | Supports companies in clean technology, software, and communication innovations. |
| Marketing & Events | Covers advertising agencies, event management, and public relations firms. |
| Human Resources | Includes recruitment agencies, HR consultancies, and workforce management firms. |
| Energy | Focuses on companies providing energy solutions, including efficiency and storage. |
| Healthcare Services | For medical service providers, telemedicine, and wellness centers. |
| Service Providers | General category for consultants, professional services, and support businesses. |
| Property Development Services | For real estate developers, property managers, and infrastructure companies. |
| Regional HQ, Trading & Holding Companies | Suitable for multinational corporations setting up headquarters or investment firms. |
| Business Center or Data Center | Ideal for co-working spaces, IT infrastructure providers, and cloud services. |
| Oil & Gas Services | Supports oil exploration, drilling, and related energy services. |
| Retail, Food & Beverage | Covers restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and retail shops. |
Each license type ensures business setup in Masdar City Free Zone is streamlined for different industries, offering benefits like low-cost business setup in UAE and access to a sustainable business ecosystem.
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Masdar City Free Zone Business Setup Packages
Masdar City Free Zone provides cost-effective business setup in Abu Dhabi with specialized packages designed to support startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. Below are the available packages:
Main Free Zone Packages
| Package | Description | Registration Fee | Visa Eligibility | Activities Allowed | License Fee | Lease Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start-Lite Package | Designed for startups with minimal requirements (single shareholder). | No Fee | 1 | 1-2 | Starting from AED 7,000 | N/A |
| Start-up Package | Supports early-stage businesses to foster innovation. | AED 3,000 (One-time) | 2 | Up to 5 | Starting from AED 10,000 | Starting from AED 6,000 |
| Business Package | Offers flexibility for growing companies with tailored solutions. | AED 3,000 (One-time) | 2 or more | Up to 6 | Starting from AED 14,000 | Starting from AED 10,000 |
Calculate your business setup cost.
Special Packages
| Package | Description | Registration Fee | Visa Eligibility | Activities Allowed | License Fee | Lease Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women Entrepreneurship Package | Designed for women-led businesses in the UAE. | AED 3,000 (One-time) | 1 | Up to 5 | Starting from AED 6,000 | Starting from AED 6,000 |
| Space Zone Package | Supports businesses in the space industry, helping them scale. | AED 3,000 (One-time) | Based on Lease | 1 | Starting from AED 6,000 | Starting from AED 10,000 |
| SAVI Package | Dedicated to smart and autonomous vehicle industries. | AED 3,000 (One-time) | Based on Lease | Up to 5 | Starting from AED 6,000 | Starting from AED 6,000 |
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Commercial Leasing Options
Masdar City Free Zone offers multiple workspace solutions for businesses of all sizes, from low-cost business setup in UAE with flexible desks to fully customized offices.
| Office Type | Description | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Desk | Suitable for small businesses needing a legal presence without a physical office. | AED 6,000 |
| Flexi Desk | Shared office space in a co-working environment. | AED 10,000 |
Visa Fees & Immigration Costs
| Service | Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Establishment Card | 1,500 | One-time fee |
| eChannels Registration | 2,500 | One-time charge |
| Employment Visa Deposit | 2,500 | Refundable |
| Employment Visa (2 Years) | 3,050 | Excludes medical & Emirates ID |
| Entry Permit (In-Country) | 800 | If applicable |
| Change Status (Residency Stamping) | 900 | If applicable |
| Medical Fitness Test | 350 | One-time fee |
| Emirates ID (2 Years) | 450 | Government charge |
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Terms & Conditions:
- Fees are subject to 5% VAT (except lease costs).
- Visa deposits are refundable upon cancellation.
- Additional charges apply for special business activities and company name customization.
These packages make business setup in Masdar City Free Zone an attractive choice for entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost business setup in Abu Dhabi with access to a world-class innovation hub.
Visit Masdar City Free Zone Website: Click here
Conclusion:
Masdar City Free Zone stands out as an ideal location for business setup in Masdar City Free Zone, offering a dynamic and sustainable environment for companies across various industries. With its competitive pricing, innovative business ecosystem, and government support, the free zone ensures that businesses can thrive from day one. Whether you are starting a renewable energy company or setting up a clean tech startup, Masdar City offers diverse licensing options tailored to various sectors. The Masdar City Free Zone business license is designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and investors, ensuring ease of access to essential services while promoting sustainability and innovation. The low-cost business setup in UAE and available support packages, including flexible leasing options, make it a smart choice for businesses in their early stages or those looking to expand within the UAE.
With various package options, such as the Start-Lite Package for entrepreneurs and the Women Entrepreneurship Package, the free zone fosters inclusivity and growth. Whether you are an SME or a larger corporation, the free zone offers opportunities to grow and collaborate within a community of like-minded innovators. By choosing to establish your business in Masdar City, you position yourself at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s sustainability efforts, contributing to the UAE’s ambitious journey toward a net-zero future. The convergence of technology, clean energy, and business innovation offers a unique platform to build your business while supporting the UAE’s environmental goals.
Masdar City Free Zone is not just a location; it is a future-focused ecosystem where businesses can grow, innovate, and lead the charge toward a sustainable future.
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How Infibiz Can Help You Set Up Your Business in Masdar City Free Zone
Infibiz is your trusted partner for business setup in Masdar City Free Zone. We provide expert guidance and comprehensive support throughout your journey to launch a business in this vibrant, sustainable environment. Our team of professional consultants helps you navigate the complexities of company registration in Masdar City Free Zone and ensures that your business complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
We offer end-to-end services, from selecting the most suitable business license in Masdar City Free Zone to securing office space and visas. Whether you need assistance with understanding license cost in Masdar City Free Zone or choosing the right legal structure, Infibiz provides tailored advice to meet your specific business needs.
Our deep understanding of the local market dynamics and the cost-effective business setup in Abu Dhabi allows us to offer personalized services designed to make your setup process seamless and efficient. Infibiz also ensures that your business is connected to a network of potential partners and collaborators, helping you establish a strong foothold in Masdar City and beyond.
Choose Infibiz as your business setup consultant in the UAE, and let us help you build your enterprise in Masdar City Free Zone, unlocking growth opportunities in one of the UAE’s most sustainable and thriving business environments.
