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Cost of Masdar Freezone License in 2026
Masdar Free Zone has diverse packages, including a special licensing package for women entrepreneurs. At the same time, Star-Lite and Start-up packages are aimed at handholding newbies in the business sector and providing them with optimal support.
| Package Type | Visa Allocation | Starting Price (AED) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start-Lite | 1 | 7000 | Masdar Freezone doesn’t charge a registration fee for this very basic package. Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and those planning to test new business ideas can choose this package. |
| Start-up | 1-2 | 10,000 | This is the next level package to Start-Lite. It has more business activities included. Businesses, small teams, including start-ups, planning expansion, can pick this one. |
| Women Entrepreneurship | 1 | 6,000 | Empowering women in business, the package is exclusively for them. Independent businesses owned by women can opt. |
| Business | 2-6 | 14000 | SMEs and businesses with multiple activities and teams can choose the business package. |
| Space Zone | Case to Case | 6,000 | Framed for the space industry to enhance the research and development in this sector. |
| Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) | 5 | 6,000 | Businesses involved in autonomous systems and mobility. |
| Enterprise Packages/ Business One Innovation | 1-3 | 17,500 | It offers a complete package that includes a visa and a lease for companies with multiple employees, who look for a kick-start from the beginning. |
How to Set Up a Masdar Freezone Company
Masdar City Freezone has a specified business setup process. The steps are clear and simple. Company formation can be done by oneself or through a dedicated business setup service in Abu Dhabi. To avoid unforeseen issues and dilemmas. Kiltons Business Setup provides end-to-end support, handling documentation, approvals, and compliance requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup process while saving you time and effort.
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Types of Business Entities in Masdar Freezone
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is the most common business structure in Masdar Freezone. A branch of a foreign or offshore company, as well as, branch of a UAE company, is also allowed in this jurisdiction.
| Entity Type | Description | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Limited | Established under the ownership of one or multiple shareholders, with a minimum share capital of AED 50,000. FZ-LLC operates under the control of the Masdar City Companies Registration Regulations. | 100% |
| Branch of a Foreign/ Offshore Company | This functions as the extension of an offshore or foreign company that has been incorporated outside the country. The parent company’s legal identity, business activities, and structure are pursued by this entity. | 100% |
| Brand of a UAE Company | A branch of a company incorporated inside the UAE, in any other business jurisdiction. The branch operates as a part of the parent company. | 100% |
Documents Required for Masdar Business Setup
For an Individual Shareholder:
- Passport Copy
- Proof of Address
- Business Plan
- Business plan (sometimes required)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Articles of Association
- Memorandum of Association
- Trade License of the Parent Company
- Share Certificate/ Proof of Shareholding
- Board Resolution
- Chart of Corporate Structure
Timeline Breakdown for Masdar Business Setup
Masdar City Freezone has a proven process in place. It helps in business setup in a minimum time of 7 to 10 days. Even with visas, the company formation in Masdar can be completed in under 15 days.
Confirming the business activities, the license required, and the decision on the space may take 01 or 02 days.
The documents of individual/ corporate shareholders have to be examined to confirm accuracy. Discrepancies can lead to rejection.
Finalise the name, as per the extant naming policy in the country. Check the availability and submit the names for reservation. Up to 03 names can be forwarded.
Inspection of the documents and review of the application for company formation by the Masdar authority is completed in about 2-3 days.
Identify the right space for the business. A variety of options, like flexi-desk, lab, and private space, are available. Conclude the lease agreement with the owner.
The Masdar authority will issue the business license in about 02 days. Subsequently, the company registration process can also be completed.
An establishment card is required for a visa. The authority issues the Establishment card in around 02 business days.
The visa processing can be completed in 05 days to a week’s time. This is applicable to business packages that need a visa only.
Key Advantages - Masdar Business Setup
Masdar offers an array of benefits for investors. To keep the upper hand it has, among free zones across the UAE, Masdar City Freezone has rolled out several exclusive benefits for entrepreneurs.
Repatriation of Investment and Profits
Masdar Free Zone doesn’t have any restrictions on transferring capital and profits.
100% Ownership
Foreign investors can own the company without any restrictions. No need for an Emirati sponsor or investor.
Strategically Located
Located close to logistic hubs, Abu Dhabi airport, and other centres that assure enhanced business growth.
Simple Streamlined Company Formation
No complex procedures or unwanted formalities. Business setup in Masdar City Freezone is simple and easy. The streamlined procedure helps investors set up the company in about two weeks.
Innovative Tech-driven Freezone
Futuristic concepts make Masdar a cut above the rest. Designed keeping tomorrow’s needs in focus, this free zone is ideal for businesses from AI, R&D, and clean energy etc.
Licensing
Masdar Free Zone
Need help?
1
Select the Business Activity
You might have an idea about the business to set up. Select the business activities accordingly. And confirm that the business activities are approved under the Masdar Freezone licensing.
2
Company Structure
Only one company structure, Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), is allowed in Masdar City Freezone. Unless you are starting a Branch of a Foreign Company/ UAE-based Company.
3
Business Package
Pick the license package according to the budget, the business needs, activities planned, visa required, etc.
4
Prepare and Submit Documents
Masdar Authority has specified a list of documents to be submitted by the individual and corporate shareholders. Those from outside the UAE must be attested and notarised. Submit the application through a trusted, experienced business setup service or through the online portal.
5
Initial Approval and Lease Agreement
Initial approval is issued (if required), and reservation of the business name is confirmed by the Masdar City Freezone authority. The lease agreement can be concluded and signed subsequently. This is essential for obtaining a license.
6
Receive Business License
Masdar issues a business license after receipt of the fee and verification of the documents. The company can start business operations with the license issued. You can apply for the Establishment card and initiate the residency visa procedure (if applicable).
Masdar Freezone Business Bank Account Assistance
Popular Banks
- Emirates Development Bank (EDB)
- Mashreq Bank
- National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
- Wio Bank
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Required Documents
- Business License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Board Resolution
- Proof of Address of Shareholders and Signatory
- Copies of Passport
- Visa Copies (As applicable)
- Business Plan
- Bank Reference Letter
Bank Interview
A bank interview or meeting is held before opening the corporate bank account. This is for understanding the customer, the business activities, and the legitimacy of the business. Bank interview helps the authority in preventing money laundering as well.
Account Opening Timelines
The bank corporate account opening timeline will depend on the correctness and completeness of documents, the bank chosen, the type of business planned, and other factors. 2-4 weeks is the typical timeline for bank account opening. It is possible in 1-2 weeks if everything goes as planned, and the bank acts quicker than the normal time.
Talk to an expertOffice Options Available in Masdar City Freezone
From Flexi-desk Lite to Executive Office space, a variety of options are available in Masdar Freezone. Getting guidance from an experienced business setup agent would be advisable. To pick the right office space, license package, and business activities.
| Workspace Type | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi-desk Lite | Shared co-working space with minimal amenities. | Solpreneurs, start-ups looking for trials, freelancers, and entities trying to test the water. |
| Flexi-desk | More workspace and more amenities than Flexi-desk Lite. | Start-ups, small teams, and businesses are trying to start small and scale up later. |
| Flexi-desk Plus | More work desks, more space, enhanced amenities than Flexi-desk, normally at a better business location. | Companies are eyeing improved growth in the near future. Not yet ready to lease private space. |
| Virtual Office | The business would be legally registered in the Masdar Free Zone, without a physical presence. | Freelancers, digital field businesses, and teams that need a presence in the jurisdiction at the lowest possible expense. |
| Dedicated Desk | The workspace, the desk, would be fixed, unlike the flexi-desk. Better than a flexi-desk but below a private office. The office space would offer the feel of a private space. | Small companies, a team of a few members, who need a fixed workspace. |
| Executive Office/ Build-to-Suit | Custom workspace modified according to the company’s preference. Large entities, corporate firms, company HQ, etc. | Companies with a strong identity and market presence. Normally, multinational companies and already established firms with exceptional turnover. |
Masdar License Types & Sample Business Activities
Masdar City Free Zone offers several license types, including commercial, consultancy, service, and industrial licenses, catering to diverse business needs. Sample business activities range from renewable energy solutions, environmental consultancy, and IT services to trading, research & development, and sustainable product manufacturing. Entrepreneurs can select the appropriate license based on their core activity and long-term business objectives.
Commercial License/ Trading License
Import and export of goods, general trading, wholesale business, sale of general products, and retail business require this license.
Sample Activities :
- Import & Export of Electronic Goods
- Wholesale of Grocery
- Sale of Textiles
- General Product Sales
Service License
Businesses offering professional services require this license. Trading is not permitted with a Service License.
Sample Activities :
- Software/ Web/ App Development
- HR Services
- Marketing and Advertising
- IT
Industrial License
Exclusively for manufacturing, production, and assembly businesses. Such businesses are to ensure environmental and safety regulations.
Sample Activities :
- Manufacture of Machinery
- Assembly of Components
- Production of Solar Panels
- Metal Fabrication
Sector-specific Permits and Licenses
Specific sectors that necessitate constant monitoring and regulatory compliance, unlike normal businesses
Sample Activities :
- Renewable Energy Plants
- Biotechnology Labs
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Healthcare Technology
Freelancer License/ Innovator License
Individuals or small teams planning work on a freelance basis.
Sample Activities :
- Web Developer
- Graphic Designer
- Content Creation team
- Photography
Masdar Company Renewal
The Masdar Freezone company license must be renewed in time. Failure to renew may cause penalties if the authority does not grant a grace period. The process is simple and can be done online. The renewal fee will depend on the license and business activities authorised.
- Commence the license renewal procedure in advance.
- Prepare and submit the requisite documents online.
- Copies of Passports (or IDs) of shareholders/ directors
- Present license
- Lease agreement for those companies with a leased space
- Proof of compliance
- Masdar City Freezone Authority will examine the documents and issue a license with an updated date.
License Cancellation
Exit Process, Visa Cancellation, Final audit (if applicable)
Masdar Freezone Company Amendments
Business activities, structure, company name, board of directors, etc., can be amended. The fee and procedure for amendment will differ depending on the type of amendment. Stated here is the general process for amendment.
- Check the restrictions (if any), whether the amendment is possible or not, and additional documentation (if required) for the amendment you need.
- Prepare the documents according to the amendment.
- Submit the request, along with the documents, to the Masdar online amendment portal and pay the fee.
- Receive approval and amended documents. Undertake corrections and changes as required.
Masdar Company Cancellation
Masdar Free Zone Company cancellation means you are ending the business operations and dissolving the company. The procedure for company cancellation is:
- Board resolution stating the liquidation of the company.
- A letter appointing a liquidator and a letter from the liquidator accepting the responsibility.
- Cancel visas issued to the company.
- Cancel the establishment card (if applicable).
- Obtain NOCs and clearance certificates from the relevant departments and offices.
- Close the corporate bank account.
- Pay utility bills and pending utility fees.
- Cancel VAT registration.
- Return original documents.
- Notify regarding the liquidation.
- Once the procedure is complete, the authority will issue a company cancellation certificate.
Hidden Cost to be Aware of
There are no hidden costs per se. Nonetheless, entrepreneurs may miss out on or overlook some expenses. This can create confusion, with the business setup expenses going beyond calculations.
- Medical test, visa stamping, and similar charges related to the visa
- Charges for Establishment Card
- Lease expenses
- Auditing and accounting expenses
- Expense for Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO)
- Bank charges
Is Masdar The Right Choice For You
Masdar is Ideal For
Firms focusing on renewable energy solutions, clean technology, sustainable tech, etc.
Companies planning to be a part of eco-friendly solutions, trying to put their bit into a greener tomorrow, can pick Masdar as their business jurisdiction.
Masdar has established a conducive environment, productive policies, and supportive infrastructure for R&D firms and tech start-ups.
Regulations in Masdar Free Zone have been formulated considering biotech, healthcare, and life science research and innovations. Making it a suitable environment for such companies.
Masdar May Not be Suitable For
The entities from the heavy manufacturing and production sector may not choose Masdar, as it is not designed to suit them.
Masdar is mainly a clean-tech, green revolution, and eco-friendly free zone. It may not be cost-effective to set up a general, wholesale, or retail trading business here.
Those looking for a cheap business setup with minimal expenses may not pick Masdar.
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