Masdar City Free Zone provides new ideas, sustainable growth and strong business practices in the centre of Abu Dhabi International Airport. Being a part of Masdar City, the free zone draws in entrepreneurs and businesses that care about clean energy and sustainability. The environment in the free zone is designed to combine top-notch infrastructure with dedication to environmental care. So, in this guide, we’ll explain the steps for Masdar City Free Zone business setup, the benefits of the free zone, and the types of business structures that can support your business decision.
What Is Masdar City Free Zone in Abu Dhabi?
If on a budget, foreign investors seeking to set up a business in Abu Dhabi can consider getting a license from the Masdar City free zone. By establishing a Masdar City Free Zone company, startups, SMEs, and MNCs can join a cooperative space where business, research, and knowledge function closely. Masdar City free zone offers foreign investors access to a special location in Masdar City, which is recognised as one of the greenest and most eco-friendly cities in the world.
The Free Zone of Masdar City offers innovations in sustainability by providing facilities for learning, inventing, funding and doing business. Moreover, this free zone is built near the region that brings together Asian and Middle Eastern economies and benefits from strong worldwide logistics and transport infrastructure. Masdar City has top-quality infrastructure, an affordable setup process, great connectivity and smooth company registration. Additionally, the free zone is working on adding more leasing space to benefit everyone doing business there.
Why Is Starting a Company Setup in Masdar City Freezone Advantageous?
Many benefits are offered to companies setup in Masdar City Free Zone:
- Over 1,000 essential companies from key areas are based in the Masdar free zone, which helps create a thriving business community in Masdar City.
- The free zone encourages learning, research, and technology and fosters an atmosphere of future thinking through innovation.
- Regular networking and introduction events allow tenants to join a special business community that encourages collaboration and inspiration.
- Foreign investors can fully acquire and manage companies in the UAE.
- You receive exemptions from corporate and personal income taxes, helping you save money.
- Enjoy free import tariffs, so your goods and materials become more affordable.
- In the Masdar free zone, you can repatriate all of your capital and profits, which brings extra security and flexibility with your finances.
- Masdar City Free Zone allows businesses to avoid delays and invest their resources in growth.
- Being close to universities and research facilities, the free zone provides access to bright minds and innovative talent, pushing progress.
- It allows businesses to save money on offices since their licenses will enable them to comply with double-entry accounting.
- Gives businesses a bridge between domestic, regional and global markets for better business sales.
Company Structures in Masdar City Free Zone, UAE
The flexible and sustainable business environment at Masdar City Free Zone includes these legal structures:
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
- It works as a separate legal body throughout its operations in the free zone.
- A freezone company may have shareholders who are individuals and those who are corporations.
- Helps protect the personal property of company owners from dangers in the business world.
Branch Location of a Foreign or Offshore Company
- It gives existing companies operating outside of the UAE a way to set up shop in the Masdar City Free Zone.
- The branch must legally obey the parent company and work only within its guidelines.
UAE-Based Branch Company
- Just as a foreign office connects to the activities and reputation of its main office, a branch in the UAE is linked to its parent company in the Nation.
- They are built to meet a wide variety of business needs.
Packages for Business Setup in Masdar City Free Zone
Multinational firms and small businesses alike find Masdar City Free Zone business setup affordable due to the free zone’s various licensing packages. Here’s a list of economic packages for setting up a business in the Masdar City free zone:
Package A
With this business setup package, entrepreneurs can manage their business in Masdar City for just AED 1000*. You will receive two business activities and will not have to apply for visas. You can easily apply for this package by asking company setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to help you apply for a license.
Package B
Company formation in Masdar City under Package B is possible for just AED 7,000*. As many as four activities can be included in Package B. Furthermore, investors can apply for just one visa through the package. Speak with company formation experts in Abu Dhabi for information about this budget-friendly package.
Package C
Forming a company in Masdar City using this package will cost you AED 12,000*. Within the free zone, five different activities are authorised according to Package C. You will receive up to two visas with the package. You can rely on business setup consultants like Xpert Advisory in Abu Dhabi to clarify and meet the prerequisites of the Verified package.
Women Entrepreneurship Program
Masdar City provides an accessible package to help women entrepreneurs achieve their business goals in the area. You can get this package for AED 6,000*, a very low licensing fee for the country. You can choose between one and four activities and receive a visa in the package.
Documents You Need for Setting Up a Business in Masdar City Free Zone
When starting a business in Masdar Free Zone, you should submit these files:
- A well-made business plan
- You will also find the Articles of Association (AoA) and the Memorandum of Association (MoA) here.
- Passport/residency visas for business owners and directors related to the company.
- Provide a bank’s reference letter to confirm the invested share capital.
- This is a document copied from the lease agreement.
What Are the Steps to Establish a Masdar City Free Zone Business?
Establishing a business setup in Abu Dhabi is simple and convenient for people interested in investment. The following are the stages that will help you start your business:
Step 01 – Register the Name for Your Business
You must submit the name registration form and AED 2,000, the fee for reserving your company name, to the Free Zone Authority. The UAE Company must submit its documents to the DED.
Step 02 – Complete and Submit the License Form
After you have registered your name, you will be issued both a licensing form and your trade name certificate, and you should finish the paperwork and send it to the right people in authority. While submitting the licensing application, you should remember to send your business plan and other primary documents.
The Authority will give you an Acceptance Letter after checking your application. The process might last until the third day after submitting the required documents.
Step 03 – Start a Business Bank Account
After you have been accepted, you should set up a bank account. There is a unique way to open a bank account in the UAE. Before you can open a corporate bank account, you should speak with the free zone authority. When necessary, the Masdar City authority issues a bank introduction letter. After opening, ask the bank to give you a Capital Confirmation Letter or Proof of Capital Letter.
Step 04 – Get Your Business License and Agree to the Lease
It is obligatory to show the Free Zone Authority the Capital Confirmation Letter. After that, the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA) are signed. The free zone will send the license agreement when it obtains the Proof of Capital Letter. To receive the trade license, sign the lease agreement first.
Final Words
Masdar City Free Zone business setup is the best solution because it provides a flexible and eco-friendly setting for companies of many backgrounds. Thanks to cheap rents, new business technologies and government help, enterprises in the free zone are ready to grow from their very start. Starting a business in the UAE is easy and low-cost, and there are support packages with many flexible leasing options, which are attractive for new and expanding businesses.
Setting up a business may be simple and flexible in Masdar City, yet deciding to go solo is not wise. That’s why you should choose Xpert Advisory. Our services support you with registering and licensing your firm, handling visa applications, setting up bank accounts, meeting requirements for VAT compliance, and complying with AML-CFT laws. Connect with us now and grow your business in Masdar City!
FAQs
What Licenses are Available for Freezone Company Setup In Masdar City?
Licenses offered are renewable energy, tech, ICT, marketing and events, human resources, energy, and more.
How Much Time Is Needed for a Company Formation In Masdar Free Zone?
The time needed for setup, from 3 to 10 days, depends on the kind of business and the documents submitted.
How Much Does It Take to Establish a Company In Masdar City Free Zone?
Prices depend on the kind of business license, rented office, and visa needed. However, the basic company formation package price ranges between AED 10,000* and AED 50,000*.
