Open your business
Follow these steps to get started in the Masdar City Free Zone in as little as five days.
Step one
Access our e-services portal
and fill out initial information.
You will also be required to
propose a company name and
make an initial online payment
of AED 2,000 for the name
reservation.
We will review your information
and obtain the required
approval for the name
reservation from the Abu
Dhabi Department of Economic
Development. An email
notification will be sent to you
taking you to the next step.
Step two
Access our e-services platform
and submit the required
detailed information and
documents.
We will review and approve
all submitted information
and documents. We will then
issue your organization’s legal
documentation through the
system (Resolution, Articles of
Association, Memorandum of
Association). Our advisors will
also reach out to you to present
our existing lease options.
Step three
You will need to sign the legal
documentation and finalize the
lease process and payments
by visiting Masdar City Free
Zone’s One-Stop-Shop or
through courier service.
Finally, we will issue your
license and certificate of
registration/incorporation,
which you will be able to
access on our e-services
platform.
Masdar City Free Zone offers the following legal structures
The Masdar City Free Zone offers the following legal structures:
A free zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
A branch of a foreign or offshore company
A branch of a UAE-based company
license options
You can choose from one of these license options:
Renewable Energy
Clean tech &
information &
communication tech
Marketing and events
Human Resources
Energy
Healthcare Services
Service Providers
Property
development
services
Regional HQ,
trading and
holding
companies
Business center or data center
Oil and Gas Services
Retail, Food, and Beverage
Free Zone Packages
At the Masdar City Free Zone, we’ve created specialized packages in response to emerging market trends.
We offer competitive pricing, a dynamic and innovative environment, and comprehensive support to ensure that you and your business can thrive.
Main Packages
Start-Lite
Package
A cost-effective solution designed for start-ups with lighter needs (single shareholder).
No Registration Fee 1
Visa Eligibility: 1
2 1 Activities
License Fee Starting from 7,000AED
-
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Start-up
Package
Designed to support start-up ventures and foster innovation.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: 2
Up to 5 Activities
License Fee Starting from 10,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Business
Package
Maximizes flexibility for companies with specific requirements, and available to both new and existing businesses.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Minimum 2 or more
Up to 6 Activities
License Fee Starting from 14,000AED
Lease Starting from 10,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Special Packages
Women
Entrepreneurship
Package
Exclusively for women entrepreneurs, designed to drive growth of women-led companies in the UAE.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: 1
Up to 5 Activities
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Space Zone
Package
Helps space industry startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs scale and realize their full potential.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Depending on lease
1 Activity
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 10,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
SAVI Package
The Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries cluster is transforming the transportation landscape across air, land, and sea.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Depending on lease
Up to 5 1 Activities
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Terms & conditions apply
1Except special activities under segments; 1.11 Associations (Non-Profit Organizations), 5.1 Service Providers, 5.3 Regional Head Quarters, 16 Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Field and Facilities Services, 22 Retail and, 24 Space.
Remarks
• Fees are in AED.
• The above charges are subject to 5% VAT.
• Activities will be limited and subject to approval.
• AED 1,000 will be added for special names, subject to DED approval.
• Charges for extra activities are AED 2,500 per (for each) general activity and AED 5,000 per (for each) special activity.
Commercial leasing options
Masdar City leases office space to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to multi-nationals.
Options include flexi-desks in a shared workspace, serviced and executive offices, and larger core and shell units.
Large organizations also have the option of partnering with Masdar City to develop bespoke commercial space. Many examples, including the HQ buildings for Siemens Energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Tabreed are available in our Built to Suit brochure.
Virtual Desk
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
6,000 AED
per year
Flexidesk
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
10,000 AED
per year
VISA FEES
You can choose from one of these visa fees options:
Immigration Establishment Card
1,500 AED
One time fee
eChannels Registration*3
2,500 AED
One time charge
Employment Visa Deposit*4
2,500 AED
Refundable
Employment Visa Package - 2 Year Visa
3,050 AED
Excluding Medical FitnessTest & Emirates ID
In country - Issue Entry Permit while applicant is in the UAE
800 AED
If applicable
Local Amendment/ Change Status
Residency stamping while applicant is in the UAE
900 AED
If applicable
Medical
350 AED
One time fee
Emirates ID Charges
450 AED
For 2 years
Terms & conditions apply
*1 Except segments: 1.11, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 16, 22 & 24
*2 Start-ups package client convert to signature package upon completion of 3 years
*3 Annual renewal fee for eChannel is AED 1,6000/-
*4 Employment Visa Deposit of AED 2,500 applicable per employee. Which will be released after visa cancellation
*5 A refundable security deposit equal to 2 months rent is required for Flexi Desk Leases
The above mentioned rates are inclusive of 5% VAT, except for lease
Submit your Beneficial Owner Declaration
In accordance with Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023 on regulating the beneficial owner procedures and Cabinet Decision No. (132) of 2023 Concerning the Administrative Penalties against Violators of The Provisions of the Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023 on regulating the beneficial owner procedures, all registered businesses are required to declare submit and maintain a record of their beneficial ownership to avoid potential financial and administrative sanctions, including warnings and in case of repeated violations fines of up to AED 100,000 and suspension of trade license.
Who is a Beneficial Owner?
The Beneficial Owner of a legal person is an individual who owns or exercises ultimate control over a legal person, through shareholding (direct or indirect ownership) of 25% or more of the legal person’s capital, or has the right to vote in it by 25% or more, including holding that ownership through a chain of ownership or control, or through control by any other means, such as the right to appoint or dismiss the majority of their Directors
Please note that the following entities are exempt from the requirements of this circular:
- Companies wholly owned by the Federal or Local Government or any other companies wholly owned by such companies.
- Financial Free Zones.
- Governmental Partner.
Required Information:
According to the Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023:
The Beneficial Owner's Record shall include the data of each Beneficial Owner, as follows:
- The full name, nationality, and date and place of birth.
- The place of residence or the address to which notifications are to be sent under this Decision.
- The number of the travel document or the identity card, as well as the country and date of issuance and expiry.
- The basis and date on which the person became Beneficial Owner of the legal person.
- The date on which the Person ceased to be a Beneficial Owner of the legal person.
Anti-Money Laundering Crimes Legislations - Ministry of Economy UAE
ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) announced the launch of an awareness and monitoring
campaign to encourage Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)
registered in the UAE to register in the system of Financial Intelligence Unit
(goAML) . The campaign also encourages these target groups to register in the system
of Committee for Commodities Subject to Import and Export Control (Automatic
Reporting System for Sanctions Lists), and to adopt measures related to both,
stipulated by the Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on combating money laundering crimes
and financing of terrorism and illegal organizations, and the regulations and
relevant decisions regarding their implementation.
We urge you to register for free in the goAML system to file suspicious transaction
reports (STRs) and to register at the automated reporting system for sanctions lists
within 10 working days of receiving this notification and start using the
aforementioned systems immediately according to the requirements. You will find the
details here.
Note: In the event that you do not adhere to the above-mentioned systems during the
prescribed period, your registration license will be suspended.
For more inquiries about registering in the two systems, please contact Ministry of
Economy via the e-mail [email protected] or via phone number 8001222
For legislation, guidance, and instructions related to anti-money laundering and
combating financing of terrorism, please visit the Ministry of Economy website at:
https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/aml
Telemarketing Regulations
Masdar City Free Zone offers the following legal structures
The Masdar City Free Zone offers the following legal structures:
A free zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
A branch of a foreign or offshore company
A branch of a UAE-based company
license options
You can choose from one of these license options:
Renewable Energy
Clean tech &
information &
communication tech
Marketing and events
Human Resources
Energy
Healthcare Services
Service Providers
Property
development
services
Regional HQ,
trading and
holding
companies
Business center or data center
Oil and Gas Services
Retail, Food, and Beverage
Free Zone Packages
At the Masdar City Free Zone, we’ve created specialized packages in response to emerging market trends.
We offer competitive pricing, a dynamic and innovative environment, and comprehensive support to ensure that you and your business can thrive.
Main Packages
Start-Lite
Package
A cost-effective solution designed for start-ups with lighter needs (single shareholder).
No Registration Fee 1
Visa Eligibility: 1
2 1 Activities
License Fee Starting from 7,000AED
-
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Start-up
Package
Designed to support start-up ventures and foster innovation.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: 2
Up to 5 Activities
License Fee Starting from 10,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Business
Package
Maximizes flexibility for companies with specific requirements, and available to both new and existing businesses.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Minimum 2 or more
Up to 6 Activities
License Fee Starting from 14,000AED
Lease Starting from 10,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Special Packages
Women
Entrepreneurship
Package
Exclusively for women entrepreneurs, designed to drive growth of women-led companies in the UAE.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: 1
Up to 5 Activities
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Space Zone
Package
Helps space industry startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs scale and realize their full potential.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Depending on lease
1 Activity
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 10,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
SAVI Package
The Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries cluster is transforming the transportation landscape across air, land, and sea.
3,000 AED
One time registration fee
Visa Eligibility: Depending on lease
Up to 5 1 Activities
License Fee Starting from 6,000AED
Lease Starting from 6,000AED
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact our Support services
Terms & conditions apply
1Except special activities under segments; 1.11 Associations (Non-Profit Organizations), 5.1 Service Providers, 5.3 Regional Head Quarters, 16 Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Field and Facilities Services, 22 Retail and, 24 Space.
Remarks
• Fees are in AED.
• The above charges are subject to 5% VAT.
• Activities will be limited and subject to approval.
• AED 1,000 will be added for special names, subject to DED approval.
• Charges for extra activities are AED 2,500 per (for each) general activity and AED 5,000 per (for each) special activity.
Commercial leasing options
Masdar City leases office space to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and SMEs to multi-nationals.
Options include flexi-desks in a shared workspace, serviced and executive offices, and larger core and shell units.
Large organizations also have the option of partnering with Masdar City to develop bespoke commercial space. Many examples, including the HQ buildings for Siemens Energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Tabreed are available in our Built to Suit brochure.
Virtual Desk
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
6,000 AED
per year
Flexidesk
An independent legal entity with a mixture of both individual and corporate shareholders.
10,000 AED
per year
VISA FEES
You can choose from one of these visa fees options:
Immigration Establishment Card
1,500 AED
One time fee
eChannels Registration*3
2,500 AED
One time charge
Employment Visa Deposit*4
2,500 AED
Refundable
Employment Visa Package - 2 Year Visa
3,050 AED
Excluding Medical FitnessTest & Emirates ID
In country - Issue Entry Permit while applicant is in the UAE
800 AED
If applicable
Local Amendment/ Change Status
Residency stamping while applicant is in the UAE
900 AED
If applicable
Medical
350 AED
One time fee
Emirates ID Charges
450 AED
For 2 years
Terms & conditions apply
*1 Except segments: 1.11, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 16, 22 & 24
*2 Start-ups package client convert to signature package upon completion of 3 years
*3 Annual renewal fee for eChannel is AED 1,6000/-
*4 Employment Visa Deposit of AED 2,500 applicable per employee. Which will be released after visa cancellation
*5 A refundable security deposit equal to 2 months rent is required for Flexi Desk Leases
The above mentioned rates are inclusive of 5% VAT, except for lease
Submit your Beneficial Owner Declaration
In accordance with Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023 on regulating the beneficial owner procedures and Cabinet Decision No. (132) of 2023 Concerning the Administrative Penalties against Violators of The Provisions of the Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023 on regulating the beneficial owner procedures, all registered businesses are required to declare submit and maintain a record of their beneficial ownership to avoid potential financial and administrative sanctions, including warnings and in case of repeated violations fines of up to AED 100,000 and suspension of trade license.
Who is a Beneficial Owner?
The Beneficial Owner of a legal person is an individual who owns or exercises ultimate control over a legal person, through shareholding (direct or indirect ownership) of 25% or more of the legal person’s capital, or has the right to vote in it by 25% or more, including holding that ownership through a chain of ownership or control, or through control by any other means, such as the right to appoint or dismiss the majority of their Directors
Please note that the following entities are exempt from the requirements of this circular:
- Companies wholly owned by the Federal or Local Government or any other companies wholly owned by such companies.
- Financial Free Zones.
- Governmental Partner.
Required Information:
According to the Cabinet Decision No. (109) of 2023:
The Beneficial Owner's Record shall include the data of each Beneficial Owner, as follows:
- The full name, nationality, and date and place of birth.
- The place of residence or the address to which notifications are to be sent under this Decision.
- The number of the travel document or the identity card, as well as the country and date of issuance and expiry.
- The basis and date on which the person became Beneficial Owner of the legal person.
- The date on which the Person ceased to be a Beneficial Owner of the legal person.
Anti-Money Laundering Crimes Legislations - Ministry of Economy UAE
ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) announced the launch of an awareness and monitoring
campaign to encourage Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)
registered in the UAE to register in the system of Financial Intelligence Unit
(goAML) . The campaign also encourages these target groups to register in the system
of Committee for Commodities Subject to Import and Export Control (Automatic
Reporting System for Sanctions Lists), and to adopt measures related to both,
stipulated by the Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on combating money laundering crimes
and financing of terrorism and illegal organizations, and the regulations and
relevant decisions regarding their implementation.
We urge you to register for free in the goAML system to file suspicious transaction
reports (STRs) and to register at the automated reporting system for sanctions lists
within 10 working days of receiving this notification and start using the
aforementioned systems immediately according to the requirements. You will find the
details here.
Note: In the event that you do not adhere to the above-mentioned systems during the
prescribed period, your registration license will be suspended.
For more inquiries about registering in the two systems, please contact Ministry of
Economy via the e-mail [email protected] or via phone number 8001222
For legislation, guidance, and instructions related to anti-money laundering and
combating financing of terrorism, please visit the Ministry of Economy website at:
https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/aml
Telemarketing Regulations
You chose
A free zone Limited
Liability Company (LLC)
- Set-up
- License
- Package
- Leasing
- Visa
You chose
A free zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Set-up
- License
- Package
- Leasing
- Visa
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