Why Choose Masdar City Free Zone?
Build your business in a certified sustainable city designed for long-term growth
100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation
0% personal income tax
Access to Abu Dhabi’s innovation, R&D and clean energy network
Streamlined free zone setup with flexible office solutions
Masdar City Free Zone – An Overview
Masdar City Free Zone is a strategically located business jurisdiction in Abu Dhabi, designed to support companies operating in sustainability-led, technology-driven and research-focused sectors. Masdar City Free Zone is built around certified green infrastructure, with most developments meeting Estidama-3 Pearl standards and a few others achieving LEED platinum certifications. According to Masdar, buildings within the free zone consume around 40% less energy and water than conventional urban developments, translating into long-term operational efficiency rather than short-term incentives.
From a regulatory and commercial perspective, Masdar City Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits and a clear licensing framework suitable for service-based, technology and clean-energy businesses. Its structured environment and sustainability-first planning make it a practical option for founders considering company formation in UAE, particularly those prioritizing compliance, cost control and operational stability.
Business licenses at Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone offers four license types to suit various business needs:
Service License
Allows businesses to provide professional, consultancy and support services.
Commercial License
Permits companies to conduct trading, import, export and distribution activities.
Industrial License
Enables companies to carry out light manufacturing, assembly or related activities.
Freelancer License
Allows individuals to operate independently as sole professionals, offering approved services under their own name.
Success Starts Here
A Certified Sustainable Free Zone Awaits You
Masdar Office Space Solutions
Find the perfect workspace to match your business needs with flexible and modern options
Flexi-desk
Cost-effective shared desk access within a professional environment.
Co-working Spaces
Flexible shared environments that encourage networking and collaboration.
Virtual Offices
A registered business address with mail handling and administrative support, without the need for a physical work space.
Serviced Offices
Fully furnished office spaces pre-equipped with modern amenities
Executive Offices
Premium office spaces designed for a refined work setting.
How it Works
Set up your Masdar City Free Zone company in three simple steps
Get a Quote
Receive a customized business setup plan based on your needs.
Register Your Business
Submit your application and complete the necessary registration steps.
Start Operating
Receive your business license and begin operations smoothly.
Process to Obtain Your Masdar City Free Zone License
We guide you through the following steps to help you with your Masdar City Free Zone company registration:
1. Choose Your Legal Structure
Decide on the legal entity type, such as Branch, FZE, or FZC, based on shareholders and liability structure.
2. Define Your Business Activity
Select from Masdar City Free Zone’s approved business categories that align with your operations.
3. Select an Office Solution
Choose from flexi-desks or private office spaces, based on your business requirements.
4. Secure Necessary Approvals
Some business activities require prior approvals; others allow direct licensing.
5. Submit Your License Application
Submit the necessary documents and apply for a business license based on your activity.
6. Obtain Your Business License
Upon approval, receive your license and workspace lease agreement from Masdar City Free Zone.
Note: The process may vary depending on your business activity and regulatory requirements.
Residence Visa Process for Masdar City Free Zone
Once your business license is issued, we handle the entire visa application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Step 1: Establishment Card Application
We initiate and process your company’s establishment card, a mandatory requirement for visa applications.
Step 2: E-Visa Application
Our team handles the e-visa application, ensuring all necessary documents are submitted, including:
- Business license
- Establishment card
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Current visa or cancellation paper (if applicable)
Step 3: E-Visa Issuance and UAE Entry
Once the e-visa is issued, you may use it to enter the UAE from overseas. If you are inside the UAE at the time of application, Masdar City Free Zone will issue an e-visa plus a change of status. A change of status simply means your visa status is updated from within the UAE, without you needing to exit and re-enter the country.
Step 4: Complete Medical Test
We will schedule your medical test. Ensure you have the required documents:
- Original passport
- E-visa copy
- Passport-size photos
- Change of status confirmation (if inside the UAE)
Step 5: Emirates ID Biometrics
We guide you through the biometric registration process for your Emirates ID. Required documents include:
- Original passport
- E-visa copy
- Passport-size photos
- Medical test results
- Emirates ID application
- Change of status confirmation (if applicable)
Step 6: Residence Visa & Emirates ID Issuance
Once your visa is approved, we will ensure you receive your Emirates ID, which serves as proof of residency in the UAE.
With Zone10X, you don’t have to worry about complex paperwork; we handle everything for you from corporate tax registration in the UAE to helping business owners open business accounts online. Get in touch today, and let’s get your Masdar City Free Zone company registration processed 10x more smoothly! Get in touch with our team to guide you through the Masdar City Free Zone license cost.
At this stage, you can also consider additional services like Zone10x’s accounting and bookkeeping services in the UAE.
Documents Required for Masdar City Free Zone Company Formation
The following documents are required to set up a company at Masdar City Free Zone. Requirements may vary based on the business activity and free zone regulations.
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- UAE entry stamp, visit visa copy, or residence visa copy
- Proof of address for shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- Passport-sized photograph of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and compliance form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Trade license (if applicable)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board resolution
- Certificate of Incumbency/Good Standing
- Documents mentioned above for each individual shareholder
Upon submission of the required documents, the free zone will issue:
- Business License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Shared-desk Agreement (if applicable)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
Our Banking Partners
We work closely with the following banks for opening bank accounts for our clients
