MASDAR CITY
FREE ZONE
MASDAR CITY
FREE ZONE
Foreign investors looking for one of the most cost-effective options of business setup in Abu Dhabi can apply for a license in Masdar City free zone. The process of business setup in Masdar City free zone allows SMEs, startups and MNCs to grow and prosper in a collaborative environment that links business with research and knowledge. Masdar City free zone offers a unique location for foreign investors in Masdar City, which is one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments.
Masdar City free zone is an investment destination that enables innovation in sustainability by integrating education, research & development, investment and business opportunities. The free zone is strategically located at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asian markets and is supported by a strong global logistics and transport network. Masdar City offers world-class infrastructure, cost-effective business setup packages, excellent connectivity and an easy registration process. Moreover, the free zone is set to expand the net leasable area for the benefit of investors and entrepreneurs. Consult with business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to avail all of the unparalleled benefits offered by the Abu Dhabi free zones.
Types of Legal Entities in Masdar City
Masdar City free zone allows foreign investors to choose a legal structure appropriate for their proposed company. Investors need to assess the number of shareholders and type of shareholders allowed for each legal form to efficiently undertake the process of business setup in Masdar City. Business setup consultants in UAE can help entrepreneurs choose the right legal structure. Masdar City free zone recognises the following types of legal entities:
Free Zone Limited Liability Company
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Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) is one of the most popular forms of legal entity that can be established in Masdar City. An FZ LLC can be opened in Masdar City with at least two shareholders. The shareholders can be either individuals or corporate entities. Choosing the best business setup services in Abu Dhabi will simplify the process of FZ LLC company formation.
Branch of a Foreign Company
A branch company formation in Masdar City is the easiest route for foreign entities to establish their presence in the Middle East region. The legal identity of a branch office is not separate from its parent company, which means the activities of the branch and the parent company should match. Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi can help foreign companies set up a branch office without any hassle.
Branch of a UAE Company
Companies registered within the UAE are allowed to incorporate a branch office within Masdar City free zone. Branch offices are required to carry out all or some of the activities of their parent company. Business setup advisers in Abu Dhabi can guide the companies on the process of branch company formation.
Also Read: Key Reasons to Set up a Business in Masdar City Free Zone
Core Business Segments in Masdar City
Foreign investors need not worry about choosing a license in Masdar City as the free zone offers a wide range of business activities. Foreign investors need to be meticulous while choosing an activity as it is the most crucial aspect of business setup in the UAE. Selecting the wrong activity may adversely impact the business plan and it is advisable to hire the services of business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi. Stated below are some of the popular business segments for which license applications are accepted in Masdar City:
- Renewable Energy
- Clean Tech and ICT
- Marketing and Events
- Human Resources
- Energy Industry
- Healthcare Services
- Service Providers
- Property Development Services
- Regional HQ, trading and holding companies
- Business Centre and Data Centres
- Oil and Gas Services
- Retail, Food and Beverage
Business & Leasing Options in Masdar City
Masdar City free zone has designed world-class facilities ideal for all types of businesses. The state-of-the-art infrastructure in Masdar City can be leased by developers, investors and occupiers depending on their business requirements. The free zone offers a diverse range of options, from buying or leasing development plots to creating robust office and retail spaces. Leasing in Masdar City can be made easier by availing of bespoke business setup services in Abu Dhabi. Mentioned below are the facilities available for company formation in Masdar City:
Bespoke Office Spaces
The office spaces in Masdar City have been designed to cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to SMEs and multinational companies (MNCs). Office space options in Masdar City include Flexi desks in a shared workspace, serviced and executive offices and larger core and shell units.
Sizable Plots of Land
Developers can buy or lease plots of land in Masdar City to develop their ambitious projects. They get a golden opportunity to build projects that enhance Masdar City’s theme of mixed-use community living, with the core focus on sustainability. More guidance on leasing can be obtained from business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi.
Build to suit Spaces
Masdar City allows large organisations to partner with the free zone to develop bespoke spaces that suit all kinds of business requirements. Such spaces are ideal for commercial, retail, residential, recreational, educational, healthcare and corporate activities. Investors get help from a dedicated at Masdar City who will design and deliver a finished project within the specific business, technical, and financial parameters.
Business Setup Packages in Masdar City
The cost of business setup in Masdar City is affordable for companies of all sizes thanks to a wide range of licensing packages offered by the free zone. Foreign investors can choose a suitable package based on their proposed company’s activities and financial plan. Exact costs and requirements can be obtained from business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi. Here is a list of cost-effective business setup packages in the Masdar City free zone:
Package A
This package allows entrepreneurs to set up a business in Masdar City for as low as AED 1000. The package comes with two business activities and zero visas. Apply for a license through company setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to obtain this package without any hassle.
Package B
The cost of business setup in Masdar City under Package B starts from as low as AED 7,000. Up to four activities are allowed under Package B. Moreover, investors can apply for one visa under this package. Consult with company formation consultants in Abu Dhabi to know further about this cost-effective business setup package.
Package C
The cost of company formation in Masdar City under this package starts from as low as AED 12,000. Package C permits a total of five activities to be carried out within the free zone. The package comes with up to two visas. Business Setup advisers in Abu Dhabi can help investors meet the requirements for this package.
Women Entrepreneurship Program
Masdar City offers an affordable package specifically created to support the business aspirations of women entrepreneurs in the region. The package can be availed at a licensing fee of AED 6,000, which is one of the most affordable tariffs in available the country. The package offers up to four activities and one visa.
Process of Business Setup in Masdar City
The process of company registration in Masdar City is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps. Investors must submit all the mandatory documents to expedite the process. The process can be completed quickly by executing the following steps:
- Select a business activity
- Determine a legal structure
- Propose a company name
- Submit the documents
- Sign the leasing agreement
- Receive a trade license, keys to facilities
- Apply for Visa
- Open a corporate bank account
Benefits of Business Setup in Masdar City
The free zone status of Masdar City allows foreign investors to avail of numerous preferential advantages, including:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No corporate tax, no personal income tax
- Zero import duty
- Quick and easy set-up
- Strategic location close to Abu Dhabi International Airport
- A one-stop solution for business setup services in Abu Dhabi
- Complete repatriation of capital & profits
- Easy connectivity into local, regional and international markets
- Access to R&D hub
- Cost-effective licenses & affordable office spaces
Compliance Requirements in Masdar City Free Zone
Companies licensed by Masdar City free zone are required to abide by certain critical compliance requirements such as Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT). Even companies undergoing liquidation in Masdar City free zone are required to meet UBO and ESR obligations. Failing to comply with ESR, UBO and AML-CFT requirements will lead to hefty penalties along with other consequences such as suspension of trade license and sharing of information with foreign competent authorities. Consult with business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
Choose the Best Business Setup Services in Abu Dhabi
Even though the process of business setup in Masdar City is straightforward and flexible, going solo for company formation is not a sensible idea. Foreign investors who apply for a license without expert assistance may struggle with complex requirements of business setup in Abu Dhabi such as determining a legal structure, drafting and translating legal documents, visa processing, immigration clearance etc. This is why it makes business sense to choose the best business setup services in Abu Dhabi from Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC).
JBC is one of the leading business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE with over 20 years of commendable experience. We have a team of highly qualified company setup advisers who can help the investors navigate the complexities of UAE Immigration laws and labour laws. JBC has helped numerous SMEs, startups, individual entrepreneurs and MNCs to establish their presence in the UAE without any hassle. Our bespoke company formation services in the UAE include company registration & licensing, visa processing, bank account opening, VAT compliance, ESR compliance, UBO compliance and AML-CFT compliance.