DET: 6201001 Low Risk
Software Development & IT Services
Flexi-Desk eligible
Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone is a pioneering green technology business community in Abu Dhabi, supporting clean energy innovators, AI researchers, and sustainable startups.
✓ 3–6 day license turnaround✓ Digital Bank 98% Approval✓ No Annual Audit
1. Key Freezone Specifications
- Licensing Authority
- Masdar City Free Zone (MASDAR)
- Emirate
- ABU_DHABI
- License Issuance Timeline
- 3–6 working days
- Residence Visa Timeline
- 7–14 working days
- Virtual Desk / Flexi-Desk
- Available (no lease required)
- Office Threshold
- Required only for 4+ visas
- Warehouses & Industrial Units
- Commercial & desk only
- Paid-Up Share Capital
- Not required on bank deposit (0 AED)
- Annual Audit Requirement
- Exempt / Not required
- Physical Presence Required
- 100% remote company incorporation. 1-day UAE visit required only for Emirates ID biometrics.
2. Cost Breakdown & Tariffs
No Hidden Fees| Cost Item | Purpose | Official Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Company Trade License | Corporate registration & 1-year Flexi desk lease | 12,000 AED |
| Establishment Card (Immigration Card) | Company immigration file registration with GDRFA/ICP for visas | 2,000 AED |
| Residence Visa (Entry Permit + Visa Stamping) | UAE 2-year residence visa government quota & approval | ~3,600 AED / visa |
| VIP Medical & Emirates ID | VIP Medical fitness test + Emirates ID card issuance (2 yrs) | ~1,200 AED / person |
Turnkey Package Estimates:
0 Visas
12,000 AED
Pure license for tax residency or remote contracts
1 Investor Visa
18,800 AED
License + Est. Card + 1 Visa + VIP Medical & EID
2 Residence Visas
23,600 AED
For 2 partners or founder + key employee
3. Banking Assessment & Onboarding
Digital Banking (Digital Bank) 98% Approval
Tier 1: Instant remote digital approval
- • Timeline: opened in 3–7 working days
- • Multi-currency accounts (AED, USD, EUR, GBP) with zero minimum balance
- • Automated KYC verification via official freezone API
Traditional Tier-1 UAE Banks High Rating
Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, ADCB
- • Opening timeline: from 1 weeks
- • Requires personal banker meeting and proof of residential address
- • Typical average balance requirement: 25,000–50,000 AED
4. Pros & Considerations
✓ Key Advantages
- • World-famous sustainable urban development and clean energy research cluster
- • Ideal for greentech, AI, renewable energy, mobility, and ESG-focused firms
- • Proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- • Fast-track licensing with 100% foreign ownership and zero capital deposit
! Important Considerations
- • Focus on technology, sustainability, and clean innovation
- • Physical presence required for Emirates ID biometrics
5. Compatible Activities
Top business activities approved for licensing under Masdar City Free Zone
DET: 7020005 Low Risk
Management Consultancy
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 7010001 Low Risk
Holding Company & SPV
Flexi-Desk eligible
Looking for another activity? Masdar City Free Zone supports over 2,000 commercial and professional activities from the official DET classification. Contact us via WhatsApp for a tailored activity code confirmation.
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