# Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ) > MCFZ publishes 4 current packages, the lowest without stated conditions at AED 7,000 for year 1, offers up to 3 visas in a published package and requires at least a virtual office (checked 2026-10-24). Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ) is a technology, specialised and general business free zone in Abu Dhabi, licensed by Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ), the designated Company Registration and Licensing Authority under Abu Dhabi Law No. (6) of 2023; companies are registered by a Registrar appointed by the CEO of Masdar City, established in 2006. - Emirate: Abu Dhabi - Licensing authority: Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ), the designated Company Registration and Licensing Authority under Abu Dhabi Law No. (6) of 2023; companies are registered by a Registrar appointed by the CEO of Masdar City - Official website: https://masdarcityfreezone.com/ - Also known as: Masdar City - Last checked: 2026-10-24 - Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/abu-dhabi/masdar-city ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Solo, no visa (year 1): one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity | AED 7,000 (Startup Package) — Startup Package: visa quota not stated | | Founder + 1 visa (year 1): one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office | AED 17,500 (Business One Package) | | Team, 3 visas (year 1): three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office | AED 27,000 (Enterprise Package) | | Lowest package of any size, without stated conditions (year 1) | AED 7,000 (Startup Package) | | Lowest licence fee | AED 7,000 | | Largest visa quota in a package | 3 | | Minimum office | Virtual office | | Licence types | Trading, Services / consultancy, Holding, Healthcare, Freelancer, Other | | Minimum share capital | None | | Incorporation time (stated) | — | | On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No | ## Packages | Package | Year 1 | Renewal | Visa quota | Office | Includes | Excludes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Startup Package | AED 7,000 | — | — | — | License and registration | 5% VAT; Office/desk lease (required); Visa costs; Special activities; Special name fee AED 1,000 | | Innovation Package (Startup & Innovation Licence Package) | AED 12,000 | — | 2 | Flexi-desk | License and registration; Including 2 visa quota; Flexi desk lease | 5% VAT; Visa processing costs; Establishment card; eChannels registration | | Business One Package | AED 17,500 | — | 1 | Flexi-desk | One free visa; License and registration; Flexi desk lite lease; Establishment card; E-channel fees; Visa medical exam; Emirates ID application | 5% VAT; Refundable employment visa deposit AED 2,500; Refundable flexi desk deposit (2 months' rent) | | Enterprise Package | AED 27,000 | — | 3 | Flexi-desk | License and registration; Including 3 visa quota; Flexi desk plus lease | 5% VAT; Visa processing costs; Establishment card; eChannels registration | ## Identity and legal basis - Former, merged or alternative names: Masdar City - Licensing / regulating authority: Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ), the designated Company Registration and Licensing Authority under Abu Dhabi Law No. (6) of 2023; companies are registered by a Registrar appointed by the CEO of Masdar City - Parent group / government body: Masdar City (MCFZ), Abu Dhabi government entity reorganised under Abu Dhabi Law No. (6) of 2023 (formerly under Law No. (22) of 2007 establishing Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) - Zone type: Technology, Specialised, General business - Year established: 2006 - Official website: https://masdarcityfreezone.com/ - Online application portal: https://masdarcity.my.site.com/s/FZLogin - Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes Physical locations / campuses: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi (One-Stop-Shop in the Incubator Building). [1] Public contact email: info@masdarcityfreezone.com. [2] Public contact phone: 800 6239 (toll-free, +9718006239); Compliance Unit 02 815 6666. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/contact-us) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://startup.masdarcityfreezone.com/) ## Business activities - Licence types offered: Trading, Services / consultancy, Holding, Healthcare, Freelancer, Other Total number of approved activities: 1,000. [1] Activity categories offered: 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. [1] Activities included in base licence: 2. [1] Fee per additional activity: AED 2,500. [1] Activities needing another authority's approval: Banking business (approval of the Registrar); Insurance or re-insurance, insurance agent or insurance broker (approval of the Registrar); Healthcare activities (Department of Health - Abu Dhabi named as regulator); Space activities (UAE Space Agency named as regulator). [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/legal-and-regulation) ## Cost - year one - Lowest licence fee (zero-visa): AED 7,000 Establishment / immigration card fee: AED 1,600. [1] Cost per visa: AED 3,850. [2] Visa fees: Employment Visa Package (2-year) AED 3,050 excl. medical and Emirates ID; medical AED 350; Emirates ID AED 450 (2 years); in-country entry permit AED 800 and in-country residency stamping AED 900 if applicable; refundable employment visa deposit AED 2,500 per employee; one-time establishment card AED 1,600 and eChannels registration AED 2,600 per company. [1] Mandatory deposit or bank guarantee: AED 2,500. [1] Trade name reservation fee: AED 2,000. [3] Extras included: Banking guidance and bank introduction support; Golden Visa application facilitation; AWS Activate credits for start-ups (2023 factsheet). [3] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) · [2] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcity.ae/Mvc/assets/documents/MASDAR-CITY-FACTSHEET-EN-2023.pdf) ## Cost - ongoing Visa validity: 2 years. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) ## Visas and residency Visa quota rule: Visa allocation tied to workspace product: Flexi Desk Lite 1, Flexi Desk 2, Flexi Desk Plus 3, Dedicated Desk 4; larger allocations via office leases on quote. [1] Max visas without dedicated office: 4. [1] How to increase quota and cost: Move to a higher desk tier (Flexi Desk Lite -> Flexi Desk -> Flexi Desk Plus -> Dedicated Desk) or lease office space by quote; desk prices on leasing page AED 2,000 / 6,000 / 10,000 / 20,000. [1] Employee visa available: yes. [2] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [3] Golden Visa support: MCFZ facilitates and submits Golden Visa applications for eligible candidates and families via its One-Stop-Shop (since Oct 2021); long-term visas themselves are issued by ICP, not MCFZ. [4] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/commercial-leasing) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/employment-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/employment-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=899229d7_5) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/resources/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-uae-free-zone-visas-and-residency) · [4] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/government-affairs/masdar-city-free-zone-is-now-facilitating-the-process-for-golden-visas-in-the-emirate-of-abu-dhabi/) ## Office and facilities - Minimum facility requirement: Virtual office - Office / facility types: Virtual office, Flexi-desk, Serviced office Flexi-desk annual cost: AED 10,000. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) ## Legal structure and ownership - Entity types available: FZ-LLC, Branch of a foreign company, Branch of a UAE company, Special purpose vehicle, Freelancer permit - Legal system: UAE civil law - Minimum share capital: AED 0 Minimum shareholders: 1. [1] Corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [1] Foreign corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [1] Share capital must be paid in: yes. [1] Courts and arbitration: Registrar decisions: MCFZ Review Committee, then appeal to an Independent Adjudicator appointed by the LCIA; insolvency/court matters: Abu Dhabi courts; optional ADGM common-law framework via MCFZ-ADGM partnership. [1] Holding company / SPV regime: yes. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) ## Market access and customs - Physical operations on the mainland allowed without an extra licence: No Can open mainland branch: yes. [1] Customs duty in the zone: Zone states no import or export duties on goods moving through the free zone ('0% import tariffs'). Not a VAT Designated Zone. No customs procedure published. [2] Customs duty exemption details: Zone claims 0% import tariffs / no import or export duties on goods moving through the free zone. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://startup.masdarcityfreezone.com/) ## Tax status - VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list): No ## Compliance and reporting - Annual audited financial statements required by the zone: Yes - Beneficial-owner register filing required: Yes Audit exemption threshold or conditions: No turnover threshold; exemptions only for Entrepreneurship Programme companies and Special Purpose Companies (no accounts or audit filing required). [1] Audit submission deadline: Accounts audited within 6 months after the financial period end and laid before a general meeting; copy of accounts and auditors' report filed with the Registrar within 7 days after that meeting. [1] Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs): register on goAML and the sanctions reporting system. [2] Annual return and renewal documents: Annual licence renewal application at least 3 months before expiry; Audited accounts and auditors' report filed with the Registrar; Shareholder return (members holding 5% or more) when requested by MCFZ; Beneficial owner register kept up to date. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/legal-and-regulation) ## Banking - Zone offers bank-account facilitation: Yes ## Setup process and speed - Direct application without an agent: Yes Documents for an individual shareholder: Passport copies; Application forms; Business activity details; Legal incorporation documents; For branches: parent constitutional documents, board resolution, power of attorney for local representative, names of parent directors. [1] Trade name rules: Company name must end with 'Limited'; names must be acceptable to the Registrar; special names cost an extra AED 1,000 subject to DED approval. [2] Refund policy if rejected: Fees paid are not refunded if the applicant withdraws the licence application before grant. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=b175ef7a_7) ## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility Moving to larger premises: Desk tiers Flexi Desk Lite -> Flexi Desk -> Flexi Desk Plus -> Dedicated Desk, then serviced or custom-built office space by quote; start-up package clients move to a 'signature package' after 3 years. [1] Adding shareholders: Share transfers need a signed instrument of transfer and entry in the register; Articles amendments need prior MCFZ approval. No fee published. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/commercial-leasing) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) ## Freelancer and solo founder - Freelancer permit available: Yes ## Industry-specific regulation Financial services regulator and capital requirements: Banking and insurance business need Registrar approval (CRR cl. 19.1); no MCFZ financial-services regulator or capital rules published. [1] Healthcare and education approvals: Department of Health - Abu Dhabi named as a regulator; DoH also arranges medical cover for MCFZ-sponsored employees. [2] Sources: [1] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/legal-and-regulation) ## Notes and history - **Legal basis (2023):** Masdar City Free Zone is the company registration and licensing authority for businesses within the boundaries of Masdar City. According to its 2026 regulations, it operates under Abu Dhabi Law No. 6 of 2023, which reorganised Masdar City and repealed Law No. 22 of 2007, the law that set up Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=b175ef7a_7) - **Good to know:** 'Masdar City' is the name of the wider Abu Dhabi urban development; the free zone is the licensing jurisdiction inside it, and its regulations define MCFZ as the Masdar City entity that owns the free zone. [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/about/masdar-city) [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/business-licensing-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=b175ef7a_7) - **History (2026-03):** The zone's Company Registration Regulations and Employment Regulations are both titled 2025 regulations; the versions published on its website are dated March 2026 (Employment Regulations version 2.0). [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/company-registration-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=a5a8ed03_5) [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/docs/default-source/regulatory-framework/employment-regulations_2026-(exc.-revision-history)/employment-regulations_2026-(exc-revision-history).pdf?sfvrsn=899229d7_5) - **Good to know:** The zone's licence page states that special trade names carry an extra AED 1,000 fee and are subject to approval by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED). [source](https://masdarcityfreezone.com/explore/license-and-registration) - **History (2021-10):** In October 2021 the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that Masdar City Free Zone was facilitating the Golden Visa process in Abu Dhabi, with eligible applicants able to use the related services at Masdar City's One-Stop Shop. [source](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/government-affairs/masdar-city-free-zone-is-now-facilitating-the-process-for-golden-visas-in-the-emirate-of-abu-dhabi/) ## FAQ ### How much does a MCFZ licence cost? The lowest package MCFZ advertises is AED 7,000 for the first year (Startup Package). Packages differ in what they include, so check visas, office and fees before comparing. ### Does MCFZ require a physical office? The minimum facility MCFZ states is: virtual office. Facility types offered: virtual office, flexi-desk, serviced office. ### How many visas come with a MCFZ package? The largest visa quota in a package MCFZ publishes is 3. Larger quotas usually need more office space; ask the zone for the rule that applies to you. ### Is MCFZ a VAT Designated Zone? MCFZ does not appear on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones. ### What is the minimum share capital in MCFZ? MCFZ states no minimum share capital. ## Compare with - [MCFZ vs ADAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=adafz&z=masdar-city) - [MCFZ vs KEZAD](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=kezad&z=masdar-city) - [MCFZ vs INC](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=masdar-city&z=rak-innovation-city) Rules that apply to every zone: [corporate tax](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person-corporate-tax.md), [VAT Designated Zones](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/vat-designated-zones.md), [mainland access](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/free-zone-vs-mainland.md) --- Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice. --- Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.