Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Business Setup
Established in 1987 and relaunched as UAQ FTZ in 2014, it is one of the most affordable and entrepreneur friendly free zones in the UAE.UAQ FTZ has won recognition as the best free zone for startups and SMEs and holds the Highest Investor Satisfaction Award in its category.
Packages From AED 12,500
One of the most affordable free zone setups in the UAE, with packages including a licence and one UAE residence visa.
100% Remote Setup
Register your company without visiting the UAE. Straightforward setups can be completed in as little as 1 working day.
Dual Licence Option
A company with a commercial licence can add a consultancy licence without setting up a second entity.
Award Winning Free Zone
Best Free Zone for Startups and SMEs, and holder of the Highest Investor Satisfaction Award in its category.
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Why Choose UAQ Free Trade Zone
UAQ FTZ is a designated free zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023, located between Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, just 40 minutes from Dubai Airport and under an hour from Sharjah International Airport.
It pairs one of the lowest entry costs in the UAE with no audit requirement and a fully remote setup, which is why it is consistently recognised as a leading free zone for startups and SMEs.
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Established 1987, relaunched 2014. A designated UAE free zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023.
- One of the most affordable free zone setups in the UAE, with packages from AED 12,500 including a licence and visa
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or partner required
- Designated free zone status with relevant corporate tax benefits
- Zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax on qualifying income
- Zero currency restrictions and full repatriation of capital and profits
- No investment sector limitations
- 100% remote company setup without visiting the UAE
- Business setup completed as fast as 1 working day in straightforward cases
- Zero visa package available with option to add visas later
- Dual licence option: a commercial licence can add a consultancy licence without a second entity
- No annual audit report required for UAQ FTZ companies
- Located just 40 minutes from Dubai Airport and under 1 hour from Sharjah International Airport
- Direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road between exits 103 and 110
- Award winning: Best Free Zone for Startups and SMEs and Highest Investor Satisfaction Award
Who Should Set Up in UAQ Free Zone
These are the licence types and company structures available at UAQ FTZ, and the businesses that most commonly choose the zone.
Licence Types at UAQ Free Zone
6- Commercial Licence: buying and selling goods within or outside the UAE, authorising import, export, storage and distribution.
- General Trading Licence: a sub-category of the commercial licence allowing trade across a broad range of products.
- Consultancy and Service Licence: management consulting, IT, marketing, finance, legal advisory and education. Can be combined with a commercial licence in the same entity.
- Industrial Licence: manufacturing, assembly and production. A physical warehouse or industrial unit is mandatory.
- Freelancer Permit: individual professionals in media, IT, consulting and creative fields.
- Dual Licence Option: a unique UAQ FTZ feature letting a commercial licence holder add a consultancy licence to the same company.
Company Structures at UAQ Free Zone
3- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): single shareholder structure for solo entrepreneurs and individual investors. Minimum share capital of AED 300,000 (300 shares at AED 1,000 each) reflected in statutory documents rather than an immediate bank deposit.
- Free Zone Company (FZC): two or more shareholders, suitable for partnerships and joint ventures.
- UAQ FTZ Branch: extension of an existing company registered outside the UAQ FTZ. No minimum share capital required for branch structures.
Startups and Entrepreneurs
Low cost entry from AED 12,500 with flexible visa options and zero audit requirements make UAQ FTZ ideal for new business owners and first time UAE entrepreneurs.
SMEs and Growing Businesses
Affordable multi-year packages, dual licence capability, and scalable workspace options support businesses at different growth stages.
International Traders
Commercial licences with import, export, and distribution permissions, plus Chamber of Commerce membership for trade facilitation.
Service and Consulting Firms
Consultancy and service licences cover IT, marketing, management, finance, and professional advisory businesses at competitive rates.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Industrial licences with warehouse and land lease options make UAQ FTZ practical for light manufacturing, assembly, and production operations.
Indian and South Asian Entrepreneurs
Approximately 30% of UAQ FTZ companies are of Indian origin, making it a trusted and established destination for South Asian investors.
Our Process for UAQ Free Zone Setup
Six steps from confirming your licence type to collecting your licence and completing post-licence compliance.
Activity and Licence Review
We review your business model and identify the right UAQ FTZ licence type and package before any application is filed.
Company Name Selection
We confirm name availability and submit three preferred company names as required by UAQ FTZ for reservation.
Document Preparation and Submission
We compile passport copies, photographs, activity details, manager information, and all required documents and submit the complete application.
Package and Facility Selection
We help you choose between zero visa, starter, co-working, office, warehouse, or land options based on your activity and team needs.
Licence Issuance
We coordinate payment and collect your UAQ FTZ business licence, establishment card, and company documents.
Post-Licence Support
We assist with visa processing, Emirates ID, corporate bank account opening, VAT, corporate tax, payroll, accounting, and annual licence renewal.
UAQ Free Zone Application Checklist
Have these ready before applying so your UAQ FTZ registration can complete in the shortest possible time.
Passport copy of the owner or all shareholders
Passport-sized photograph
Three proposed company name choices
Business activity description
Manager name and contact details
Preferred facility type (co-working, office, warehouse, or land)
Number of visas required initially
Parent company documents if applying as a branch
Why Work With Us for UAQ FTZ Setup
UAQ FTZ offers structured all-inclusive packages to make company formation straightforward and transparent, including an instalment payment option that reduces the immediate financial burden of setup.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we compare every package and dual licence option, then handle the whole registration remotely on your behalf.
Package Selection Guidance
We compare all UAQ FTZ packages and dual licence options based on your activity, visa needs, and budget to find the most cost effective solution.
Remote Setup Coordination
We handle the entire setup process remotely on your behalf so you do not need to visit the UAE to register your company.
Bank Account Support
We assist with UAE corporate bank account applications and introductions to UAQ FTZ banking partners for faster account opening.
Compliance After Setup
After incorporation, we support accounting, VAT registration, corporate tax, payroll, bookkeeping, and annual licence renewal.
Zero Visa Package
The most affordable entry option. Includes the trade licence without a residence visa, for businesses not immediately needing UAE residency.
UAQ START Package
A commercial or consultancy licence with one full UAE residence visa, co-working space, e-channel registration and establishment card, from approximately AED 12,500.
Instalment Payment Option
A flexible instalment plan allowing businesses to pay a deposit upfront and clear the balance in easy instalments.
Multi-year Packages
Licences are available with minimum one year validity. Multi-year options can reduce overall costs compared to annual renewal.
Compare UAQ FTZ With Other UAE Setup Options
Umm Al Quwain offers both a free zone and a mainland route, and neighbouring emirates offer comparable low cost free zones.
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Accounting & Bookkeeping
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Keep accurate accounting records for corporate tax compliance and visa renewals after your UAQ FTZ company is formed.
UAQ Free Zone Business Setup FAQs
What is UAQ FTZ?
UAQ FTZ stands for Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone. It is a government managed free zone in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, UAE. Established in 1987 and relaunched in 2014, it is one of the most affordable and award winning free zones for startups and SMEs in the UAE.
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Ready to Set Up in Umm Al Quwain Free Zone?
Tell us your activity, visa requirement and budget, and we will confirm the right UAQ FTZ package and handle the registration remotely. Book a free consultation today.
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