Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)

Umm Al Quwain Free
Trade Zone

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Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is a dynamic and strategically located business hub in the United Arab Emirates. Situated just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, it offers numerous advantages for businesses, tiny and medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups.

Key Landscapes

Strategic Location: UAQ FTZ is conveniently positioned near major transportation hubs, including:

30 minutes to 1 hour drive from Dubai and Sharjah International Airports
proximity to the UAE’s primary seaports
Direct access to UAQ port

Business-Friendly Environment:

100% foreign ownership allowed
0% corporate and personal tax (subject to meeting specific requirements)
100% repatriation of capital and profits
No currency restrictions
100% import and export tax exemption within the Free Zone

Infrastructure: The free zone provides modern facilities, including offices, warehouses, and land plots for industrial use

Benefits for Startups and SMEs

UAQ FTZ is particularly attractive for startups and SMEs due to:

Cost-effective leasing options
Low operational costs
Simplified registration process
No minimum capital requirements
Supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs

Diverse Business Activities: UAQ FTZ offers over 1500 business activities, catering to a wide range of industries

1 Commercial License

2 General Trading License

3 Service License

4 Freelance Permit

5 General Trading

6 Industrial License

Recent Developments

As of 2023, UAQ FTZ has been officially recognised as a designated free zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023, enhancing its appeal for businesses seeking advantageous fiscal and regulatory conditions

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone offers a compelling package of benefits, including strategic location, tax advantages, diverse business options, and supportive infrastructure. Its recognition as a designated free zone further cements its position as an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE.

The company setup procedure in Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) involves several key steps:

Choose Your Business Activity and Legal Entity

First, determine the type of business activity you plan to undertake

UAQ FTZ offers over 1,500 business activities across various sectors, including trading, manufacturing, and consulting

Then, select an appropriate legal entity:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE): For single shareholders
Free Zone Company (FZC): For two to fifty shareholders
Branch of an Existing Company

All entities in UAQ FTZ have limited liability (LLC) and must appoint a natural person as manager, director, and secretary.

Name Reservation and Documentation

Reserve your preferred business name and ensure it complies with UAQ FTZ naming conventions.

Prepare the required documents, which typically include:

Completed application form
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Business plan
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (for UAE residents)
Memorandum and Articles of Association

Application Submission and Review

Submit your application and documentation to the UAQ Free Trade Zone authorities.

The authorities will review your application and notify you of additional requirements or steps.

Pay Registration Fees

Upon approval, pay the relevant registration and licensing fees. The minimum share capital requirement is AED 300,000, comprising 300 shares of AED 1,000 each.

License Issuance

After payment and verification of documents, the UAQ Free Trade Zone Authority will issue your company’s trade license

This grants you the legal right to conduct business activities within the free zone.

Additional Steps

Lease Premises: If required, lease office space, warehouses, or land from UAQ FTZ
Visa Processing: Initiate visa applications for yourself and employees if needed
Open a Bank Account: Set up a corporate bank account to manage your business finances

Timeframe and Costs

The average UAQ FTZ company setup timeframe is approximately 3-5 days for individual shareholders.

Costs vary depending on the type of license and additional services required. License fees start from AED 13,900 for a primary Flexi-desk type of Company Setup in UAQFTZ, which is approximately AED 13,900 (USD 3,690).

By following these steps and working with the UAQ Free Trade Zone authorities, our business setup consultants will efficiently set up your company and begin operations in this strategically located free zone.