Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)
1987
9K+
UAQ
Physical Address
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
About Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)
An accessible and cost-effective free zone offering flexible business setup options, ideal for startups and SMEs seeking affordable entry into the UAE market
About Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)
Established in 2008 as a dedicated free trade zone in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, UAQFTZ emerged as a strategic business destination offering entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international corporations an enabling environment to establish and grow their ventures with exceptional cost advantages and operational benefits. The free zone was conceived with a practical vision to create a business-friendly ecosystem where companies could operate with full ownership, enjoy tax exemptions, and benefit from streamlined procedures while accessing regional and global markets. UAQFTZ, as the governing authority, consistently focused on creating an environment that balanced commercial practicality with strategic advantages, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for businesses seeking to optimize their operational costs while maintaining full business functionality and market access.
What distinguished UAQFTZ was its dedicated focus on cost-effective business facilitation and its commitment to maintaining some of the UAE’s most competitive cost structures. The free zone featured a progressive licensing framework that accommodated various business models—from freelancers and entrepreneurs to SMEs and international corporations—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of businesses at different stages of their development journey. This practical approach was complemented by diverse facilities including offices, warehouses, land parcels, and specialized zones that supported various business activities from trading and services to light manufacturing and assembly operations. The zone’s strategic location in Umm Al Quwain, with its lower cost of living, excellent connectivity to major UAE commercial centers, and business-friendly environment, created an enabling ecosystem for companies seeking to optimize operational expenses while maintaining full business functionality and market access.
Business Park Ecosystem
UAQFTZ developed a dynamic business ecosystem supporting diverse commercial activities through specialized zones—Main Business Centre, Industrial Area, and Logistics Park. This integrated environment created a collaborative community where businesses could establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The free zone’s business model accommodated multiple operational approaches—from virtual offices and flexi-desks for startups and entrepreneurs to dedicated offices, warehouses, and land parcels for established companies and growing enterprises, offering tailored solutions that aligned with specific business requirements and operational objectives in the evolving commercial landscape.
The free zone’s ecosystem emphasized business enablement through a combination of specialized facilities, supportive frameworks, and essential services. This approach created an environment where companies could focus on core activities while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive business facilitation and administrative assistance. Supporting this core approach was a complete service platform including company formation, visa processing, facility provision, and operational support that enhanced the capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and practical solutions designed specifically for business optimization and sustainable growth in the competitive global marketplace.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the UAQ free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose UAQ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Exceptional Cost Advantage
One of the UAE's most affordable free zones with exceptionally competitive setup and operational costs, offering some of the most economical licensing packages, facility rates, and service fees in the country.
Strategic Location
Advantageous position in the northern emirates with excellent connectivity to Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, providing strategic access to major markets while maintaining cost advantages.
Rapid Setup Process
One of the fastest company formation processes in the UAE with streamlined procedures, minimal documentation requirements, and expedited approvals enabling quick business establishment.
Flexible Business Solutions
Diverse facility options including virtual offices, flexi-desks, dedicated offices, warehouses, industrial units, and land parcels, accommodating different business types and operational scales with appropriate infrastructure.
Specialized Business Zones
Three distinct business zones (Main Business Centre, Industrial Area, and Logistics Park) catering to specific business sectors with specialized facilities, services, and operational environments.
Comprehensive Business Support
Dedicated business support services addressing various needs including company formation, visa processing, facility management, and administrative assistance throughout the business lifecycle.
Zero Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement for business establishment, removing financial barriers to entry and enabling entrepreneurs to formalize their operations without significant initial investment.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your business without local partner requirements, giving international entrepreneurs and companies full control over operations, direction, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties, and absence of currency restrictions enhancing business profitability.
Streamlined Business Processes
Efficient administrative procedures, simplified documentation requirements, and expedited approval processes reducing bureaucratic complexity and operational delays.
Customs Facilitation
Streamlined customs procedures, efficient import/export processing, and dedicated customs support facilitating international trade operations and cross-border commercial activities.
Business Community Environment
Growing community of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international companies creating networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and collaborative possibilities within the business ecosystem.
Lower Living Costs
Significantly lower cost of living in Umm Al Quwain compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enabling business owners and employees to enjoy reduced personal expenses and improved quality of life.
Proximity to Major Markets
Strategic proximity to major UAE markets including Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, providing efficient access to customers, suppliers, and business partners across the northern emirates.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 20-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)
Initial Business Consultation
1 day
Engage with UAQFTZ consultants to discuss your business objectives, operational needs, and facility requirements. This consultation addresses how your business can benefit from UAQFTZ's ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Commercial, Industrial, Service, General Trading, or E-commerce) based on your core business activities and operational objectives within the commercial landscape.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your commercial focus and operational objectives, ensuring proper categorization within UAQFTZ's licensing framework.
Company Name Reservation
1 day
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Business Facility Selection
1 day
Identify and select your required business facilities based on your operations and budget considerations, choosing from virtual offices, flexi-desks, dedicated offices, warehouses, industrial units, or land parcels.
Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, business plans, company profiles, and operational information according to UAQFTZ requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, shareholder details, and selected business activities to initiate the formal review process with UAQFTZ Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, business plans, company profiles, and operational information through the UAQFTZ application portal or service center.
Application Review
1-2 days
Your application undergoes review by UAQFTZ authorities who evaluate business credentials, operational focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's development strategy.
Initial Approval
1 day
Receive initial approval for your business in UAQFTZ, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific commercial activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected business facility, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in UAQFTZ.
License Issuance
1 day
Receive your UAQFTZ business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and commercial functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased business facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your commercial operations.
Facility Setup
2-5 days
Prepare your business facility for operations including office setup, equipment installation, or operational area preparation according to your business requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
1-2 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for employees and dependents according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from UAQFTZ's visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your business including transactions and payments.
Utility Connections
2-5 days
Establish connections for essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services for your business premises and operations.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your commercial journey in UAQFTZ.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Business plan
Concise business plan outlining your business activities, market approach, and commercial objectives. The plan should provide clear understanding of your business model and intended operations in UAQFTZ.
Permitted Activities
Trading
Import, export, and distribution of products, goods, and merchandise across various markets and commercial channels with appropriate logistics and supply chain management
General Trading
Trading in multiple product categories and diverse merchandise types across various markets and commercial channels with comprehensive supply chain management
E-commerce
Online retail, digital commerce, electronic trading, and internet-based commercial activities with appropriate digital infrastructure and logistics support
Manufacturing
Production of goods, products, and merchandise through manufacturing processes, industrial operations, and production activities with appropriate quality control
Assembly Operations
Assembly of components, parts, and elements into finished products, systems, or equipment through appropriate assembly processes and production methodologies
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates