Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ Free Zone)
Just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ Free Zone) is purpose-built to nurture start-ups, SMEs, freelancers, and global enterprises. Despite being a newer free zone, UAQ FTZ has quickly become a sought-after launchpad thanks to its low-tax regime, streamlined legal framework, and unbeatable cost-to-value ratio.
Benefits & Advantages
- 0 % corporate and personal tax, plus duty-free imports / exports
- 100 % foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
- No currency controls and no mandatory share capital
- Fast, transparent registration—no hidden charges
- High-tech offices, warehouses, and flexi-desks
- Strategic access to two international airports and seaports
- Broad list of permitted business activities; no hiring restrictions
- Minimal documentation; investor-friendly legal framework
License Categories
| License Type | What It Covers | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial / Trading | Import, export, and re-export of specified goods | 2 |
| General Trading | Broad trade in most goods (special items need extra approval) | 3 |
| Consultancy | IT, HR, accounting, management services | 2 |
| Premium Consultancy | Special consultancies (tourism, legal, engineering, finance, shipping) | 3 |
| Micro Business | Low-cost start-ups; no office / visa requirement | 0 |
| Freelance Permit | Solo professionals (writers, photographers, event planners) | 1 |
Company Formation in UAQ Free Zone — 5 Easy Steps
- Choose & reserve a company name.
- Pay setup fees for the chosen license package.
- Submit shareholder / director documentation.
- Prepare incorporation documents (MoA, resolution, PoA as needed).
- File the registration application and receive your license.
Required Documents
| FZE / FZC | Branch Office |
|---|---|
| Passports of shareholders & manager | Passport of manager |
| Proof of address (shareholders) | Proof of address (manager) |
| Memorandum & Articles of Association | Certificate of Incorporation |
| — | Board resolution & Power of Attorney |
Visa Applications
- Investor Visa (3 yrs) → own shares in a UAQ Free Zone entity
- Work Visa (2 yrs) → employment contract with a UAQ FTZ entity
Workflow
- Obtain Establishment Card
- Register on eChannel
- Receive Entry Permit
- Complete medical test + Emirates ID
- Residence-visa stamping on passport
Staying outside the UAE for > 6 months cancels an active visa.
Company Renewal
- Process: Pay renewal fee + submit new flexi-desk lease.
- Audit? Not required.
- Timeline: 2–3 days.
- Cost: Slightly lower than first-year fees.
Company Amendments
- Allowed changes: name, activities, share transfer, manager / director.
- Remote? Yes, except share transfers (shareholders must attend).
Company Liquidation
- Owner or PoA holder must be present.
- Return original company documents and clear outstanding payments.
- Timeline: 1 month.
Why Partner with Smart Business Creation
- 15+ years experience across UAE free zones & mainland
- End-to-end services: translation, attestation, bank-account opening
- Ongoing PRO support after incorporation—visas, renewals, amendments
