UAQ

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Umm Al Quwain means "The Mother of Two Strengths", referring to the emirate's two powers - land and sea.

Established in 1986, with its exceptional logistics infrastructure, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone is Located on the E311 highway. The free zone offers super road infrastructure as it is a great starting location for shipping to any road-connected location in the GCC. It is worth mentioning that it is also just 45 minutes from Dubai and proximate to the most important landmarks of the emirate, giving investors several strategic benefits. As a Channel Partner of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, Soha Asia Follow-up Services is here to assist you on your journey to opening your company and growth in UAE.

Residency and visa

Processing government documentation usually is a complex task for many businesses, particularly for foreign investors. UAQ FTZ Service made this process easier and actually accelerate this process for investors. Also, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone assists investors and employees to obtain their residence and work visas through simple and easy procedures with affordable costs. UAQ FTZ also assists in this process for the clients to sponsor their dependents – spouse, kids, parents, and maids with related documentation, medical, emirates Identity card, and visa stamping.

Note: All visas have a two-year validity period

Types of license in Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Commercial License	A commercial license is given to businesses that are involved in the buying and selling of goods, both within and outside the UAE. This license allows for the import, export, storage, and distribution of specific items as detailed on the license.
General Trading License	falls within the broader classification of a commercial license. This type of license allows the holder to engage in a broader spectrum of trading activities and provides the freedom and flexibility to trade in any permissible commodity within the UAE.
Service License	In the UAE, there are significant opportunities for service providers, and the service sector plays a crucial role in the economic development of the country. Within the UAQ Free Trade Zone, Service Licenses facilitate the establishment of service companies and enable them to promote and distribute their services.
Freelance Permit	A freelance license or work permit allows an individual to operate as a freelance professional, conducting business using their personal name rather than a specific brand name or company. This type of permit is tailored for individuals working in the technology, media, and film industries and is granted for talent, creative, and certain administrative roles.
Industrial License	For companies involved in manufacturing and production processes, transforming raw materials into finished goods, a business license is essential in the UAE. An Industrial License mandates the presence of a physical office or warehouse. The UAQ Free Trade Zone offers leasable land units with the most competitive operating costs in the region, specifically designed for industrial operations.

Types of Entity

Free Zone Establishment	Free Zone Company	Branch
1 Partner	Multiple Partner	Branch of a foreign or local company

Extensive Economic Benefits:

The Free Zone provides numerous financial advantages, including:

- 0% corporate and personal tax

- 100% capital and profit repatriation

- 100% company ownership

- No currency restrictions

- 100% import and export tax exemption within the Free Zone and outside GCC countries

Other Advantages:

- Valuable Investor Support

- Quick, Easy & Remote Setup

- Future-focused Infrastructure

- Strategic location with access to global markets

- Ideal for Logistics

- Versatile Business Ecosystem

Dual Licensing:

Investors can also benefit from the dual licensing provision, enabling the convenience of conducting multiple business operations within the Free Zone.

Banking:

UAQ FTZ ensures easy access to essential banking and support services. It offers simple and convenient banking solutions tailored to business needs. Partner banks, such as NBQ, provide access to bank opening services, loans, credit facilities, and trade financing services.

Leasing Service:

UAQ Free Trade Zone offers premium locations with meticulously designed executive offices, co-working spaces, and warehouses. Each service includes various facilities with flexible lease terms to accommodate different preferences and requirements.

OFFICES	WAREHOUSES	INDUSTRIAL LAND
State-of-the-art executive offices and co-working spaces	Units varying in size from 100 Sq. m to 500 Sq. m	Annual Rent (sq. m / year): AED 18 to AED 45 (depending on the land size)
Various sizes starting from 11 Sq. m onwards	various sizes are ﬁtted with an ofﬁce space	Minimum Leasable Area: 2500 Sq. m
24-hour security with CCTV	24-hour security within the Free Zone	24-hour security inside the Free Zone
Amenities on the floor	Electricity and water infrastructure ready, with a standard power range of 15 kW to 36 kW	Electricity, water and telecommunication infrastructure
Common Parking Facilities	Ample parking facilities	Direct access to major highway (Mohammed Bin Zayed Road E311)
Flexible shell & core space	Warehouse eaves height varies from 7 m	Availability of labor accommodation inside the Free Zone
Fitted and ready to move in	Ready to occupy	Ready road infrastructure
Conferencing and meeting facilities	Fitted with ﬁre alarm and ﬁreﬁghting systems	Long term leasing options

License Fees:

License	Package Cost	Visa Eligibility	Renewal
Freelancer Permit	AED 8.000	1 Visa	AED 8.000
Micro Business Lyte	AED 8.000	0 Visa	AED 8.000
Start-Up Business License	AED 13.000	2 Visa	AED 13.000
General Trading Lyte	AED 20.500	2 Visa	AED 20.500
Premium Lyte	AED 20.500	2 Visa	AED 20.500
Commercial/ Service	AED 20.500	3 Visa	AED 18.500
General Trading Standard	AED 27.500	4 Visa	AED 25.500
Premium Standard	AED 32.500	4 Visa	AED 30.500

All entities formed in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone will be with limited liability (LLC)

The minimum capital of the company should be AED: 300,000/- (US$82,000/- approx.) with a share value of AED: 1000/- per share (US$274 approx.)

Soha Group of companies declares its readiness to provide services, free of charge (governmental fees only).

For further information, inquiries, and consultation regarding opening your company in Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, starting the company establishment process, and/or choosing the right free zone for you, you can contact our advisors at Soha Asia Follow-up Services and Soha Global Marketing Services.

updated: 12.20.2023