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Free zone · Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) Company Setup

UAQ Free Trade Zone (Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone) is a designated free zone in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain that issues commercial, industrial and service (consultancy) licences. It offers executive offices, co-working, ready warehouses about 30 minutes from Dubai and industrial land leasable for up to 25 years with access to the E311.

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At a glance

Key facts about UAQ FTZ

Emirate
Umm Al Quwain
Status
A designated free zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023 (per the zone)
Licence types
Commercial, industrial, service/consultancy
Warehouses
Ready to occupy, about 30 minutes from Dubai
Land
Leasable for up to 25 years, E311 access
Ownership
Up to 100% foreign ownership

What is UAQ FTZ and how does it work?

UAQ FTZ positions itself as a cost-effective base for micro, small and mid-sized companies, start-ups, freelancers and professionals, as well as corporates needing industrial space. Its three licence types cover buying and selling goods, manufacturing and production, and professional advisory services.

For physical operations, the zone offers ready-to-occupy warehouses fitted with office space on pay-per-day, short-term or long-term terms, and land plots for industries, warehouses and showrooms with direct access to Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). It also runs a port free zone and e-commerce services.

Activities

What can a UAQ FTZ company do?

  • Trading of goods within and outside the UAE
  • Manufacturing, processing and production
  • Professional and advisory services
  • E-commerce
  • Storage and light manufacturing

Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.

Premises

What premises are available?

  • Independent executive offices
  • Co-working spaces with flexible terms
  • Ready-to-occupy warehouses (pay-per-day to long-term)
  • Industrial land leasable for up to 25 years

Visas

How many visas can a UAQ FTZ company get?

Visa entitlement depends on the licence package and premises. Residence visas are processed through the zone and then follow the standard UAE medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.

Tax

How is a UAQ FTZ company taxed?

UAQ FTZ companies must register for UAE corporate tax and can apply 0% to qualifying income as Qualifying Free Zone Persons, with 9% on other taxable income. Check how designation affects the VAT treatment of your goods.

Good fit

Who is UAQ FTZ best for?

  • Start-ups and freelancers on a tight budget
  • Light manufacturers and storage operators
  • Traders needing warehouses near Dubai
  • Companies wanting long-term industrial land

Think twice

When is it not the right fit?

  • Firms needing a Dubai business address
  • Regulated financial, health or education activities
  • Retail serving mainland walk-in customers

Process

How to set up a company in UAQ FTZ

  1. 01

    Confirm the activity

    Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.

  2. 02

    Choose the package and premises

    Match visas, premises and budget.

  3. 03

    Submit the application

    Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.

  4. 04

    Sign and pay

    Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.

  5. 05

    Receive licence and establishment card

    The zone issues the licence and company documents.

  6. 06

    Visas and banking

    Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.

Checklist

What should you check before applying?

Settle these before you pay any fees in UAQ FTZ.

  1. 01

    Choose commercial, industrial or service licensing based on your activity.

  2. 02

    Decide between an executive office, co-working, a warehouse or land.

  3. 03

    For land, confirm the lease term and your construction plans.

  4. 04

    Plan staff commuting along Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).

  5. 05

    Check designated-zone VAT treatment for goods you store or move.

Frequently asked

Questions about UAQ FTZ

What licences does UAQ Free Trade Zone offer?

Commercial licences for buying and selling goods, industrial licences for manufacturing and production, and service or consultancy licences for professional advisory services.

How far is UAQ FTZ from Dubai?

The zone describes its warehouses as about 30 minutes from Dubai, with industrial land offering direct access to Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).

Can I lease land in UAQ Free Trade Zone?

Yes. Land plots for industries, warehouses and showrooms can be leased for up to 25 years.

Is UAQ FTZ good for freelancers?

The zone serves start-ups, freelancers and professionals alongside SMEs and corporates. Confirm that your activity is on its list before applying.

Can I rent a warehouse short term in UAQ Free Trade Zone?

Yes. The zone offers ready-to-occupy warehouses on pay-per-day, short-term and long-term terms, fitted with office space.

Official sources

Verify it yourself

Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.

Related

Services and guides

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