The Smart, Affordable Way to Launch Your UAE Business.
UAQ FTZ is the UAE's most cost-effective free zone, engineered for startups, freelancers, and SMEs. Get your license issued in as little as 24 hours with 100% ownership and 0% tax.
First-Year Cost From
AED 8,000
License Issuance
1-2 Days
Proximity to Dubai
45 Minutes
Remote Setup
100% Possible
Available Activities
1500+
Your Strategic Launchpad for Growth in the UAE
Established in 1987, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is a government-backed initiative dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs. We provide a pro-business environment with streamlined processes, modern infrastructure, and unbeatable affordability, making us the ideal choice for new ventures seeking an efficient entry into the UAE and regional markets.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Official Name
- Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority
- Year Established
- 1987
- Governing Body
- Government of Umm Al Quwain
- Primary Focus
- Startups, SMEs, E-commerce, Trading, Consultancy
- Corporate Tax
- 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP)
- Share Capital Proof
- Not required upfront
Gain a Competitive Edge with UAQ FTZ
We've engineered our free zone to maximize your profitability and operational efficiency.
Unbeatable Affordability
Launch your business with one of the lowest entry costs in the UAE. Our transparent packages are designed to protect your startup capital.
No Visa Security Deposit
Improve your business cash flow immediately. We are one of the few UAE free zones that does not require a mandatory security deposit for employee visas.
Rapid & Remote Setup
Secure your business license in as little as 24 hours. Our entire incorporation process can be completed online from anywhere in the world.
Unique Dual License
Combine commercial trading and professional consultancy activities under a single, cost-effective license—a rare flexibility perfect for hybrid business models.
Complete Tax Exemption
Benefit from a 0% corporate and personal tax environment. Enjoy 100% repatriation of your capital and profits without currency restrictions.
Strategic Location
Positioned just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, UAQ FTZ offers superb logistics with easy access to major seaports and global markets.
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Simple, affordable packages designed for startups and SMEs. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Zero Visa Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility
- Trade License
- Flexi-Desk Facility
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- 10 Business Activities
One Visa Package
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility
- Trade License
- Flexi-Desk Facility
- Establishment (Immigration) Card
- E-Channel Registration
- 10 Business Activities
Multi-Visa Package
Billed annually
- 2 Resident Visa(s)
- Dedicated Office Space
- Trade License
- Dedicated Office Space
- Establishment (Immigration) Card
- Multiple Visa Eligibility
- Full PRO Support
AED Pricing
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Simple, affordable packages designed for startups and SMEs. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 3,650
AED 3,000
Find the Perfect License for Your Business
Choose from a comprehensive range of license types covering over 1,500 business activities.
E-Commerce License
Professional / Consultancy License
General Trading License
Freelance Permit
Commercial License
Industrial License
Popular Business Activities
A few examples from our extensive list of over 1,500 approved activities.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Management Consultancy | Consultancy & Services |
| IT Consultancy | Consultancy & Services |
| Marketing Management | Consultancy & Services |
| E-commerce via Websites | E-Commerce & Trading |
| General Trading | E-Commerce & Trading |
| Computer Software Trading | E-Commerce & Trading |
| Computer Software Design | Technology & Media |
| Digital Services | Technology & Media |
| Information Technology Consultants | Technology & Media |
| Logistics Services | Logistics & Freight |
| Warehousing & Distribution | Logistics & Freight |
| Freight Broker | Logistics & Freight |
Your 3-Step Path to a UAE Business License
Our efficient and fully digital process gets your company licensed and operational in record time.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Consultation & Document Submission
Our experts help you choose the right license and activities. Submit your passport copy and required documents through our secure online portal.
Initial Approval & Payment
Receive your initial approval and a secure payment link. We handle all name reservation and pre-approval paperwork on your behalf.
License & Corporate Documents Issued
Upon payment, we issue your official trade license, MOA, and other corporate documents electronically. You are now ready to operate your business.
Engineered for Entrepreneurial Success
The Bootstrapped E-commerce Entrepreneur
UAQ FTZ offers one of the lowest entry costs in the UAE, with dedicated E-Commerce licenses that enable access to payment gateways and logistics.
Primary Benefit
Maximize your capital for inventory and marketing with an ultra-low setup cost.
The Global Consultant & Freelancer
Establish a tax-free operational base and secure a UAE residency visa without the high cost of a physical office, thanks to our affordable flexi-desk packages.
Primary Benefit
Gain a legitimate business license and residency visa with no mandatory security deposit.
The Regional SME Trader
Leverage our strategic location, General Trading license, and warehousing facilities to create a cost-effective distribution hub with 100% repatriation of profits.
Primary Benefit
Achieve a fully-owned logistics base at a fraction of the cost of premium Dubai zones.
The Hybrid Business Innovator
Our unique dual license allows you to combine trading and consultancy under one entity, solving a major cost and administrative hurdle for multi-faceted businesses.
Primary Benefit
Operate your hybrid business model under one license, saving time and money.
How UAQ FTZ Compares
See how our value proposition stands against other popular free zones.
| Feature Highlight | UAQ FTZ | RAKEZ | IFZA (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated 1-Visa Package | ~AED 13,500 | ~AED 16,000 - 18,000 | ~AED 18,000 - 22,000 |
| Location | Umm Al Quwain (45 mins to DXB) | Ras Al Khaimah (60 mins to DXB) | Dubai (Silicon Oasis) |
| Visa Security Deposit | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Annual Audit | Optional | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Key Differentiator | Lowest cost, No visa deposit, Dual license | Large industrial ecosystem | Prestigious Dubai address |
This comparison is for illustrative purposes. For precise details, please consult the respective authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Launch Your UAE Business for Less?
Get a personalized, no-obligation quote from our setup experts today and discover the most affordable path to your UAE license.
- No hidden costs
- 100% remote setup
- Expert guidance at every step