Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone: The UAE’s Most Affordable & Flexible Hub for Trading, Services, Manufacturing & Freelancers The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has become one of the UAE’s most strategic, cost effective, and business-friendly locations. UAQ FTZ allows 100% foreign ownership, has 0% corporation tax, inexpensive licenses, and over 1,000 allowed business activities, making it a perfect vehicle for entrepreneurs, international traders, consultants, e-commerce businesses, and manufacturers to create long-term venture in the UAE without heavy financial burdens. UAQ FTZ is truly unique in its flexibility across most industries, whether it is import/export, general trading, consultancy, digital services, industrial manufacturing, freelancing, education, media, or logistics. In contrast to many of the pricier free zones, UAQ FTZ allows investors to license multiple business entities and models under one licensed activity, making it one of the best platforms for startups, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and international businesses wishing to establish a scalable presence in Strategically positioned just 30 minutes from Dubai and Sharjah, UAQ FTZ offers excellent connectivity to major airports, seaports, and GCC trade corridors, giving businesses direct access to Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and European markets. Its simplified regulations, fast licensing process, and no annual audit requirement make it one of the fastest and easiest free zones for setting up and operating a company in the UAE. Key Benefits of UAQ Free Trade Zone 100% Foreign Ownership & Full Repatriation of Profits UAQ FTZ enables investors full ownership of a business without a requirement for a local Emirati partner. This form of ownership and independence works well for foreign entrepreneurs and provides complete operating control and legal protection. All profits and capital can be fully repatriated, enabling business owners around the globe to manage businesses without financial restrictions for the security of revenues and profits over the longer-term horizon. No Corporate or Personal Income Tax By utilizing UAQ Free Zone you are potentially operating in a tax-free environment with no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no withholding or dividend taxes. UAQ FTZ is also very attractive for business owners looking for maximum profitability, faster ROI, and longer term sustainability in the rapidly expanding UAE economy. No Customs Duty on Import/Export within Free Zone UAQ FTZ provides duty-free benefits when goods are imported, manufactured, or re-exported within the free trade zone. This is a significant benefit to companies involved in international trading, logistics, and distribution that depend on undertaking cross-border movement of goods. Customs impedes movement for all goods, and UAQ FTZ can take away those hurdles; this allows companies to operate within a seamless global supply chain while reducing overhead costs. The Relatively Lowest-Cost Free Zone Licenses in the UAE Compared to the expensive free zones in other parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAQ FTZ features some of the cheapest business license packages in the UAE, costing only a few thousand dirhams. This is ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, or SMEs wishing to do business duly and lawfully while avoiding costly long-term capital commitments. Visa and Non-Visa License Options (Ideal for Freelancing & Remote Entrepreneurs) UAQ FTZ has flexible business packages that can include or exclude residence visas. Freelancers, consultants, and online businesses can apply for non-visa licenses to keep their costs down. Companies with employees may apply for multiple visas under the same business license. This flexibility is ideal for various modern and digitally advancing entrepreneurs or founders working remotely. No Annual Auditing or Financial Reporting Many UAE free zones demand companies be audited and submit accounting financial reports annually. This not only adds compliance costs, but adds pressure on small businesses and accounting professionals to ensure accurate records for online submission. UAQ FTZ does not demand companies to conduct yearly audits or even prepared accounting reports on their financials. Not having these built-in requirements benefits small businesses, one-person companies, or new or adjusted startups looking for peace of mind. Easy Access to Dubai, Sharjah & International Trade Routes Despite being located in a quieter northern emirate, UAQ FTZ is strategically positioned just 30 minutes from Dubai and Sharjah. With close proximity to major airports (DXB, SHJ) and seaports (Jebel Ali, Khalid Port), it provides seamless trade connectivity for companies targeting Middle East, Africa, India, and European markets. Dubaisetupnow License Types in UAQ FTZ 1.Commercial License Applicable to companies that are involved in trading activities including import, export, distribution, wholesale and retail, of physical items. This license provides commercial pathways for companies of every category within the FMCG, electronics, construction materials, auto parts, furniture, textiles, and cosmetics, as well as every other product, allowing businesses to engage in regional and international markets with full commercial rights. 2.General Trading License Best for businesses trading in multiple and diverse product categories under one license, maximizing flexibility for global traders and e-commerce resellers working as import or export companies, working with mixed goods like general merchandise, fashion, electronics, and food items, with no strict category restrictions. 3.Service / Professional License Best for service-based businesses or consulting firms, if your services are professional based services, this often fits business category needs. Examples are accounting, consulting and HR advisory, IT service companies, training, marketing, media services, etc. This license allows expertise or professional services based businesses to engage legally anywhere in the UAE and outside of the UAE. 4.Industrial / Manufacturing License This license is for companies engaged in light or medium-scale industrial activities, including manufacturing, assembly, production, bottling, packaging, and fabrication. UAQ FTZ helps developing this sort of business by providing warehousing, industrial land and logistics capabilities to import/export, raw materials and finished products. 5.Freelance Permit A low-cost license for individuals and self-employed persons who wish to operate their business under their name/brand. Good for freelancers working in media, content creator, graphics, consulting, education, IT, digital marketing, photography and remote services! Provides legal status without a full company set-up! Dubaisetupnow Major Business Activities Supported UAQ FTZ licenses over 1,000 activities across sectors including: Trading & Import Export Includes purchasing and selling..
