Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

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The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone lies between Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, consisting of the modern coastal city of Umm Al Quwain & the inland oasis Falaj Al Mualla. It operates under the ruling of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, with H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla.

It is in the second smallest and least populated emirate in the UAE and is growing into one of the country’s leading business hubs. It is known for its picturesque locations and breezy beaches. UAQFTZ is a well-known leisure destination with a secure and prosperous business environment across all sectors. Its modern legal framework and infrastructures also attract more investments to further its growth.

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Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

A Wide Range of Business and License Options

Unlike other UAE free zones which are exclusive to only one or a few business activities, UAQFTZ is a general free zone that welcomes companies in all industries. This creates a diverse business ecosystem that entrepreneurs can benefit from. Another plus is that dual licensing is allowed in the UAQ free zone, which means that companies can conduct multiple business operations there.

Accessible Location

Being close to the Dubai and Sharjah International Airports allows UAQFTZ businesses to trade and build relations with neighbouring markets conveniently. Locally, the free zone is half an hour from Dubai and has excellent road networks, so access to a large part of the country and the region will be easy.

No Physical Presence Needed

Company setup in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone can be done remotely, as no physical presence is required throughout the process. In addition to this, the application process can be completed in as fast as two days. This makes business formation cost-effective and time-efficient.

Strong Entrepreneurial Support

UAQFTZ is known as an ideal location for startups and SMEs, providing economic support and minimal operation costs to give these small businesses in the UAE a head start. It also offers no restrictions on foreign hiring, and future-focused infrastructure that’s always improving.

Types of Licenses Offered by
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone offers five (5) license types,
depending on the needs of your business in the UAE:

Commercial License

This license allows businesses to engage in selling, distributing, importing, or exporting goods within or outside the UAE. Companies in Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone with commercial licenses can have three different product lines, or 10 similar product lines under specific industries.

General Trading License

This trade license is a broader version of the commercial license, permitting free zone companies in UAQFTZ to trade in a wider range of permitted activities and commodities.

Service License

By obtaining this license, companies can conduct their professional services in the UAQ free zone. These include logistics, courier services, consulting, and more.

Industrial License

A UAE company in manufacturing needs an Industrial License, including a physical office or warehouse. UAQ Free Trade Zone offers affordable land units for industries.

Freelance Permit

A freelance license or work permit enables individuals to operate as freelance professionals using their birth name instead of a brand or company name. It is tailored for those in technology, media, and film sectors and covers talent, creative, and specific administrative roles.

Steps in Setting Up Your Business
in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Your company setup process in the UAQFTZ typically takes about one week.

1

Choose Your Business Activity and Entity Structure

The first step in starting your UAQ Free Zone company is to select the entity and license that best align with your business needs. As stated above, there are three possible entities and five license types to choose from.

2

Select Your Preferred Workspace

At UAQFTZ, business owners can establish their physical workspace- an office, warehouse, coworking space, or a designated land area. Our team can assist you in determining the most suitable business centre for your company.

3

Submit Your Business License Application

For companies located in UAQFTZ, the process begins with filling out an application form, which is then submitted to the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone authority along with the required fees. Once this step is completed, we will compile and submit the documents based on your chosen entity. Following the issuance of your business license, you can open a corporate bank account and apply for visas.

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