UAQ · UAQ Free Zone Authority · Est. 1987
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is a government-managed, low-cost jurisdiction suited for small businesses, freelancers, and commercial trading operations. Packages start at AED 5,500 for zero-visa setups and AED 12,500 for single-visa bundles, supporting up to 4 visa allocations with moderate banking access and standard digital setup processes.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: UAQ Free Zone Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 5,500
Year 1
Quick facts
UAQFTZ LYTE (Zero-Visa)
AED 5,500
LYTE License · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 5,500
UAQ START All-Inclusive (1 Visa)
AED 12,500
UAQ START · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 12,500
Startup 2-Visa Package
AED 22,724
Startup Package · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 13,500
Premium 4-Visa Package
AED 48,798
Premium Package · Flexi Desk · 4 visas
Renews at AED 32,500
Estimated
Advisory Estimate
AED 9,550
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 7,000
Estimated
Industrial licenses require a physical office/warehouse, which changes the cost structure versus commercial/service/freelance licences. Visa renewal is every 2 years.
UAQ FTZ suits trading, industrial and logistics businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · Manufacturing · Construction & Contracting · Mining & Quarrying · Utilities & Energy
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
Medium
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
6/10
The Sovereign Trading Sanctuary; Optimized for Asset-Light Professionalism.
UAQ FTZ is a government-recognized Designated Zone that offers a high-value alternative to the larger hubs. For 2026, the primary forensic challenge is 'Article 34 Substantiation.' Because UAQ is favored by high-turnover traders with lean physical footprints, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is focusing on Transfer Pricing. Entities must prove their inter-company prices are at 'Arm’s Length' through a formal Master File/Local File, or they risk the disqualification of their entire 0% Qualifying Income status.
Officially recognized as a Designated Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023. Article 18 QFZP status requires rigorous adherence to Article 34 (Transfer Pricing) and the maintenance of audited IFRS financial statements.
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Tax and compliance
UAQ FTZ tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in UAQ FTZ?
The cheapest published package for Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone is UAQFTZ LYTE (Zero-Visa) at AED 5,500 for Year 1, renewing at AED 5,500. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does UAQ FTZ setup take?
Typical processing time is 2–5 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a UAQ FTZ licence?
Banking difficulty for UAQ FTZ is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include National Bank of Umm Al Quwain (NBQ), Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Wio Bank.
How many visas can I get with a UAQ FTZ licence, and what do they cost?
UAQ FTZ allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 4 visas (Premium 4-Visa Package, AED 48,798 for Year 1). Visa renewal is every 2 years.
How much is the UAQ FTZ licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 5,500 to AED 9,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in UAQ FTZ?
UAQ FTZ sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in UAQ FTZ?
Industrial licenses require a physical office/warehouse, which changes the cost structure versus commercial/service/freelance licences.
Can a UAQ FTZ company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A UAQ FTZ company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.