Umm Al Quwain Free Zones
Umm Al Quwain is the quiet value option among the UAE free zones. UAQ Free Trade Zone consistently sits at the bottom of the market on both licence cost and cost per visa, which makes it a sensible base for trading companies, consultancies and e-commerce sellers that do not need a Dubai address.
The trade-off is distance. UAQ is roughly 45 to 60 minutes from Dubai depending on traffic, so it suits businesses whose customers are reached by phone, freight or online rather than face to face.
Why choose Umm Al Quwain free zones
- Among the lowest licence and per-visa costs anywhere in the UAE
- Licence-only packages available if you do not need residency
- Straightforward documentation and a largely digital process
- Warehouse and light industrial space at a fraction of Dubai rates
- 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, no personal income tax
Typical setup costs
Setup process & timeline
- Trade name reservation and initial approval (1 working day)
- Licence issuance and company documents (2-4 working days)
- Establishment card and immigration file (1-2 working days)
- Entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID (1-2 weeks after entry)
Required documents
- Passport copy and recent photograph for each shareholder
- UAE entry stamp or visa page, if already in the country
- NOC from your current sponsor if you hold a UAE residence visa
- Two or three preferred trade names
- Short description of the planned activity
Umm Al Quwain free zone licence cost compared
Cheapest entry licence first, so you can see which zone fits before reading the detail.
| Free zone | Entry licence | Visas | Setup time | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAQ FTZ | AED 5,750 - 18,000 | 0 - 7 | 3 - 7 working days | trading, services, ecommerce |
Indicative ranges for planning, not quotes, and not confirmed with the authorities. The licence fee and the office fee are charged separately — ask for an itemised quote, and compare the two-year total, because renewal is typically 85 to 100% of the year-one fee.
See also: compare all UAE free zones · how many visas each option gives you · cheapest free zones in the UAE.
Zones in Umm Al Quwain
UAQ Free Trade Zone
Low-cost trading, services and light industrial licences with flexible visa packages.
Starting from: AED 5,750+
FAQs
How much does a UAQ free zone licence cost?
From about AED 5,750 for year one on an entry package, up to roughly AED 18,000 with more activities or a higher visa allocation. Each visa then costs AED 3,800 to 5,500 in government fees plus AED 1,200 to 1,600 for the medical and Emirates ID. Renewal is typically 85 to 100% of the year-one licence fee.
Is Umm Al Quwain the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
It is consistently among the cheapest two or three, alongside Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City, and it is often the lowest on cost per visa. Compare the two-year total rather than the first-year headline, because renewal terms differ between zones and that is where apparent savings often disappear.
How far is UAQ from Dubai?
Roughly 45 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. That is the real trade-off for the lower cost. It works well for trading, freight, consultancy and online businesses, and less well if you need to meet Dubai clients in person regularly.
Can I get a visa with a UAQ free zone licence?
Yes. Entry packages carry up to around seven visas depending on the tier you buy, and licence-only options exist if you do not need residency at all. Beyond the package tiers the allocation becomes space-based, at roughly one visa per 9 sqm of leased office.
Can a UAQ company do business in Dubai?
You can sell to customers anywhere, but a free zone company cannot trade directly into the mainland UAE market without a distributor, agent or branch. Revenue from mainland UAE customers is also generally non-qualifying for corporate tax, so it is taxed at 9% and counts against the de-minimis limit protecting your 0% rate.
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��� Last updated: October 2026