UAQ FTZ
Umm Al Quwain
- Price
- fromAED 5,665Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~3 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Lowest-cost founders, E-commerce and trading
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Free zones in Umm Al Quwain
1 free zone compared, with packages from AED 5,665. Independent research, honest pros and cons, and packages you can buy online.
Setting up a company in Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is one of the quietest emirates, with a small population, lagoons and a slower pace of life. It sits between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour from Dubai, and is not a major business hub in its own right.
Its main free zone is the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ). It has built a following among cost-conscious founders by offering multi-activity licences, digital setup and low-cost desk options. Unlike the bigger emirates, there are not many specialist zones to choose from, so the choice is simple.
Costs are typically among the lowest in the UAE. Entry packages are often estimated from around AED 5,000 to 12,000 before visas, though visa, establishment card and other fees are added. Confirm current pricing directly, as offers change often.
Umm Al Quwain suits online businesses, consultants, freelancers and small traders who work remotely or internationally and want a low-cost UAE licence with residence visas. It is less suitable if you need a prestigious address or daily face-to-face client meetings.
How to choose in Umm Al Quwain
- Check whether all your activities can be combined on one UAQ FTZ licence, since multi-activity packages are a key selling point.
- Compare total visa costs, not only the licence fee, because cheap licences can come with higher per-visa costs.
- Ask whether you need to visit the zone in person and how often, given the travel time from Dubai.
- Review renewal prices, as first-year promotions may not repeat.
- If you need a warehouse or industrial space, compare with Ajman, RAKEZ or Hamriyah.
All Umm Al Quwain free zones
| Free zone | From | Visas | Setup | In short |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAQ FTZ | AED 5,665 | Up to 6 | ~3 days | Lowest-cost founders, E-commerce and trading |
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Umm Al Quwain free zone FAQs
How many free zones are there in Umm Al Quwain?
The main option is the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone. Most founders researching Umm Al Quwain will be comparing its packages with nearby zones in Ajman, Sharjah and RAK.
Is UAQ FTZ good for e-commerce businesses?
UAQ FTZ is often used by online sellers and digital businesses because of its low-cost packages. If you hold stock, check how storage and fulfilment will work.
Can I live in Dubai with a UAQ free zone visa?
A UAE residence visa lets you live in any emirate, so many UAQ license holders live in Dubai or Sharjah. Some services may still need documents from the zone.
Is an Umm Al Quwain free zone licence respected by banks?
Banks open accounts for UAQ FTZ companies, but they look closely at activity, turnover and source of funds. A detailed business plan helps.
How far is Umm Al Quwain from Dubai?
Umm Al Quwain is typically about 45 to 60 minutes by car from northern Dubai, depending on traffic.
Can a UAQ FTZ company hire employees?
Yes. Companies can sponsor employee visas within the limits of their package or office, and add visas by upgrading space where allowed.
Not sure which Umm Al Quwain free zone fits?
Tell us about your business. An advisor will recommend the best free zone and send you a full cost breakdown — usually within one working hour.
- Honest advice across all free zones
- Full cost breakdown — no hidden fees
- Licence, visa, bank account and tax in one place