UAQ FTZ (Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone)
An investor-friendly zone built for micro-businesses and lean budgets.
Overview
UAQ FTZ is an investor-friendly, low-cost free zone established primarily to serve SMEs, micro-businesses and startups. It emphasises affordable setup, 100% ownership, zero currency restrictions and fast, simple registration — appealing to freelancers, consultants and small traders on a tight budget.
Key benefits
- Low-cost, SME- and micro-business-focused packages
- 100% foreign ownership; 0% personal income tax; zero currency restrictions
- Full repatriation; no import/export duties in-zone
- Multiple license types including a freelance license
- Fast 1-day company registration
- Simple, accessible process for first-time founders
Business activities & licenses
UAQ FTZ supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Commercial / trade
- Professional / service
- Industrial
- Consultancy
- Freelance
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
Visa eligibility depends on the package; visa processing ~AED 1,500–2,500 per visa, with e-channel registration charged separately.
Cost & timeline
Indicative from ~AED 8,000 (license); bundled setup packages from ~AED 13,500. Visa and e-channel fees additional.
Registration in as little as 1 working day; visas add time.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is UAQ FTZ right for you?
Micro-businesses, freelancers, consultants and early-stage startups seeking one of the lowest-cost UAE licenses with simple, fast onboarding.
What makes UAQ FTZ different
- Positioned specifically for SMEs and micro-businesses.
- Zero currency restrictions and 1-day registration.
Compare alternatives
How UAQ FTZ compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAQ FTZ This page | Umm Al Quwain | AED 8,000/yr | Registration in as little as 1 working day; visas add time | Cheapest · Micro-business |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| RAKEZ → | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000/yr | Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks | Low budget · Industrial |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
UAQ FTZ — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in UAQ FTZ?＋
Indicative from ~AED 8,000 (license); bundled setup packages from ~AED 13,500. Visa and e-channel fees additional. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my UAQ FTZ company?＋
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
03How many visas can I get with UAQ FTZ?＋
Visa eligibility depends on the package; visa processing ~AED 1,500–2,500 per visa, with e-channel registration charged separately.
04How long does UAQ FTZ setup take?＋
Registration in as little as 1 working day; visas add time. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is UAQ FTZ best for?＋
Micro-businesses, freelancers, consultants and early-stage startups seeking one of the lowest-cost UAE licenses with simple, fast onboarding.