Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone: A Haven for Businesses

The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has been unveiled with a clear mission: to cultivate a fertile business environment that nurtures small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, freelancers, and multinational corporations (MNCs). By leveraging the strategic location of Umm Al Quwain, businesses can tap into a vast customer base exceeding two billion people worldwide, creating a gateway into the Middle East’s prosperous markets. Business setup consultants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are instrumental in helping foreign investors unlock these benefits with ease. This article provides an overview of the UAQ FTZ, highlighting its unique offerings and the myriad opportunities it presents.

Licensing Options in the UAQ FTZ

Before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey in the UAQ FTZ, investors must first acquire a trade license. The free zone offers a diverse range of licenses, catering to different business needs:

Commercial License

To engage in activities such as import, export, distribution, and storage of goods specified on the license, a commercial license is obligatory. Entrepreneurs in the UAQ FTZ can deal with three different or ten similar product lines with this license.

General Trading License

For businesses seeking more freedom and flexibility, the general trading license is the perfect fit. It permits the trading of a broad spectrum of activities, as long as they are approved by the UAE government. However, certain high-risk commodities, such as explosives and armaments, are off-limits.

Consultancy License

This license is designed for professionals providing expert advice in their respective fields. Holders of the consultancy license can undertake two similar activities.

Industrial License

An industrial license enables businesses to import raw materials for manufacturing, processing, assembling, and packaging products. It also allows the export of finished products.

Service License

Service providers can establish their businesses in the UAQ FTZ with a service license, which covers activities like logistics, courier services, travel agency operations, car rental services, among others.

Freelance Permit

The UAQ FTZ also offers a freelance permit, allowing individuals to conduct business under their own name rather than a company name. This permit covers sectors such as technology, media, film, and selected administrative roles.

E-commerce License

The rapidly growing e-commerce market offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors to trade goods via electronic platforms. The UAQ FTZ, with its robust infrastructure and logistics facilities, is ideally suited for e-commerce businesses.

Permissible Legal Entities in UAQ FTZ

The choice of legal structure is a crucial step in the business setup process in the UAQ FTZ. The structure depends on the number of shareholders in the proposed company:

  1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A limited liability company with a single shareholder.
  2. Free Zone Company (FZC): A limited liability company that can have 2-50 shareholders.
  3. Freelancer Company: Professionals can work as freelancers in the UAQ FTZ by obtaining a freelance license.
  4. Branch Office: Both local and foreign companies can establish their branch offices in the UAQ FTZ.

Business Setup Process in UAQ FTZ

Setting up a business in the UAQ FTZ is a straightforward process devoid of complex procedures. To apply for a license, entrepreneurs must:

  1. Select a trade license
  2. Choose a legal structure
  3. Select the appropriate facility
  4. Submit the required documents
  5. Make the necessary payment
  6. Receive the license
  7. Open a bank account

Advantages of Business Setup in UAQ FTZ

The UAQ FTZ is an attractive destination for cost-effective company formation in the UAE. It offers a wide range of advantages, including:

  • 100% company ownership
  • Zero corporate and personal tax
  • Diverse business activity options
  • No restrictions on currency
  • 100% tax exemption on imports and exports within the free zone
  • A straightforward and flexible company registration process
  • Reliable customer support services
  • Modern facilities including warehouses, offices, and land plots
  • Strategic location providing access to global markets
  • Proximity to international airports and seaports
  • Special concessions at the Umm Al Quwain seaport
  • Freedom to hire foreign workers without any restriction
  • Progressive and investor-friendly regulations
  • Ideal location for SMEs and micro-enterprises
World-Class Facilities in Ajman Free Zone

Compliance Requirements in UAQ FTZ

Businesses operating in the UAQ FTZ must comply with a range of regulations such as Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), and Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) laws. Business setup consultants in the UAQ FTZ can assist companies in ensuring they are in full compliance with these regulations.

Need Assistance?

PW offers comprehensive services covering essential requirements such as visa processing, document drafting, government liaising, bank account opening, and more. Our team of business setup consultants, PRO service executives, and compliance advisers ensures a hassle-free company incorporation process in Umm Al Quwain Free Zones

Umair Ahmad

Company Formation Specialist
  • +971 56 403 8600
  • info@privatewolf.ae
  • 06, 11B Happiness Street, CityWalk, Dubai
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