Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is located in Umm Al Quwain, a friendly, progressive and prosperous emirate with modern infrastructure. Renowned for its desert landscape and unique flora and fauna, it is also a popular leisure destination within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is located just 45km from Dubai.

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Umm Al Quwain’s stable economy, open investment climate and low costs of living and labour make it a strategic business base with the MENA region, Subcontinent, Far East and European markets all within easy reach.

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UAQ FTZ’s investor-friendly environment; establishing a commercial base in the UAE has never been simpler. Forward-thinking SMEs and micro-businesses in particular will benefit from advantageous set-up costs, 100% company ownership and zero currency restrictions.

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This is the Free Zone of the future, where progressive companies – regardless of the sector in which they operate – can enjoy doing business in a safe, secure and prosperous environment. With UAQ FTZ, the sky’s the limit.

 

• 0% corporate and personal tax

• 100% company ownership

• Full range of business activities permitted

• 100% repatriation of capital and profits

• No currency restrictions

• 100% import and export tax exemption within the Free Zone

• Simple and fast registration process with excellent customer support

• Hi-tech facilities including office, warehouse and land availability

• Strategic location with access to over two billion consumers

• Ideal location for SMEs and micro-businesses

• Close to two international airports and major sea ports

• Special concessions at UAQ’s sea port

• No restrictions on hiring foreign employees

• Modern and investor-friendly rules and regulations

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TYPES OF LICENSES

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1. COMMERCIAL LICENSE (TRADING LICENSE)
 

• Commercial License: This authorises the import, export, distribution and storing of items specified on the license. A Commercial License can have three different product lines or 10 similar product lines.

• General Trading License: This enables the licensee to trade in a wider range of activities and gives the freedom and flexibility to trade in any commodity which is permitted within the UAE.

 

Note: Commodities which require special approval or clearance from various UAE authorities e.g. explosives and armaments cannot be traded with a General Trading license

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2. INDUSTRIAL LICENSE

This enables the licensee to import raw materials, then manufacture/ process / assemble / package the specified products, and export the finished product. It allows the holder to import raw materials for the purpose of manufacturing, processing and/or assembly of specified products.

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3. CONSULTANCY LICENSE

This is for entities which offer expert or professional advice and is issued to all manner of professionals including artisans and craftsmen. It allows two similar activities.

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4. FREELANCE PERMIT

This allows an individual to operate as a freelance professional, and conduct business in one’s birth name as opposed to a brand name or company. The Freelance Permit is designed for individuals who operate in technology, media and film sectors, and is issued to talent roles, creative roles and selected administrative roles.

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5. SERVICE LICENSE

This license is for service providers. It permits the licensee to carry out the services specified on the license within the Free Zone, such as Logistics; Courier Services; Insurance Service Provider; Travel Agency; Tour Services; Car Rental etc.