UAQ Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)
Trading, manufacturing, services — Umm Al Quwain, UAE
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Overview
UAQ Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ) in Umm Al Quwain offers the most affordable free zone licensing in the UAE. It provides trading, manufacturing, and services licenses with minimal startup costs. UAQFTZ is the go-to option for entrepreneurs seeking the lowest possible entry cost to the UAE market.
License Packages & Costs
| Package | Visas | Office | Total Year 1 | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAQ Start — 1 Visa | 1 | Co-working space | AED 12,500 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
| UAQ Freelance Permit — 1 Visa | 1 | Co-working space access | AED 9,999 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
Business Activities (555)
The following 555 business activities are available in UAQFTZ, organized by category.
Automotive (14)
Beauty & Wellness (13)
Cleaning & Maintenance (12)
Construction (27)
Consulting (39)
Design (13)
E-Commerce (10)
Education (22)
Finance (25)
Food & Beverage (21)
Freelance (16)
Healthcare (25)
Legal (15)
Logistics (23)
Manufacturing (28)
Media (27)
Oil & Gas (16)
Professional Services (21)
Real Estate (14)
Security (9)
Sports & Fitness (15)
Technology (41)
Tourism & Hospitality (14)
Trading (95)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in UAQFTZ?
The lowest currently published package we verified at UAQFTZ is AED 12,500 for Year 1. The exact inclusions are listed in the table and linked official source; request a written quote before payment.
What business activities can I do in UAQFTZ?
UAQFTZ offers 555 licensed business activities across 24 categories, including Automotive, Beauty & Wellness, Cleaning & Maintenance, Construction. Each activity requires a specific license type (commercial, professional, or industrial).
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in UAQFTZ?
Free-zone structures generally permit up to 100% foreign ownership. Confirm the permitted structure, activity and any sector-specific approvals directly with UAQFTZ before applying.
How long does it take to get a license in UAQFTZ?
Processing time depends on the selected activity, required approvals, shareholder documents and the completeness of the application. Ask UAQFTZ for a current written estimate.
What visas can I get through UAQFTZ?
Contact UAQFTZ for current visa pricing. Eligibility, sponsorship, quota, duration and dependent options vary by authority and applicant; verify them with the relevant immigration authority and UAQFTZ.
Data sources and limits
Free-zone prices, activity lists and visa quotas change frequently. Use this page as a structured comparison layer, then verify the final package, renewal cost, visa allocation, office requirement and activity wording with the official authority or a licensed formation agent before payment.
Start Your Company in UAQFTZ
Ask a question about this UAQ Free Trade Zone guide or submit a documented data correction. We do not select or endorse formation agents.