19th floor, conrad tower, sheikh zayed road, opposite World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE

info@tfz.ae

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the northern coast of the country. It is the least populous emirate but has a rich cultural heritage and a strong strategic position within the UAE. The emirate is known for its natural beauty, including beaches, mangroves, and desert landscapes, as well as its growing industrial and commercial sectors. It has become an attractive destination for both tourists and businesses, particularly due to its low operating costs and business-friendly environment.

Umm Al Quwain has rapidly developed into an important business hub in the UAE, particularly for entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and international companies seeking to establish a presence in the UAE and broader GCC region

Get in touch

Industry Focus

Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ) supports businesses across multiple industries.

Ownership

100% Foreign Ownership:

Investors can hold full ownership of their businesses without needing a local sponsor or partner.

Business Licenses

Types of Licenses available in UAQ

Trading License

For businesses involved in the import/export and sale of goods.

Service License

For companies offering consultancy or professional services.

Industrial License

For manufacturing and production businesses.

E-commerce License

For online business platforms and digital retail.

Taxation

Corporate Tax

Exemption from the 9% corporate tax is available subject to meeting the criteria set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

No Personal Income Tax:

There is no personal income tax for employees or investors.

VAT: 5% VAT

is applicable on most goods and services within the UAE.

Office Space Solutions

UAQ provides various office space solutions, including:

Flexi Desk

For freelancers and small businesses.

Serviced Office

Fully equipped and ready-to-use office spaces

Warehouse Units

For manufacturing or storage-based businesses.

Visa & Immigration
  • Visa Eligibility: Companies in UAQ can apply for residence visas for employees and investors, depending on office space and business requirements.
  • Family Sponsorship: Investors can sponsor family members for residence visas under certain conditions.

Regulatory Framework

Businesses must comply with UAE federal laws and the regulations set by Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Authority. Regulations include labor laws, environmental standards, and industry-specific guidelines.

Compliance & Reporting

Companies are required to maintain annual auditing and file financial reports. VAT compliance: Businesses must adhere to UAE VAT regulations and file returns when applicable.

Cost of Formation

The cost of forming a company in UAQ typically starts from AED 8000, depending on the type of business and office requirements. Additional fees may apply for visas and other services.

Advantages

Zero Corporate Tax

No corporate tax on profits.

100% Foreign Ownership

Full ownership rights for international investors.

No Personal Income Tax

No personal income tax on employees or investors.

Strategic Location

Close to Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai for logistics and trade.

Cost-Effective Setup

Affordable company formation and operational costs.