HT360° Business Setup In Company Formation & Services

Welcome to UAQ Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ) — the thriving free zone in Umm Al Quwain designed to empower entrepreneurs, SMEs, and global corporations. With full foreign ownership, zero import/export taxes (within permitted scope), a fast setup process, and proximity to Dubai, UAQFTZ offers an unbeatable platform to launch and scale your business in the the UAE and beyond.

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    Why Choose UAQ Free Trade Zone?

    Strategic Location & Connectivity

    • Located in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport and within easy reach of Sharjah airport.
    • Direct access from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), connecting UAQ with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates.
    • Seamless maritime access via Ahmed Bin Rashid Port / UAQ Port (Hutchison Ports UAQ), ideal for import-export operations

    Business-Friendly Incentives & Tax Benefits

    • 100% company ownership for foreign investors (no local partner required). 
    • Full repatriation of capital and profits. 
    • Zero import/export taxes (within permitted operations) and no currency restrictions. 
    • As a designated free zone, UAQFTZ may benefit from certain corporate tax exemptions under UAE regulations. 
    • Low operational costs like utilities, workforce, and office leasing, making UAQFTZ ideal for startups and SMEs. 

    Broad Range of Permitted Activities

    UAQFTZ offers flexibility by allowing 1,500+ business activities across sectors such as:

    • Trading / General Trading
    • Import, export, warehousing & distribution
    • Manufacturing / light industrial / assembly
    • Consultancy / professional services
    • E-commerce
    • Freelance / creative / media services 
    • Dual licensing allows you to expand into multiple business lines under one entity (add license to existing company).

     Infrastructure & Facilities

    • Ready-to-occupy offices, warehouses, industrial land plots, and virtual office / flexi-desk options. 
    • Transparent regulatory environment and one-stop-shop support for licenses, visas, immigration, customs, and approvals.
    • Phases of expansion are ongoing to accommodate growing demand and modern business needs. 
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    How to Set Up a Business in UAQ FTZ (3-Step Process)

    UAQFTZ aims to simplify company formation. The typical steps are:

    Step-①: Choose license & facility

     Select your business activity, license type, and preferred facility (office, warehouse, flexi-desk, land plot)

    Step-②: Submit documents & application

    Provide required documents (passport copies, proof of address, business plan, etc.) and complete the application process.

    Step-③: License issuance & setup

    • After approvals, pay required fees, sign agreements, and receive your license & visa (if needed). You’re ready to start. 

    Types of Licenses & Permits

    License Type Description / Use Case
    Commercial / Trading Buy, sell, import/export specified goods
    General Trading Broad license for multiple goods across permissible sectors
    Industrial Manufacturing, assembly, processing, packaging
    Consultancy / Professional Advisory, management, IT, creative services
    Service License Logistics, courier, tourism, rental services, etc.
    Freelance Permit Ideal for individuals (media, tech, creative professions)

    Benefits & Competitive Advantages

    Fast setup

    many registrations done in days. 

    No physical presence required

    for many license types.

    Transparent governance

    and investor protection through clear regulations.

    Supportive for startups / SMEs

    with lower thresholds, minimal bureaucracy.

    Access to global markets

    thanks to excellent connectivity and strategic location.

    FAQ’s

    A: Costs vary based on license type, facility choice, visa count, and activity. HT360 will provide a custom quote after assessing your business needs. Expect licensing + office costs + visa & registration fees.

    A: Typically 5–10 working days, depending on document completeness, authority screening, and any additional approvals required.

    A: Yes — one of UAQ FTZ’s key advantages is 100 % foreign ownership, with no local partner or sponsor needed.

    A: Not always. UAQ FTZ supports flexi-desk / virtual offices for many license types. Some activities or visa quotas may require physical offices or warehouse space.

     A: UAQ FTZ companies can trade internationally and within the free zone. To conduct business in the mainland UAE, you may need a local distributor, agent, or dual license. HT360 advises on best structure.

    A: After license issuance, HT360 will help you prepare bank documentation, choose the right bank, submit KYC, and follow up until account approval.

     A: You’ll need to manage Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), UBO filings, license renewals, audits, VAT (if applicable) and other regulatory compliance. HT360 offers compliance management services.