Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
UAQ FTZ is a UAQ-based free zone with packages starting from AED 5,500, supporting up to 4 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. UAQ FTZ is a government licensing authority positioned as a low-cost, general-purpose free zone, with officially advertised entry promos from AED 5,500 (zero-visa) and an all-inclusive AED 12,500 offer (1 visa). Best for startups, freelancers, and lean trading/service firms that want straightforward setup outside Dubai while still having banking partners and practical logistics access.
From
AED 5,500
Established
1987
Companies
10,000
Max Visas
4
Banking
Moderate
UAQ FTZ Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAQFTZ LYTE (Zero-Visa) | AED 5,500 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 5,500 | AED 5,500 |
| UAQ START All-Inclusive (1 Visa) | AED 12,500 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 12,500 | AED 12,500 |
| Startup 2-Visa Package | AED 13,500 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 22,724 | AED 13,500 |
| Premium 4-Visa Package | AED 32,500 | 4 | Flexi Desk | AED 48,798 | AED 32,500 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- One of the cheapest UAE free zones with zero-visa packages from AED 5,500
- All-inclusive 1-visa package (UAQ START) at AED 12,500 includes license, visa, medical, Emirates ID, and co-working
- Official banking partners including NBQ, Emirates Development Bank, and Wio Bank
- Logistics-friendly location on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) near UAQ Port
- Broad license mix: commercial, general trading, service, industrial, and freelance
- No annual audit requirement for many license types
Watch out for
- Pricing is promo-led and can vary by campaign eligibility and timing
- Visa quotas beyond 4 are not clearly published; higher quotas require office/warehouse leasing
- Industrial licenses require a physical office/warehouse, changing the cost structure
- Free zone license does not allow direct mainland UAE retail/trading without additional structure
- Located in UAQ, which lacks the prestige of a Dubai or Abu Dhabi address
Visa Information
Max Quota
4 visas
Processing Time
10 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,537
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 0
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,537
Investor Visa
AED 3,537
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical VIP
AED 850
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
License issuance typically 2–5 working days. Visa processing (medical, Emirates ID biometrics, stamping) adds 1–3 weeks depending on applicant status.
Banking
Partner Banks
UAQFTZ has partnerships with NBQ, EDB, and Wio Bank. Account opening still depends on KYC/UBO checks and activity risk. Expect 2–6 weeks for traditional banks, potentially faster for Wio.
Features
Mainland Trading
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Share Capital Requirement
Varies by legal form and activity
Location
Recent Developments
- January 2026: Participated in Gulfood 2026
- October 2025: Signed MoU with INMECC to strengthen UAE–India trade collaboration
- July 2025: Emirates Gas signed MoU with UAQ FTZ for exclusive gas solutions
- June 2025: Published updated START (AED 12,500) and LYTE (AED 5,500) packages
Frequently Asked Questions
UAQ FTZ cost in 2026: how much is the cheapest license?
UAQFTZ advertises a zero-visa promo (UAQFTZ LYTE) from AED 5,500, but many consultancies quote entry micro/no-visa setups from about AED 8,000 depending on activity and promo eligibility.
How much does the UAQ START package cost?
UAQ START is advertised as all-inclusive for AED 12,500 including license, registration, establishment card, 1 visa, medical test, Emirates ID registration, co-working, and basic medical insurance.
UAQ FTZ 2 visa package price: is it really AED 13,500?
UAQFTZ markets a 'Lowest 2 visa Package' at AED 13,500 on its official campaign page. The page does not clearly itemize whether visa processing costs are included, so conservative budgeting adds per-visa processing (~AED 3,500+ per visa).
How much is a UAQ FTZ visa in 2026?
Agent tables commonly estimate UAQFTZ visa-related costs around AED 3,500 per person when combining visa, medical, and Emirates ID. Amounts vary by applicant and processing channel.
Is banking easy with UAQ FTZ?
UAQFTZ publishes banking partners including NBQ, Emirates Development Bank, and Wio Bank. Even with partners, account opening depends on KYC/UBO checks and activity risk; timelines range from about 2–6 weeks.
Who should choose UAQ FTZ over Dubai free zones?
UAQ FTZ is best for founders optimizing for low entry cost (AED 5,500–12,500 promos) and flexible setup, especially for e-commerce, consulting, and lean trading. If you need a Dubai premium address or high visa counts, another zone may fit better.
Can UAQ FTZ companies sponsor family visas?
UAQFTZ lists family visas within its value-added services, but dependent visa fees are not publicly priced. Budget for additional government/typing/medical charges and confirm eligibility based on salary and tenancy.
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Starting From
AED 5,500 /yr