Umm Al Quwain · Free zone
UAQ Free Trade Zone company setup, and whether it suits you
A budget free zone popular with consultants, start-ups and e-commerce, with flexi-desk packages and warehouses.
Written by Tabish Ahmed, Senior ManagerReviewed by Auj Afreen Ahmad, Founder and Chief Executive OfficerLast updated
At a glance
UAQ Free Trade Zone in summary
| Factor | Position |
|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Market access | Free zone and international; mainland sales through a distributor, branch or permit |
| Premises | Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses and land |
| Audit | Confirm the current renewal requirement with the authority |
| Best for | Consultants, freelancers, e-commerce and small traders that want a very low-cost licence |
Published fees
Activities: Packages cover up to 10 activities; changes or additional visas 'may attract separate charges' (unpriced). Note: Promotion/campaigns subdomains are the authority's own; prices are promotional bundles subject to activity classification and approval; VAT treatment not stated.
Visas: One investor visa (incl Emirates ID, medical, basic insurance) is bundled in UAQ START; no per-visa tariff published.
Authority fees, as published
| Item | AED | Charged | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Inclusive instalment planAED 2,266 per MONTH (EMI structure); licence, 10 activities, investor visa, coworking | 2,266 | OnceFlexi | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| UAQ LYTE packagezero-visa bundle; coworking, up to 50 shareholders; renewal AED 5,500 | 5,500renewal 5,500 | OnceFlexi | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| UAQ START all-inclusive packageup to 10 activities; 1 investor visa incl EID, medical, basic insurance; 'renew at same cost' | 12,500renewal 12,500 | OnceFlexi | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
Government fees for residence visas
| Item | AED | Charged | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID renewal for residents, per year of residencePlus AED100 Smart Application Fees; service 377-004-001-009; ICP Emirates ID | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| Emirates ID Smart Service Fees (new issuance, residents)Fixed per application; ICP Emirates ID | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| Emirates ID urgent service fee (ICP centres only)Optional fast-track, in-person only; ICP Emirates ID | 150 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP entry visa for employment to obtain Green ResidencePlus AED100 application fee and AED100 smart service fee; ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP golden residence issuance (10-yr), per yearPlus AED100 application fee and AED100 smart service fee; Golden Visa route | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP residence permit application feeService 377-006-003-000; federal/ICP system (emirates other than Dubai); ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP residence permit issuance fee, per yearAED100 per year of validity (2-yr visa = AED200); ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP residence permit renewal fee, per yearPlus AED100 application fee and AED100 smart service fee; service 377-006-003-003; ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP smart service feeListed as 'Smart Service Fees' on residence issuance; ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| ICP status adjustment (change of status)Listed as 'Status Adjustment - 500 AED'; ICP federal system (emirates other than Dubai) | 500 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| MOHAP medical fitness with vaccination (Category B)AED250 + AED50 Hepatitis B vaccination + AED10 printing; medical fitness | 310 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| MOHAP medical fitness, female cat. with pregnancy test (C)AED250 + AED50 vaccination + AED50 pregnancy test + AED10 printing; medical fitness | 360 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| MOHAP medical fitness, workers/employees (Category A)AED250 service + AED10 printing; emirates other than Dubai/Abu Dhabi; medical fitness | 260 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
| New Emirates ID for residents, per year of residence1yr=100, 2yr=200, 3yr=300; 5/10-yr cards follow same per-year rate; ICP Emirates ID | 100 | Per visa | Authority pagechecked 2026-10-17 |
Every figure above comes from the authority’s own fee page or schedule, with the link beside it and was last checked on 17 October 2026. Fees change, some exclude VAT, and the list is not everything a setup costs: our professional fee, office rent, document attestation and bank requirements are quoted separately. Lines older than 90 days drop off until re-checked.
What happens after formation
Corporate tax registration, bookkeeping, VAT if you cross the threshold, and — in many zones — audited financial statements at renewal. We set the dates out before you launch rather than after.
Package contents, visa quotas, activity lists and audit requirements are set by each authority and change. Every figure is confirmed against the authority’s current terms at the time we advise you.
Next step
Thinking about UAQ Free Trade Zone?
A short call, a written comparison, and fixed fees before anything starts.
Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00 GST. Messages outside those hours are answered the next working morning. WhatsApp +971 55 786 7621.