Why Choose Umm Al Quwain
Free Trade Zone
Supporting efficient business setup through simplicity and value-driven costs.
100% foreign ownership
100% capital repatriation
0% personal income tax
Designated free zone status
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone – An Overview
Located in the Northern Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone offers a value-driven pathway for entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to establish a presence in the UAE. As a designated free zone, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone enables qualifying businesses to benefit from VAT efficiencies on eligible transactions, alongside 100% foreign ownership and 100% capital repatriation. Known for its cost-effective licensing and flexible activity options, the free zone is well-suited for trading, services, and light industrial operations. Whether you are applying specifically for a Umm Al Quwain business license or planning to set up a company in the UAE with speed and clarity, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone provides a framework designed to help businesses launch efficiently.
Business Licenses at Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone offers four license types to suit various business needs:
Commercial License
For companies conducting trading, import, export and distribution activities.
Service License
For businesses providing professional, consultancy and support services.
Industrial License
For businesses carrying out light manufacturing, assembling or related activities.
Freelance Permit
Designed for individuals operating independently as sole professionals.
Success Starts Here
An Award-winning Free Zone for SMEs Awaits You
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Office Space Solutions
Find the perfect workspace to match your business needs with flexible and modern options.
Land Plots
Customizable land plots designed for long-term operations.
Warehouses
Ready-to-use, scalable warehouses built for storage, distribution and logistics efficiency.
Light Industrial Units
Pre-built units enabling faster setup for light manufacturing, processing and assembly.
Co-working Spaces
Flexible shared environments that encourage networking and collaboration.
Executive Offices
Premium offices designed for a refined work setting.
How it Works
Set up your Umm Al Quwain Free Zone company in three simple steps.
Get a Quote
Receive a customized business setup quotation based on your needs.
Register Your Business
Submit your application and complete the necessary registration steps.
Start Operating
Receive your business license and start operations smoothly.
Process to Obtain Your Umm Al Quwain Free Zone License
We will guide you through the following steps to help you with your Umm Al Quwain Free Zone company registration:
1. Choose Your Legal Structure
Decide on the legal entity type, such as Branch, FZE, or FZC, based on shareholders and liability structure.
2. Define Your Business Activity
Select from Umm Al Quwain Free Zone’s approved business categories that align with your operations.
3. Select an Office Solution
Choose from flexi-desks or private office spaces, based on your business requirements.
4. Secure Necessary Approvals
Some business activities require prior approvals; others allow direct licensing.
5. Submit Your License Application
Submit the necessary documents and apply for a business license based on your activity.
6. Obtain Your Business License
Upon approval, receive your license and workspace lease agreement from Umm Al Quwain Free Zone.
Note: The process may vary depending on your business activity and regulatory requirements.
Residence Visa Process for Umm Al Quwain Free Zone
Once your business license is issued, we will handle the entire visa application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Step 1: Establishment Card Application
We will initiate and process your company’s establishment card, a mandatory requirement for visa applications.
Step 2: Submit E-Visa Application
Our team will handle the e-visa application, ensuring all necessary documents are submitted, including:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Current visa or cancellation paper (if applicable)
Step 3: E-Visa Issuance and UAE Entry
Once the e-visa is issued, you may use it to enter the UAE from overseas. If you are inside the UAE at the time of application, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone will issue an e-visa along with a Change of Status. A Change of Status simply means your visa status is updated from within the UAE, without you needing to exit and re-enter the country.
Step 4: Complete Medical Test
Ensure that you have the below documents, as we schedule your medical test:
- Original passport
- E-visa copy
- Passport-size photos
- Change of Status confirmation (if inside the UAE)
Step 5: Emirates ID Biometrics
We will guide you through the biometric registration process for your Emirates ID. Required documents include:
- Original passport
- E-visa copy
- Passport-size photos
- Medical test results
- Emirates ID application
- Change of status confirmation (if applicable)
Step 6: Residence Visa & Emirates ID Issuance
Once your Umm Al Quwain Free Zone visa is approved, we will ensure you receive your Emirates ID, which serves as proof of residency in the UAE.
Zone10x will support you through opening a business account online and also assist with corporate tax registration in the UAE. Our team will ensure your company registration is completed smoothly and in line with the free zone’s requirements.
At this stage, you can also consider additional services like Zone10x’s accounting and bookkeeping services in the UAE.
Documents Required for Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Company Formation
The following documents are required to set up a company at Umm Al Quwain Free Zone. Requirements may vary based on the business activity and free zone regulations.
Individual Shareholder(s):
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photo (digital)
- Residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
Corporate Shareholder(s):
- Notarized Certificate of Incorporation
- Notarized Certificate of Incumbency or equivalent (issued within the last 3 months)
- Notarized Board Resolution
Upon submission of the required documents, the free zone will issue:
- Umm Al Quwain Business License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Shared-desk Agreement (if applicable)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
Our Banking Partners
We work closely with the following banks for opening bank accounts for our clients.
