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Umm Al Quwain Company Formation

Company Formation in Umm Al Quwain Free Zone, UAE – Service

Page contents

  1. UAQ Free Zone – how to proceed with company formation and why
  2. Licenses in the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone
  3. Facilities and Infrastructure
  4. Business Activities Permitted in the UAQ FTZ
  5. Visa Options in UAQ FTZ
  6. FAQ

If you’ve been looking for the best place to launch your business with the possibility of applying a preferential tax regime (including a 0% corporate tax rate subject to compliance with the requirements for a qualifying free zone person) and at a competitive price, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone is the right choice. The minimum cost of a license is from AED 8,000 for a small business or freelancer. The registration period is about a week and depends on the selected package and license.

UAQ Free Zone – how to proceed with company formation and why

Umm Al Quwain Free Zone company formation has some benefits. The UAE offers a favorable tax system, including a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 (in accordance with Federal Law-Decree No. 47 of 2022) and a 5% value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services (in accordance with Federal Law-Decree No. 8 of 2017).

Companies registered in free zones may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate, subject to meeting the Qualified Free Zone Person criteria and applicable income, in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

Apart from 100% foreign ownership and free transfer of funds, the main advantages of the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone include:

Umm Al Quwain Free Zone license fees

The license cost depends on the type of Umm Al Quwain Free Zone company activities.

Residence visa

Available

Taxation

Corporate tax (% of profit) Corporate tax rates at 1 June 2023.

  • 0% on profits of up to AED 375,000
  • 9% on gains of more than AED 375,000
  • Companies in a free zone, such as UAQ FTZ, if meeting certain criteria, including no business in the UAE mainland, are able to keep the 0% rate on “qualifying income," and further, the CE should be met.

VAT: 5% levied on local country transactions.

Time required to complete the registration of a UAQ company

Registration can take from 3 to 5 working days.

Confidentiality and data protection

While confidentiality is prioritized, specific data protection measures are subject to UAE laws and regulations.

Additional requirements

No currency restrictions, no restrictions on hiring foreign employees, and the ability to repatriate 100% of capital and profits can make the Free Zone more attractive to potential investors.

If you compare the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone cost with the costs of a license in other free trade zones, you’ll see that it is highly affordable. There are a great number of facilities available on the territory of the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone—offices and warehouses of any size and kind, as well as a UAQ virtual office. The Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Authority is located on the first floor of Al Shmookh Business Centre. The UAQ Free Trade Zone offers companies great opportunities for further development. It is very customer-oriented and flexible. It promotes the right investment climate for Umm Al Quwain Free Zone company formation.

It's no wonder so many progressive companies around the world choose the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone. Here you'll find a safe environment for any commercial activity. Licensing fees in the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone vary depending on the license type. The process for submitting the necessary documents for registration is simple and quick.

Accounting requirements apply to legal entities operating in the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone. Companies are required to maintain accounting records in accordance with UAE law and IFRS norms and also undergo an audit. The free zone is regulated by the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Authority.

Whether you're developing a startup or looking to expand your business, Umm Al Quwain is a great option. Your business will benefit from this choice.

Licenses in the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) provides a range of licenses suited to various business activities. Here is an overview of the different permitting documents:

License type

Features

Commercial License

  • Purpose: Enables businesses to import, export, distribute, and store goods noted on the license more efficiently.
  • Scope: Allows trade in a maximum of three different product ranges or ten similar ones.

General Trading License

  • Purpose: Enables trading of a diverse array of products.
  • Scope: Allows the majority of trade in goods besides alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and crude oil, which require special permissions.

Consultancy License

  • Purpose: For professionals providing expert or advisory services.
  • Scope: For IT, accounting, HR, management consultants, etc.

Service License

  • Purpose: Enable companies to conduct specialized services in the Free Zone.
  • Scope: Logistics, courier services, Insurance, travel agents, Tour Services, Car Rentals, etc.

Freelance License

  • Purpose: Intended for private entrepreneurs and independent professionals.
  • Scope: For industries including tech, media, television, and film, with a focus on roles such as web designers, photographers, translators, and tutors.

The benefits of licenses issued by Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone are the following:

  • Possibility of obtaining a residence visa (validity period depends on the type of visa and current UAE immigration regulations);
  • Enables sponsorship for dependents;
  • Single license for related activities.

These licenses are tailored to meet distinct business requirements and capture a total spectrum of professional activities permitted under the UAQ Free Trade Zone umbrella.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The UAQ FTZ is a great choice in terms of providing integrated facilities and extensive infrastructure to conduct all types of business activities. Here’s a rundown of available options:

Offices

UAQ FTZ offers executive offices, co-offices, and shared desks: modern and comfortable spaces with an ambient atmosphere. They are available at flexible lease terms. These facilities offer car parking spaces with 24-hour security and CCTV. Additionally, conference and meeting areas are available.

Warehouses

Warehouses are available from 100 sq. m to 500 sq. m. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modular capabilities. Some units come with attached office spaces, a pantry, and toilets. Fire alarm systems and 24-hour surveillance are at your service. The warehouses are located near all major highways.

Land plots

The plots of up to 2,500 sq. m are available for lease (short- and long-term options). Land plots have electricity, water, and telecommunication infrastructure prepared for future housing development. There is direct contact between major highways and road infrastructure.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Road Accessibility: The community runs along the E311 (Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), ensuring easy access across the UAE and the rest of the GCC.

  • Proximity to Transport Hubs: About half an hour from Dubai International Airport.
  • Major seaports: UAQ Seaport offers special concessions for businesses.
  • Utilities: electricity, water, and telecommunication services.

With its excellent infrastructure and unique facilities supported by its strategic location, UAQ FTZ is truly the ideal destination for any business that wants to set foot in the UAE market or expand its business further into the Emirates.

Business Activities Permitted in the UAQ FTZ

The UAQ FTZ has more than 1,500 business activities permitted from diverse sectors.

Major categories of business activities in UAQ FTZ include the following:

  • Trading: Import, export, or distribute and re-export of goods.
  • Manufacturing & Industrial: light and medium industrial, assembly, and packaging.
  • Services: Professional, scientific, and technical services.
  • E-commerce: Digital services and online trading.
  • Real Estate: Property development and management.
  • Financial Services: Banking, insurance, and investment business.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: Travel and hotel services.
  • Freelancers & Creative Professionals: Individual professionals providing specialized services.
  • Education & Training: Colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions.
  • Media & Entertainment: Media production and related services.

With its wide range of permitted activities, UAQ FTZ offers an ideal environment in terms of location and law to thrive in your business activities within the UAE and worldwide.

Visa Options in UAQ FTZ

Whether you need a general investor visa, employee visa, or freelance visa, the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) provides options that enable you to operate your business and live in the UAE. Here are the types of visas available:

  • Investor visa for owners and shareholders of a UAQ FTZ-registered company. The document is issued for 3 years and enables residence and business operation.
  • Employment visa for employees of companies with a UAQ FTZ license. The document is issued for 2 years and allows foreign professionals to work legally in the UAE under the sponsorship of a company.
  • Freelance visa for freelance permits independent professionals in UAQ FTZ, issued for 2 years. It offers freelancers the ability to work in the UAE without a traditional employer.
  • A dependent visa is given to family members (spouse, children, parents) of visa holders. The sponsor must meet income thresholds and have suitable accommodation. Valid for the same period as a sponsor’s visa.

UAQ FTZ allows for the whole process to be managed through it to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and accelerate the residency acquisition process.

Immediate relatives of the primary visa holder (spouse, children, parents) may sponsor other family members if they have their own resident visa and meet the appropriate conditions. It may require submitting various paperwork, medical exams, and Emirates ID registration. This is all facilitated by UAQ FTZ, which helps you with the entire process. 

FAQ

Is it necessary to rent a physical office?

In most instances, a flex desk or virtual office is enough to save on start-up costs. But some regulated activities may need to be done in brick and mortar. The requirements will vary according to the type of license and the number of visas that are issued. There are different types of rental packages in the free zone, including options for cost-friendly set-up. The residence visa limit is determined on the office selection. 

Do I need to come to the UAE to register a company?

In most cases, company registration can be done remotely through a representative. However, for a residence visa, you have to come to the country in person and get a medical done and give biometrics. In some banks a director is expected to make a personal visit before opening an account. Regulations may differ in the case of collective corporations or the nationality of the founder. Thus, it is advisable to check with a consultant regarding the registration format in advance. 

Is authorized capital required upon registration?

Legally, a free zone may set a minimum authorized capital, as the holder’s contribution is usually in practice not necessary. The amount of capital is determined in the company foundation documents. Bear in mind that banks may ask for information about your capital when you open a corporate account. Special conditions may be imposed for certain kinds of operations. You may want to check current conditions before heading to the races.

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