Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
The freelancer's license — and the quietest bargain in the Emirates.
What Umm Al Quwain really offers
UAQ FTZ keeps things refreshingly simple: honest prices, light paperwork, and a dedicated freelance permit that gives independent professionals a full legal footing with one visa for under ten thousand dirhams. With 15% promotional discounts running and a five-thousand-dirham entry license, this small emirate consistently produces the lowest total cost of ownership for solo operators.
Who it suits
Freelancers and independent consultants, micro-businesses, solo traders, digital nomads formalising UAE residence, and anyone optimising for lowest all-in cost.
Zone at a glance
Umm Al Quwain pricing at a glance
| Package | Regular | Offer Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance License · 1 Visa Freelance | AED 9,999 | AED 8,499 15% OFF |
| 0 Visa | AED 5,500 | AED 4,675 15% OFF |
| 1 Visa | AED 12,500 | AED 10,625 15% OFF |
| 2 Visa | AED 17,500 | AED 14,875 15% OFF |
| 3 Visa | AED 22,500 | AED 19,125 15% OFF |
| 4 Visa | AED 25,500 | AED 21,675 15% OFF |
Why founders choose Umm Al Quwain
Dedicated Freelance License with 1 visa at AED 9,999
0-visa entry at AED 5,500
15% OFF promotions currently available
Minimal documentation, fast approvals
No office requirement
Full ownership and repatriation
Business activities
0-visa entry at AED 5,500. Full activity mapping is confirmed during consultation so your license matches how you actually invoice — and stays compliant when you add revenue lines later.
Office options
No office needed. The zone offers flexi and physical options if your work outgrows a laptop.
Shareholders
Standard packages support one to four shareholders; the freelance permit is individual.
Visas & quota
Tiers 0–4 plus the freelance permit. The freelance route bundles the visa — typically the cheapest path to UAE residency through business ownership.
What we'll need from you
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- CV or portfolio for freelance permits
- Trade name options
- Activity selection
Setup, step by step
- Day 0Route choiceFreelance permit vs company license — we model both costs.
- Day 1FilingSimple application; light documentation.
- Day 2–4ApprovalPermit or license issued.
- Week 1–2ResidencyVisa processing and Emirates ID.
- RenewalStay discountedWe apply live promotions to your renewal quote.
Advantages
- Cheapest credible freelancer route to residency
- Very light admin burden
- 15% promotions stack the value
Honest considerations
- Limited prestige for enterprise clients
- Physical infrastructure options modest
Umm Al Quwain, answered straight
Who qualifies for the freelance permit?
Is the freelance permit a real company?
How does the 15% discount apply?
Can I hire under a freelance permit?
Bank account difficulty?
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