U M M A L QUWAI N FR E E T RA DE ZONE AUT HO RIT Y PO BOX 7072 U M M A L QUWAI N / UAE TEL : +971(0)6 76 472 7 2 FAX: +971(0)6 76 4 9 7 8 2 W WW.UA QF T Z. CO M INFO@UAQF T Z. COM UA Q G OV E RN ME N T
DYNAMIC DESTINATION CONVENIENT LOCATION, GLOBAL REACH Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is located in Umm Al Quwain, a friendly, progressive and prosperous emirate with modern infrastructure. Renowned for its desert landscape and unique flora and fauna, it is also a popular leisure destination within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is located just 45km from Dubai. Umm Al Quwain s stable economy, open investment climate, low costs of living and labour make it a strategic business base with the MENA region, Subcontinent, Far East and European markets all within easy reach. PAGE 01
FROM OIL TO DIVERSE ENTERPRISES UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: GATEWAY TO THE WORLD Previously known as Trucial States, the UAE was officially formed in 1971 and is a federation of seven emirates comprising Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It is strategically located at the southern tip of the Arabian Gulf, midway between Asia and Africa. In recent years the UAE has encouraged investment in non- oil and gas trade; today, the country has one of the most varied economies in the Middle East with tourism, banking, construction and industries all accounting for high levels of activity. As well as being within easy reach of countries such as India, China, Turkey and UK, the UAE is well placed to trade with Asian, African and European markets. Furthermore, as a member of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), the UAE enjoys close trading relations with the other GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. PAGE 02 PAGE 03
BEST FOR BUSINESS UAQ FTZ is situated close to the UAE s primary sea ports and within one hour s drive of Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, ensuring easy access to the rest of the world. Thanks to UAQ FTZ s investor-friendly environment, establishing a commercial base in the UAE has never been simpler. Forward-thinking SMEs and micro-businesses in particular will benefit from advantageous set-up costs, 100% company STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION BY JOINING UAQ FTZ S VIBRANT AND BUSINESS-MINDED COMMUNITY. ownership and zero currency restrictions. This is the Free Zone of the future, where progressive companies regardless of the sector in which they operate can enjoy doing business in a safe, secure and prosperous environment. With UAQ FTZ, the sky s the limit. UAQ FTZ OFFERS: - FLEXIBILITY AND EASE OF DOING BUSINESS - CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY APPROACH - INVESTOR-FRIENDLY CLIMATE - EXCELLENT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES - COST-EFFECTIVE LEASING OPTIONS FOR OFFICE SPACE AND WAREHOUSING PAGE 04 PAGE 05
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY AWAITS AT UAQ FTZ NO CORPORATE AND PERSONAL INCOME TAX 100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP FULL RANGE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES PERMITTED 100% REPATRIATION OF CAPITAL AND PROFITS NO CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS 100% IMPORT AND EXPORT TAX EXEMPTION WITHIN THE FREE ZONE SIMPLE AND FAST REGISTRATION PROCESS WITH EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SUPPORT ESTABLISHING A COMPANY IN THE UAQ FREE ZONE MEANS FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY HI-TECH FACILITIES INCLUDING OFFICE, WAREHOUSE AND LAND AVAILABILITY STRATEGIC LOCATION WITH ACCESS TO OVER TWO BILLION CONSUMERS IDEAL LOCATION FOR SMES AND MICRO-BUSINESSES SPECIAL CONCESSIONS AT UAQ S SEA PORT NO RESTRICTIONS ON HIRING FOREIGN EMPLOYEES MODERN AND INVESTOR-FRIENDLY RULES AND REGULATIONS PAGE 06 PAGE 07
TYPES OF LICENSE COMMERCIAL LICENSE There are two types of license which fall under this category: Commercial License and General Trading License. 1. Commercial License: This authorises the import, export, distribution and storing of items specified on the license. A Commercial License can have three different product lines or 10 similar product lines. CONSULTANCY LICENSE This is for entities which offer expert or professional advice and is issued to all manner of professionals including artisans and craftsmen. It allows two similar activities. CHOOSE FROM A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF LICENSES 2. General Trading License: This enables the licensee to trade in a wider range of activities and gives the freedom and flexibility to trade in any commodity which is permitted within the UAE. Note: Commodities which require special approval or clearance from various UAE authorities e.g. explosives and armaments cannot be traded with a General Trading license. FREELANCE PERMIT This allows an individual to operate as a freelance professional, and conduct business in one s birth name as opposed to a brand name or company. The Freelance Permit is designed for individuals who operate in technology, media and film sectors, and is issued to talent roles, creative roles and selected administrative roles. SERVICE LICENSE This license is for service providers. It permits the licensee to carry out the services specified on the license within the Free Zone, such as Logistics; Courier Services; Travel Agency; Car Rental etc. INDUSTRIAL LICENSE This enables the licensee to import raw materials, then manufacture/ process / assemble / package the specified products, and export the finished product. It allows the holder to import raw materials for the purpose of manufacturing, processing and/or assembly of specified products. PAGE 08 PAGE 09
QUICK AND EASY STEPS TOWARDS SETTING UP A BUSINESS WITHIN UAQ FTZ STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 CHOOSE THE LICENSE CHOOSE THE ENTITY CHOOSE THE FACILITY SUBMIT DOCUMENTS PAYMENT RECEIVE TRADE LICENSE AND ACTIVATE YOUR BUSINESS Decide which license is most applicable to the business There are three options when it comes to establishing a Choose from a variety of offices, warehouses and land The appropriate documents must be submitted for FZE, Upon submitting the documents, UAQ FTZ staff will raise an Upon making payment, the entity will be licensed from UAQ requirements i.e. Commercial License, General Trading business within UAQ FTZ: suitable for your business FZC and branches. (See page 13 for the full list of necessary invoice whereupon payment will be required. Free Trade Zone Authority. Any queries can be addressed to the License, Consultancy License, Service License, Freelance A Free Zone Establishment (FZE), which is suitable for a paperwork). Our staff is happy to assist with guidance if designated client relationship manager. As soon as the license Permit or Industrial License. If uncertain, UAQ FTZ s team of single shareholder required. has been issued, the business is ready to begin trading within knowledgeable staff can advise. A Free Zone Company (FZC), which is for two and up to 50 shareholders UAQ FTZ. A branch of an existing company. RESIDENCE VISA BANK ACCOUNT PAGE 10 PAGE 11
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FZE/FZC BRANCH REMARK APPLICATION FORM TO BE FILLED PASSPORT COPY OF SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS CLEAR COLOR COPY PASSPORT COPY OF MANAGER CLEAR COLOR COPY REQUIREMENTS FOR SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN UAQ FTZ PROOF OF ADDRESS OF SHAREHOLDERS PROOF OF ADDRESS OF MANAGER ANY ADDRESS PROOF (UTILITY BILL / BANK STATEMENTS, DRIVING LICENSE ETC.) ANY ADDRESS PROOF (UTILITY BILL / BANK STATEMENTS, DRIVING LICENSE ETC.) MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION SPECIMEN PROVIDED FOR FZE/FZC BY UAQ FREE TRADE ZONE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION LEGALIZED BOARD RESOLUTION & POWER OF ATTORNEY LEGALIZED NOTE: 1. THE BRANCH DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE LEGALIZED & ATTESTED BY UAE EMBASSY OR CONSULATE WHERE THE PARENT COMPANY EXIST, FURTHER, FROM MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN UAE. 2. CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD SUBMIT THE SAME DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED FOR THE BRANCH (SEE ABOVE). 3. EACH LEGAL DOCUMENT HAS TO BE SEALED / INITIALED, IF MORE THAN ONE PAGE. PAGE 12 PAGE 13
WITH UAQ FTZ, BUSINESS VENTURES ARE IN SAFE HANDS. Our experienced staff offer guidance each step of the way, from identifying the most appropriate business activity and type of license, to the type of company and correct documentation. Our professional services make the licensing process quick and easy, from presenting a business concept to acquiring the trade license. Our knowledgeable team will ensure all the necessary paperwork is processed efficiently. Furthermore, a dedicated contact person will deal with all requirements from each individual applicant. SIMPLICITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SERVICES We also offer a wide range of services to make doing business in UAQ FTZ even easier. See our website for details: www.uaqftz.com PAGE 14 PAGE 15
G O F U RT H ER W I T H UA Q F T Z UAQ FTZ is proud to offer the following additional services which will enhance customers business opportunities even further: O F F I CE S Maximise business potential with our fully-serviced, small- and medium-sized office spaces, available for short- and long-term lease. Our business centre offers 24-hour access with broadband internet and telepho- VALUE-ADDED OPPORTUNITIES ne connection, as well as fully-equipped meeting and conference room facilities. WA R E H O U S E S Make use of the warehouse facilities at UAQ FTZ, available in a range of sizes. Our pre-fabricated units offer flexible and high-quality solutions for all manner of storage and light manufacturing activities. LAND Take advantage of our plots of land for short- and long-term lease. A range of plot sizes are available depending on specific requirements the perfect solution for those who wish to build their own facilities. PAGE 16 PAGE 17