Umm Al Quawain - Licenses

Setting up the company in Umm Al Quwain could be easier than you thought. You do not need to hire a resident director and you don’t need to apply for a residence visa. If you are running a foreign company then you can establish your branch in Umm Al Quwain so long as you subscribe a minimum of 300,000 AED or $82,000 USD. Your company must also open a corporate bank account with a Dubai bank.

However, the process will be made more difficult if you do not submit the following documents:

• A copy of the owner’s passport
• Three business names of your choosing
• Proof of the owner’s residency
• Registration Fee
• The company’s articles of association and memorandum

Following are the list of documents required for company Incorporation:

The Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Authority provides three types of business licenses for companies

1. Trading License

Under the commercial license, all types of trading activities can be accredited by Umm Al Quwain Free Zone. A Single business activity e.g. Trade in garments or multiple activities.

2. General Trading License

This is popular among international traders because almost all categories of products can be traded. Tobacco, Alcohol, Pharmaceuticals and Crude oil are not allowed. This license costs will be little expensive compared to trading license.

3. Consultancy License

This license is issued to those who plan to carry on consultancy business – Management Consultancy, IT services, Accounting Services, HR Consultancy Services.

4. Micro Business License

The license is applicable to those who would like, to begin with minimum budget and do not need a physical office or a visa. They can start a Trading or a consultancy business using this cheapest option.

5. Freelancer Permit

This is meant for individuals who carry out professional activities in their specialty or expertise as a business. Photographers, even planners, musicians, performers and may other categories are covered. Educational certificates as proof of expertise are needed.