UAE Company Tax-Return and Accounting Obligations

Running a business in the UAE offers many advantages, including tax incentives and a growing economy. However, companies must follow a range of tax and accounting obligations to remain compliant with local laws. This guide outlines the key requirements for companies operating in the UAE. Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to the obligations for UAE companies in order to avoid any penalties.

Legal Obligations for Companies in the UAE

Freezone & Mainland

Maintain proper accounting records
Submit the Tax Return on time
Ensure that Corporate Tax (CT) registration is completed
Conduct an audit if required
Conduct VAT assessment (required from 2025)

UAE Offshore

Maintain proper accounting records
Submit the Tax Return on time
Ensure that Corporate Tax (CT) registration is completed

Even if your company is tax-exempt or submits a zero declaration, above requirements are mandatory. Additionally, banks are tightening their requirements and increasingly demanding financial evidence. Maintaining complete documentation can facilitate future transactions and prevent issues.

VAT Registration - New Obligations from 2025

From 2025 onwards, a VAT assessment must be conducted for all Freezone and Mainland companies to determine the obligation for registration or possible exemption. The decision on exemptions lies solely with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Your GWS advisor will be happy to assist you with the process.

Our "Full Compliance" Package

To minimize your efforts, GWS Middle East offers the “FULL COMPLIANCE” package, which covers all necessary measures – from accounting to tax declaration.

Special Prices for GWS-Clients

Up to 50 transactions per year - 2,200 USD
Up to 100 transactions per year - 2,750 USD
Up to 200 transactions per year - 3,300 USD
Additional bookkeeping (per hour) - 120 USD

Popular

Financial report - 900 USD
Clearance Certificate on financial statements - 1,800 USD
Clearance Certificate on specific transactions - 1,500 USD
Legal opinion / tax opinion - from 1,800 USD
Auditing (independent auditor) - from 990 USD
Auditing (KPMG, PWC) - from 8,000 USD

* Includes following services:

Accounting services (up to 50/100/200 transactions) as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as applicable in United Arab Emirates: Recording day-to-day accounting transactions of payments, receipts, sales and purchases and other miscellaneous expenses on a monthly basis, for which the supporting documents are being provided by the Company.
Preparation of bank account reconciliation (BRS).
Preparation of financial reports like balance sheet and profit & loss account.
VAT registration with Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Preparation of VAT return work for every tax period.
Submission of VAT returns to FTA.
Corporate Tax registration services
Corporate tax compliance services
Corporate Tax return preparation and submission to FTA.
Assessment of Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) on the Company and submission of ESR notification to Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Preparation and submission of ESR Report to Ministry of Finance, if applicable