To start a company in the UAE, you'll typically need a valid passport copy, a chosen business activity, trade name options, and a UAE-registered office address (Usually issued along with License). Depending on the jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), additional documentation may be required.
The setup process usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on the type of license, business activity, and the efficiency of document submission and approvals.
Yes, once you receive your UAE residence visa (usually via an investor or employment visa), you can apply to sponsor your immediate family members, provided you meet the salary and accommodation requirements.
For Mainland companies, a physical office is mandatory. Free Zones may offer flexi-desk or virtual office options depending on the jurisdiction and license type.
Yes, once your company is fully registered and you have your license and supporting documents (like MOA, share certificates, etc.), you can apply for a business bank account. Approval depends on the bank’s internal compliance process.
UAE residence visas are usually valid for 2 years
In the UAE, companies are subject to 9% corporate tax on net profits above AED 375,000. There is 0% personal income tax, and 5% VAT applies to most goods and services. Free Zone companies may get tax exemptions if they meet certain conditions.
Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019.
Real estate agents, dealers in precious metals/stones, auditors, legal professionals, corporate service providers.
Receives, analyzes, and forwards STRs to law enforcement.
goAML (Anti-Money Laundering System) portal managed by the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit)
Yes, especially those offering financial or professional services, must comply with AML laws and register on goAML and the Automatic Reporting System for Sanctions List (ARSSL), as applicable.
Yes, for DNFBPs and Financial Institutions. Yes, ongoing and risk based.
At least annually, or when regulations are updated and training should be documented.
Yes, under Article 21. 5 years
Yes, per Article 6.
Businesses should implement robust AML compliance programs, conduct thorough KYC checks, train employees, and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
For high-risk clients or PEPs. No, it violates KYC norms.
Individual with 25% or more ownership/control.
All DNFBPs must file an annual AML/CFT Risk Assessment Report.
All DNFBPs and FIs. Immediately upon detection of suspicion.
All DNFBPs and FIs.
Informing the client about prohibited reporting. Fines up to AED 50 million and/or imprisonment.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is an indirect tax levied on most goods and services. The UAE introduced VAT at 5% on January 1, 2018, to diversify its revenue sources and reduce reliance on oil income.
The standard VAT rate is 5%. Any business whose taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 annually must register. Voluntary registration is allowed if turnover or expenses exceed AED 187,500.
Mandatory: AED 375,000 | Voluntary: AED 187,500 It’s mandatory if the business crosses the mandatory threshold. Voluntary registration is optional if the business is close to reaching it.
It typically takes 20 business days, but delays can happen if documents are incomplete. VAT returns are usually filed quarterly, though some businesses are required to file monthly based on FTA instructions.
A TRN is a unique 15-digit number issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) once a business registers for VAT.
Late registration: AED 10,000; Late return filing: AED 1,000 (first time), AED 2,000 (repeat); Late payment: 2% per day, up to 300%.
Yes, if the purchases are related to taxable supplies and not blocked (e.g., entertainment, personal expenses). No, exports of goods or services are zero-rated if certain conditions are met.
If ownership changes in the UAE or the supply is from the UAE, VAT may apply. It depends on place of supply and shipment terms.
First supply (within 3 years): Zero-rated; Subsequent supplies: Exempt Yes, VAT at 5% applies to commercial property sales and leases.
Yes, if they meet the threshold, even if they are in designated Free Zones. In designated zones, certain goods transactions are outside VAT scope, but services are still subject to VAT.
No, export of services is zero-rated if the recipient is outside the UAE and the benefit of service is outside the UAE. No, only on eligible business expenses related to taxable supplies. VAT on entertainment, personal use, and blocked items is not claimable.
You can claim it in the subsequent two tax periods, subject to FTA rules. VAT Payable = Output VAT – Input VAT
Examples include: Staff entertainment, personal use items, motor vehicles for non-business use, donations and fines.
Yes, if expenses relate to exempt supplies, input VAT may not be claimable or needs to be apportioned. Log into FTA Portal, go to VAT > VAT Return, fill in details from your records, submit and pay due VAT.
Yes, within 20 business days. File a Voluntary Disclosure if the difference exceeds AED 10,000. Small errors can be adjusted in the next return.
You must retain tax invoices, accounting books, import/export documentation, contracts, etc., for 5 years (15 years for real estate).
Yes, for taxable supplies. Full tax invoice is required if value > AED 10,000; simplified invoice allowed if ≤ AED 10,000. You may invoice in foreign currency, but VAT must be converted to AED using the CBUAE exchange rate on the date of supply.
A deemed supply occurs when goods/services are used for non-business purposes or given away for free. VAT must be accounted for even without a sale. You must apply for deregistration, file a final return, pay due VAT, and account for any input VAT on remaining assets.
Yes, for imported services like consultancy/software, VAT is self-accounted under reverse charge mechanism.
Yes, unless both entities are in a VAT group. Within a VAT group, inter-company supplies are not subject to VAT.
