MCP

One question per guide

The rules that decide a UAE company, in plain order.

Corporate tax, VAT, audit, visas, renewal, banking and closing. Each guide states the rule, the threshold and the deadline it came from, with the source on the fact.

Audit and financial statements
UAE free zone companies may need audited financial statements for corporate tax compliance and licence renewal. Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) must audit regardless…
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Closing a company
Closing a UAE free zone company is a formal process managed by the relevant free zone authority. It generally requires a shareholder resolution, cancellation of all visas…
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Compliance calendar
A UAE company must comply with annual and periodic filings including corporate tax, VAT, economic substance regulations, trade license renewal, and visa renewals. Deadlin…
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Corporate banking
Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE for a new free zone company requires careful preparation of documents, understanding of minimum balance requirements, and awar…
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Corporate tax
UAE Corporate Tax applies to all juridical persons (companies) including those in free zones. Mainland companies are taxed at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9…
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Financial year
The financial year of a UAE company is determined by the Commercial Companies Law. The first financial year starts on the date of registration and can be between 6 and 18…
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Free zone or mainland
A comparison of free zone and mainland company setups in the UAE, covering trading rights, tax, costs, and suitability. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, customs a…
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Golden visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable residence visa (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents. It allows holders to live, work, and s…
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Licence renewal
Free zone companies in the UAE must renew their trade licence annually (or for multi-year terms where allowed) before the expiry date. The renewal process checks complian…
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Residence visas
Free zone company owners can obtain UAE residence through an investor/partner visa or an employment visa (if also a shareholder). The process involves an entry permit, me…
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UBO, ESR and AML
UAE companies must comply with three interconnected transparency and compliance regimes: (1) Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register – identify and report individuals wi…
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VAT
UAE VAT applies to most businesses making taxable supplies. Registration is mandatory if annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000, and voluntary between AED 187,500 and…
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