UAE Compliance Calendar

June 8, 2022Dated:  | |

Although businesses do not pay income tax in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the VAT regime, ESR, AMT and CFT regulations, etc., can be tricky for those setting up a business in the Middle East. Also, missing deadlines could mean penalties or, even worse, cancellation of license.

In this post, we have a curated compliance calendar to help you set up, run and benefit from doing business in the UAE without missing any deadlines.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Compliance

ComplianceHow to ComplyDeadline
Mandatory registration for residents (TRN Certificate)  Register through FTA’s Service PortalWithin 30 days of the date to register
Mandatory registration in case of non-residents (TRN Certificate)  Register through the FTA’s  e-service portal  Just before making taxable supplies
VAT Return  Submit returns via FTA’s  e-service portal  28 the month succeeding  the tax period 
Tax Invoice    Deliver the Tax Invoice to the recipient physically or through electronic mode14 days prior to the date of supply
Input tax claim beforeVAT Registration  Claim Input tax through the first VAT Return  First tax return
Input tax claim in VAT return    Claim input through the periodic VAT ReturnFirst tax period during which the eligibility criteria is met and immediately subsequent tax period

Source

Company Registration and De-registration Compliance

ComplianceAuthorityDeadline
Trade License Commercial Register Department of Economic Development/Free Zone When the license expires
Tenancy contract / Ejari Dubai Land Department  Renewal as per clause in the Contract
P.O.Box  Post Office Every Year  December 31
Chamber of Commerce Certificate  Chamber of Commerce  When the Certificate expires
Establishment Card  Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs  When the card expires
Labour Computer Card  Card Ministry of labor  When the Card expires
Customs Registration (EXIM code) Customs Department  Annually
Specific registration based on the nature of Business  Concerned Authorities  When the license expires
Deregistration of the company    Relevant Licensing Authority  As per the directive from the Relevant Licensing Authority
KYC update with Bank  Respective Bank  While opening of an account

Source

Commercial Companies Law (CCL) in the UAE

ComplianceHow to ComplyDeadline
Annual Accounts and Report Submission of Financial Reports to Free Zone Authority.  Maintenance of books of accounts by Companies in the MainlandWithin three months of the financial year-end
General Assembly  Convened through a 15-day prior invitation from the Manager or the Board of Directors  At least once within four months succeeding the financial year-end
Board Meetings  Notice of meetings to be given as per MOA/AOA  4 times a year or as directed by the MOA
Amendment in the company’s registered particularsRegistration of MOA and subsequent amendments with the competent authorityWithin 15 days of the modification

Source

Economic Substance Regulation (ESR)

ComplianceHow to ComplyDeadline
Economic Substance Notification  yearFile with the Ministry of Finance  Within six months of the financial year-end
Economic Substance Report File Ministry of Finance  Within one year from the financial year-end
Response to the penalty proceedings initiated  Filing with Ministry of Finance or Sending a Mail to the Competent Authority  According to the stipulated time

Source

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)Regulations

ComplianceHow to ComplyDeadline
Registration on GoAML Portal  Registering on the Integrated platform of the Ministry of Economy On the registration of the company
Compliance with the Regulation Appointment of Compliance Officer, Framing AML Policy and Procedures, Undertaking CDD, EDD checks for customer and Reporting of Suspicious Transaction through the Go AML Portal  Mandatory compliance for all DNFBPs 
Subscription to the UN Security Sanctions List  https://www.uaeiec.gov.ae/en-us/  All DNFBPs must subscribe
Annual AML/CFT Risk Assessment Information  Login to the Ministry of Economy AML Portal (Data pertains to January to December period)  Annually
Response to Penalty proceedings initiated by the authorities Though the mail vide the Grievance Request Form  Within 15 days of receipt of penalty notice

Source

Conclusion

The above is a comprehensive guide to all business in the UAE concerning the various compliances they must adhere to for the smooth opertiaonsfo their concern.

Flyingcolour can help you with the necessary compliances to help you start, run and operate your business in the UAE to receive the maximum benefit.

Book your free consultation with us to know more about the comprehensive services. 

    Know Your Corporate Tax