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Compliance Checklist — UAE

Step-by-step regulatory requirements organized by timeline phase

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Choose Jurisdiction & Trade License

Select between mainland (DED), free zone (DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, etc.), or offshore. Each has different rules.

RegistrationDED / Free Zone Authority~$2,500

Apply for Initial Approval

Submit initial approval application with trade name reservation. Required before lease and visa processing.

RegistrationDED / Free Zone Authority~$500

Lease Office Space

Obtain an Ejari-registered tenancy contract. A physical office or flexi-desk is required for licensing.

PermitsRERA / Free Zone Authority~$5,000

Open Corporate Bank Account

Open a UAE corporate bank account. Requires trade license, lease, and shareholder documents.

BankingCBUAE-regulated Bank

Mandatory VAT registration if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months. 5% standard rate.

TaxFTA30 days after exceeding threshold

AED 10,000 for late registration

Apply for Investor/Partner Visa

Apply for residence visa through establishment card. Investor visa allows 2–3 year residency.

PermitsGDRFA~$1,500

Mandatory salary payment through WPS for all mainland companies. Ensures wages are paid on time.

LaborMOHRE

Work permit suspension and fines

Obtain Health Insurance for Employees

Mandatory health insurance for all employees and dependents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

LaborDHA / HAAD~$1,200

Fines of AED 500–1,000 per employee per month

TaxFTAWithin prescribed timeline per FTA

Administrative penalties for late registration

Apply for Employee Visas & Work Permits

Sponsor employee visas and work permits. Subject to visa quota based on office size and license type.

LaborMOHRE / Free Zone Authority~$2,000

UBO Declaration

Submit Ultimate Beneficial Owner declaration to licensing authority. Updated on any ownership changes.

RegistrationDED / Free Zone Authority

Fines and potential license suspension

Trade License Renewal

Renew trade license annually. Maintain valid Ejari, insurance, and approvals for renewal.

RegistrationDED / Free Zone AuthorityAnnually before expiry~$2,500

Late renewal fines and license suspension

Quarterly VAT Returns

File VAT return and payment quarterly via FTA e-Services portal.

ReportingFTA28 days after quarter-end

AED 1,000 first offense; AED 2,000 for repeat

Annual Corporate Tax Filing

File corporate tax return within 9 months of financial year-end.

ReportingFTA9 months after FYE

Administrative penalties per FTA schedule

ESR Notification & Report

File Economic Substance Regulations notification and report if conducting relevant activities.

ReportingMinistry of Finance6 months after FYE (notification); 12 months (report)

AED 20,000 for failure to notify; AED 50,000+ for failure to report

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