Articles, guides and deadlines for UAE businesses
Practical, plain-language resources to help you understand your obligations and plan ahead.
Articles & Guides
Plain-language explainers on UAE tax and compliance. Filter by topic.
UAE e-invoicing: deadlines and how to prepare
Who must comply, when, what an accredited service provider does and the steps to take before your go-live date.
Read articleVAT in the UAE: a practical guide for businesses
Registration thresholds, tax invoices, returns and the mistakes that most often lead to penalties.
Read articleUAE Corporate Tax: what every business needs to do
Who must register, how taxable income is calculated, free zone rules and filing deadlines explained.
Read articleSmall Business Relief extended to 2029: what it means for you
Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026 extends Small Business Relief to tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029.
Read articleVAT registration in the UAE: a step-by-step guide
When you must register, when you can register voluntarily, and how the process works on EmaraTax.
Read articleUAE VAT penalties: what changed in April 2026
The new penalty framework took effect on 14 April 2026. Here's what it means for late payments, returns and disclosures.
Read articleCorporate Tax for free zone companies: keeping the 0% rate
What it takes to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person, what counts as qualifying income, and how the 0% rate can be lost.
Read articleICV certification: how the score works and how to improve it
What the In-Country Value score measures, why it matters in tenders, and practical ways to raise it.
Read articleAML obligations for DNFBPs: a practical checklist
Which businesses must comply with UAE anti-money laundering rules, and the core controls supervisors expect to see.
Read articleESP (formerly ETIP): how Abu Dhabi manufacturers can cut energy costs
The Energy Support Program offers reduced electricity and gas tariffs to eligible Abu Dhabi manufacturers.
Read articleMainland, free zone or offshore: choosing the right structure
How the three main UAE company structures compare on trading, visas, office requirements and Corporate Tax.
Read articleUBO register: what it is and when to update it
Every UAE company must keep a register of its ultimate beneficial owners and keep it up to date.
Read articleKey UAE deadlines
The recurring and event-based deadlines every UAE business should plan around.
VAT return and payment
File and pay by the 28th day after each monthly or quarterly period ends.
Salaries through WPS
Pay staff through the Wage Protection System every month.
Corporate Tax return and payment
For a December year-end, the deadline is 30 September.
Audited financial statements
Many free zones need them at renewal; also required for some Corporate Tax cases.
Trade licence renewal
Renew before expiry to avoid fines and blocked government services.
Establishment card, visas and Emirates ID
Track renewals for the company and every sponsored employee.
ICV certificate renewal
Renew with your latest audited statements to stay eligible for tenders.
ESP enrolment renewal
Apply well before expiry; preferential tariffs stop the day it lapses.
Tax Residency Certificate
Apply for each new period in which you claim treaty benefits.
Corporate Tax registration
New companies must register within 3 months of incorporation.
VAT registration
Register within 30 days of passing the mandatory threshold.
VAT deregistration
Apply within 30 business days of the deregistration obligation arising.
Corporate Tax deregistration
Apply on EmaraTax within 3 months of the cessation date.
VAT voluntary disclosure
Correct errors in filed returns once you become aware of them.
UBO register update
Update the beneficial owner register with your licensing authority.
AML risk assessment review
Update when your business, customers or products change.
Small Business Relief ends
Extended from 2026 by Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026. Revenue limit stays AED 3m.
General guidance based on UAE rules as of November 2026. Deadlines can vary by emirate, free zone and circumstance.
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