1. Trade License Renewal

What is it?
Every company in the UAE must renew its trade license annually before its expiry date.

When to Renew?

• Before the license expiry date.
• Ideally start the renewal process 45 days in advance.

Documents Required

• Valid tenancy contract (if applicable)
• Passport and Emirates ID copies of shareholders/managers
• Other documents as required by the licensing authority

Important Notes

• Failure to renew may result in penalties.
• Delays can affect visa renewals and banking facilities.

2. Visa Renewal

When to Renew?

• Residence visas must be renewed before expiry.
• Renewal can usually be initiated within the period permitted by the relevant authority.

Required Documents

• Passport copy
• Emirates ID
• Medical fitness test (if applicable)
• Health insurance
• Recent photograph

Important Notes

• Overstaying after visa expiry may result in fines.
• Ensure all employee visas are monitored regularly.

3. Corporate Tax Registration

Who Must Register?
All UAE businesses that fall under the UAE Corporate Tax regime, including Free Zone and Mainland entities.

Registration Deadline

• As per the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) deadline applicable to the business.
• Registration should be completed before the prescribed deadline to avoid penalties. (generally within 3 months from the date of incorporation or license issuance)

Penalty for Non-Registration

• AED 10,000 administrative penalty.

Documents Required

• Trade License
• Emirates ID and Passport of authorized signatory
• Memorandum of Association
• Contact details
• Financial information (if requested)

4. Corporate Tax Filing

Filing Frequency

• Once every tax period (generally annually).

Filing Deadline

• Within 9 months from the end of the relevant tax period.

Example

• Financial year ending 31 December 2025
• Corporate Tax Return due by 30 September 2026

Important Notes

• Maintain proper accounting records.
• Financial statements should be prepared before filing.

Penalty Risks

• Late filing penalties and Incorrect filing penalties
• Audit exposure by FTA

5. VAT Registration

Mandatory Registration

• Taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months.
• Expected to exceed AED 375,000 in the next 30 days.

Voluntary Registration

• Taxable supplies or expenses exceed AED 187,500.

Documents Required

• Trade License
• Passport and Emirates ID
• Business activity details
• Revenue evidence
• Bank account details

Important Notes

• Late registration may attract penalties.

6. VAT Return Filing

Filing Frequency

• Monthly or Quarterly as assigned by the FTA.

Filing Deadline

• 28th day following the end of the tax period.

Example

• Tax period ending 31 March
• VAT Return due by 28 April

Important Notes

• VAT payment must be made before the deadline.
• Late filing and payment attract penalties.

7. FTA Record Updates

When Should Records Be Updated?
Any changes to:

• Trade License details
• Business activities
• Shareholders
• Authorized signatory
• Contact details
• Business address
• Passport or Emirates ID information

Deadline

• Within 20 business days from the date of change.

Important Notes

• Failure to update records may result in administrative penalties.

8. Accounting Records Maintenance

Businesses Must Maintain:

• Sales invoices
• Purchase invoices
• Bank statements
• Payroll records
• Contracts and agreements
• Accounting books and ledgers

Record Retention

• Keep records for at least 7 years as required under UAE tax regulations.

8. Wage Protection System (WPS) – Salary Payment Requirement

What is WPS?
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is a mandatory electronic salary transfer system introduced by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in cooperation with the Central Bank of the UAE. It ensures that employee salaries are paid through approved banking channels and are recorded in the government system.

Legal Requirement

• WPS is mandatory for all UAE private-sector employers registered with MOHRE
• Salaries must be paid through approved banks, exchange houses, or financial institutions
• Employers must comply with salary payment timelines as per UAE Labour Law and MOHRE regulations

Salary Payment Timeline

• Salaries must generally be paid within the approved wage period (commonly within 15 days of due date under WPS monitoring rules)
• Delayed payments may result in MOHRE warnings, work permit restrictions, fines, or company classification downgrade

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Work permit suspension
• Fines and administrative penalties
• Company classification downgrade
• Restrictions on new work permits

Important Notes

• WPS applies to all mainland companies and most free zone entities (depending on authority)
• Salary must be paid in full as per employment contract
• Companies must maintain proper payroll records and submit SIF files through approved channels

10. Tax Deregistration (Corporate Tax & VAT)

Corporate Tax Deregistration

When is it required?

• Business is permanently closed
• License is cancelled or not renewed
• Entity no longer carries out taxable activity

Key Requirement

• Deregistration must be filed with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) once conditions are met

Timeline

• Must be submitted after cessation of business activities and settlement of all tax obligations

Important Notes

• All pending Corporate Tax returns must be filed before deregistration approval
• Any outstanding liabilities must be cleared

VAT Deregistration

When is it required?

• Taxable supplies fall below mandatory threshold
• Business ceases operations
• Company is no longer making taxable supplies

Key Requirement

• Application must be submitted to the FTA within the prescribed timeline after eligibility for deregistration

Important Notes

• Final VAT return must be submitted before deregistration approval
• All outstanding VAT liabilities must be settled
• Failure to deregister on time may result in penalties

Compliance Calendar Summary