How to maintain Dubai company after registration
2025-11-10
Author:joyce 
Source:Zhuoxin Enterprise 
Current online readers: 46 Many entrepreneurs are attracted by the UAE's "zero tax burden, no foreign exchange control, 100 percent foreign ownership" business environment, but after successfully registering a company, they have a dilemma: how to operate in order to comply? In particular, FTZ enterprises, if they want to continue to enjoy the policy dividend, they have to step into the rhythm of the regulations at every step. Today, starting from the actual operational needs, talk about the key operations of UAE companies after registration, to help you avoid risks and stabilize your advantages.
when the company is registered, the first task is to open a corporate bank account. This is not only the basis of capital operation, but also the "pass" for follow-up tax, audit and visa processing ".
Opening an account is not enough to submit materials. The bank will strictly review the background of shareholders, the source of funds, the company's business model, and implement strict KYC (know your customer) and anti-money laundering policies. It is usually necessary to prepare:
● Valid business license
● Articles of Association (MOA)
● Passport of shareholders and directors, UAE visa
it is worth noting that most banks require shareholders or directors to go to Dubai with a work visa to complete the interview, and some institutions will also require proof of the source of funds. When choosing a bank, you can consider large local banks such as Emirates NBD, or international foreign banks, but each bank has different audit criteria, it is recommended to assess the match in advance.
many people mistakenly think that "if the company does not do business, it does not have to file taxes". In the UAE, this is a dangerous cognitive myth.
Since June 2023, the UAE has officially implemented a federal corporate income tax system. Regardless of whether the company has income, as long as it is incorporated, it must fulfill its tax reporting obligations.
1. Enterprise income tax
● All enterprises are required to complete tax registration within 3 months after the issuance of the business license.
● If the financial year ends on December 31, 2024, the return must be submitted by September 30, 2025 at the latest.
● Even if there is no business and no income, there must be a "zero declaration"-this is part of the compliance process, not an option.
Special reminder: Enterprises with annual income of less than 3 million dirhams can apply for "Small and Micro Enterprise Relief" (SBR) and enjoy zero taxable income, but they need to weigh the potential impact of future loss carryforward.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT)
● Annual taxable sales in excess of AED 375000 must be registered and reported quarterly.
The tax rate of 5% applies to goods and services traded in the UAE.
● Pure offshore business is exempt from VAT, but complete transaction records need to be kept for inspection.
3. Consumption taxFor specific commodities such as tobacco and sugary beverages, the relevant enterprises are required to register and declare consumption tax separately. Failure to file on time? The consequences are serious:
● First 12 months of delay: fine of 500 dirhams per month
● More than 12 months: 1000 dirhams per month
plus late fees, long-term non-processing may affect the company's credit and shareholders' personal records.
1. License and address renewal
● Annual renewal of the company license fee and renewal of the company card.
● Free zone companies must maintain a valid office address lease, and some areas also require physical offices.
2. Auditing and Financial Reporting
all companies must be audited annually with a report issued by a licensed accountant.
● The first audit is usually submitted in the 18th month after the establishment of the company, and is carried out annually with the annual audit.
Financial records must be kept for at least 7 years.
3. Synchronous update of tax declaration
● A tax compliance certificate must be submitted together with the annual review to ensure that there are no overdue declarations.
● Free zone enterprises enjoy 50-year corporate income tax exemption, but if they involve the UAE local market and their net profit exceeds 375000 dirhams, they still need to pay 9% tax.
4. Information change filing
● Any changes in the company name, address, shareholder structure, etc. must be reported to the relevant authorities within 20 working days, otherwise a fine may be imposed.
Important Reminder:
● Final Beneficial Owner (UBO) Registration: A register must be established within 60 days of incorporation and information changes must be updated within 15 days. This is the focus of bank account opening and government review.
● Register of shareholders: It is necessary to clearly record the shareholding ratio, the time of shareholding, etc., and file changes in a timely manner.
● Accounting records: must be kept for at least 5 years in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including accounts, invoices, bank statements, etc.
Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI Overseas Investment Filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!
Zhuoxin Consulting relies on its Chinese service network and Dubai executive team to provide professional one-stop business services without communication barriers for Chinese companies to enter the Middle East market. Its business covers company establishment and maintenance, accounting and taxation, bank account opening, PRO services and business services.
Zhuoxin Consulting has high-quality business resources and maintains close cooperation with many free zones, bankers and tax departments in the UAE to escort your expansion in the Middle East market.
