The complete process of annual audit of Dubai company is disassembled: a full guide from preparation to completion.
2025-11-24
Author:joyce 
Source:Zhuoxin Enterprise 
Current online readers: 53 Operating a business in Dubai, the annual review is not a simple "license renewal", but a systematic compliance process covering material verification, information update and fee payment. There are differences in the details of the annual review process for different types of companies, but the core logic revolves around "compliance review-material submission-approval-qualification update.
the preparation work before the annual audit is the basis for ensuring a smooth process. The following core documents need to be focused on:
1. Basic qualification documents
company registration certificate: the latest version of the certificate is required to ensure that the company is in a legal state.
Business license: check the validity period and renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.
Articles of Association: The latest amendments must be included, especially the record of changes in shareholder structure and business scope.
Director/shareholder information: The updated list and identification documents (e. g. passport copy) must be completely consistent with the registration information.
2. Financial and Operating Documents
financial statements: including balance sheet, profit statement, cash flow statement, to be prepared in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS).
Bank statement: A transaction record that covers the entire fiscal year and is used to verify the authenticity of financial data.
Contract and Invoice: Provide the main business contract and corresponding invoice to prove the legitimacy of the income source.
Office lease contract: if the free zone company uses the virtual office, it needs to provide the service agreement and the use record.
3. Special industry documents
trading companies: import and export lists and customs declarations are required.
Financial companies: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance reports and risk assessment documents are required.
ESG Special Report: Starting from 2025, free zones such as DMCC will require enterprises to submit special environmental, social and governance (ESG) statements.
1. Qualification of audit institutions
free Zone Company: Select an audit institution approved by the Free Zone Authority.
Inland companies: Auditors are required to hold a qualification issued by the UAE Ministry of Finance and can be verified through the DED website.
International institutions: If the Big Four accounting firms are commissioned, they need to confirm their Dubai branch qualifications and ensure that the audit report meets local requirements.
2. Audit scope and criteria
financial statement audit: verify the authenticity of the balance sheet, profit statement and cash flow statement to ensure compliance with IFRS standards.
Internal control assessment: Check financial process compliance (e. g. procurement approval, contract management) and assess potential risks.
Tax compliance: Confirm that VAT declarations are consistent with financial data to avoid suspicion of tax evasion.
Abnormal transaction verification: through API direct connection to the government system, automatic detection of large or frequent transactions. The probability of DMCC system triggering abnormal transactions in 2025 is 23% higher than in 2024.
3. Contents of audit report
unqualified Reporting: The financial statements comply with IFRS standards and are free from material misstatement.
Reserved opinion report: there are local problems (e. g., a dispute over the timing of a revenue recognition) that require additional explanation.
Negative Opinion Report: There are material misstatements in the financial statements that may result in the failure of the annual audit.
1. Free Zone Company
DMCC Member Portal: After logging in, upload the audit report and compliance statement, and pay the annual review fee. In 2025, DMCC will introduce a simplified declaration channel for small and micro enterprises, reducing the annual audit fee by 30%.
JAFZA system: submit the economic substance declaration form (if applicable) and update the company registration information.
DIFC portal: Financial companies are required to submit additional risk assessment reports and customer due diligence (CDD) documents.
2. Inland companies
DED "Invest in Dubai" platform: submit audit reports, shareholder resolutions, board reports, and pay government fees. If the company is involved in VAT, the tax declaration receipt shall be submitted simultaneously.
Tax declaration linkage: ensure that the tax declaration is consistent with the annual audit data, otherwise the approval progress will be affected.
3. Deadline for declaration
free zone companies: usually within 90 days after the anniversary of the registration date (e. g. DMCC).
Inland companies: Within 6 months after the end of the fiscal year.
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