COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST IN THE UAE

An updated, actionable checklist to ensure your business meets all regulatory, financial, and reporting obligations in the UAE.

1. Legal & Business Licensing

Maintain valid trade license (mainland or free zone)
Ensure license covers all business activities
Fulfill sector approvals where required
Keep MOA/AOA updated with operations
Update shareholding/director changes with authorities

2. Corporate Tax Compliance

Register for corporate tax via FTA portal within 3 months
Maintain audited financial statements where required
Prepare tax computation reconciled with accounting profit
Apply disallowances/adjustments per law
Keep transfer pricing documentation for related-party transactions
File CT return within 9 months after financial year-end
Make timely tax payments
Monitor exemptions/reliefs (e.g. free zone qualifying income)
Track minimum top-up tax (Pillar Two) rules for multinationals

3. VAT Obligations

Register if taxable supplies > AED 375,000
Voluntary registration from AED 187,500 turnover/expenses
Submit VAT returns on time (quarterly or as assigned)
Charge VAT correctly (5%, 0%, exempt)
Apply reverse charge on imports
Issue compliant tax invoices
Use correct classification for supplies
Apply input VAT apportionment if mixed supplies
Maintain export documentation for zero-rating
Consider fixed recovery rate (FTA approval)
Record adjustments, credit notes, rebates accurately

4. Payroll, HR & Labor Compliance

Process payroll accurately with allowances/deductions
Ensure WPS compliance and timely wage payments
Calculate/provide end-of-service benefits, leave encashment
Maintain labor law-compliant contracts
Keep attendance and leave records
Meet Emiratization requirements if applicable
Stay updated with UAE labor law changes

5. Financial Reporting & Audit

Prepare regular financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
Keep books per UAE standards/IFRS
Conduct annual audits if required by free zone/regulator
Reconcile inter-company, assets, inventory, banks
Keep records accessible and backed up

6. Immigration & Visa Compliance

Maintain valid investor/shareholder visas
Renew employee visas before expiration
Keep IDs, medicals, permits updated
Comply with visa quotas
Monitor visa policy updates

7. Data Protection & Privacy

Comply with UAE/DIFC/ADGM data privacy laws
Implement company data privacy policy
Maintain secure IT systems and access controls
Align retention with legal requirements

8. Sector-Specific Licenses & Permits

Obtain/renew permits for regulated sectors (health, media, telecom, food, etc.)
Comply with inspections/reporting requirements

9. Annual Filings & Renewals

Renew trade license annually
Renew office lease if required
File industry regulatory annual reports
Submit audited accounts where required
Complete government disclosures/surveys

10. Internal Controls & Governance

Maintain internal control policies (approvals, segregation)
Perform compliance reviews periodically
Document signing authority and controls
Conduct internal audits
Review related party transactions for compliance

11. Recordkeeping & Documentation

Keep invoices, contracts, bank, payroll, tax records
Retain documents for minimum 5 years (or as specified)
Ensure backups (digital/physical)
Document judgments and estimates
Maintain audit trails

12. Risk Monitoring & Updates

Monitor updates from FTA, MoF, free zones
Subscribe to regulatory alerts
Conduct compliance health checks
Update policies after new laws
Train staff on compliance awareness

How We Can Help

Staying compliant in the UAE can be complex — but with MP Elites Consulting, you don’t have to manage it alone. Our senior consultants help businesses maintain full compliance with FTA, VAT, labor, and corporate regulations, ensuring you meet every deadline and avoid costly penalties.