Intelligence

UAE business news,
updated daily.

Licensing, corporate tax, VAT, AML and residency developments across Dubai's free zones and mainland — refreshed every day so you never plan against yesterday's rules.

Loading the latest headlines…

Compliance snapshot

What free zone and mainland companies must keep current.

Free zone

  • —0% corporate tax on qualifying income; 9% on non-qualifying income above AED 375,000.
  • —Economic substance: real office, staff and decision-making inside the zone.
  • —Audited financials required annually by most zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DIFC, ADGM).
  • —UBO and shareholder register must be kept current with the zone authority.

Mainland (DED)

  • —100% foreign ownership on most commercial and professional activities.
  • —9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 taxable profit — no qualifying-income relief.
  • —VAT registration mandatory above AED 375,000 turnover, voluntary above AED 187,500.
  • —WPS payroll, labour quotas and Emirates ID/medical for every sponsored employee.

Both

  • —Corporate tax registration with the FTA within the deadline for your licence issue month.
  • —AML/CFT registration on goAML for DNFBP activities (real estate, precious metals, corporate services).
  • —MOFA attestation for foreign degrees, marriage and incorporation documents.
  • —Annual licence renewal, Ejari/lease and bank KYC refresh.

Headlines are aggregated from public news sources and provided for general information only. This is not tax or legal advice — speak to us before acting on any update.

Ask us how this affects you→