Annual Compliance Calendar
Overview
UAE companies must maintain compliance with various regulatory requirements throughout the year. A well-planned compliance calendar ensures no deadlines are missed and penalties are avoided.
Monthly Compliance
VAT Returns (if registered): Due by the 28th of the month following the tax period. Quarterly for most businesses (Jan-Mar due April 28, etc.). Monthly for some businesses as directed by FTA. File even if no VAT is due (nil return).
Payroll and WPS: Process salaries by the last working day of the month. Pay via Wages Protection System (WPS) for mainland companies. Submit labor-related filings. Process employee insurance payments.
Accounting: Monthly bank reconciliation. Monthly financial statements. Record all transactions. Maintain supporting documentation.
Quarterly Compliance
VAT Returns (quarterly filers): Q1 (Jan-Mar): Due April 28. Q2 (Apr-Jun): Due July 28. Q3 (Jul-Sep): Due October 28. Q4 (Oct-Dec): Due January 28.
Corporate Tax (if applicable): No quarterly returns required (currently). But maintain quarterly financial records. Monitor taxable income throughout the year. Estimate annual tax liability.
Free Zone Compliance: Some free zones require quarterly reports. Office lease compliance verification. Visa and establishment card updates.
Annual Compliance
Trade License Renewal: Renew before expiry date. Submit renewal application. Pay renewal fees. Update any changes in activities or ownership. Maintain office lease (Ejari).
Corporate Tax Return: File within 9 months of financial year-end. Even if no tax is due. File via EmaraTax portal. Pay any tax due.
Financial Statements and Audit: Prepare annual financial statements. Conduct external audit (if required). Submit audited statements to relevant authorities. Maintain for 7 years (Corporate Tax).
Establishment Card Renewal: Renew annually (or as required). Update labor quota. Process new visas if needed.
Insurance Renewals: Health insurance for employees. Professional indemnity insurance. Property and liability insurance. Vehicle insurance.
AML Compliance: Update UBO register. Conduct AML risk assessment. Submit AML returns (if applicable). Train staff on AML/CFT.
Biennial Compliance (Every 2 Years)
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Notification of relevant activities. ESR return filing. Demonstrate economic substance in the UAE. Applicable to specific activities (banking, insurance, fund management, etc.).
Event-Based Compliance
Shareholder Changes: Update MOA and notarize. Update DED and commercial register. Update bank account records. Update UBO declaration. Update Corporate Tax records.
Activity Changes: Obtain DED approval. Pay activity change fees. Update trade license. Obtain new approvals if required.
Office Relocation: Update Ejari. Update trade license address. Update bank records. Update all regulatory registrations.
Director/Manager Changes: Update MOA (if required). Notarize changes. Update bank records. Update regulatory registrations.
Visa and Employment Changes: Process new visas. Cancel visas for departing employees. Update establishment card. Update labor records.
Compliance Calendar Template
| Month | Compliance Activity | Authority | Deadline | |---|---|---|---| | Monthly | VAT return (if monthly) | FTA | 28th | | Monthly | WPS salary processing | Ministry of Labor | Last working day | | Monthly | Bank reconciliation | Internal | End of month | | Quarterly | VAT return (if quarterly) | FTA | 28th of following month | | Annually | Trade license renewal | DED | Before expiry | | Annually | Corporate Tax return | FTA | 9 months after FY end | | Annually | Financial audit | External auditor | Before FY end | | Annually | Establishment card | Ministry of Labor | Before expiry | | Annually | Health insurance | DHA/MOHAP | Before expiry | | Biennially | ESR notification/return | MOF | As notified |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Late VAT return: AED 1,000 (first), AED 2,000 (repeated). Late Corporate Tax return: AED 500-500,000. Late license renewal: AED 5,000+. Late establishment card: AED 1,000+. ESR non-compliance: AED 10,000-50,000. AML non-compliance: AED 50,000-1,000,000.
Best Practices
Maintain a compliance calendar. Set reminders for all deadlines. Engage a compliance officer or consultant. Keep all registrations current. Maintain proper documentation. Conduct regular compliance reviews. Stay updated on regulatory changes. Train staff on compliance requirements. Use compliance management software. Plan ahead for renewals and filings.