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REGULATORY & OTHER TAX

FTA tax agent services

Professional, accurate, and FTA-compliant solutions optimized specifically for your FTA tax agent services requirements in the UAE.

400+
ESR Notifications Filed
100%
Tax Residency Certificate Approval Rate
200+
Excise Tax Registrations Completed
10+
Years of Regulatory Compliance Experience

Regulatory & Other Tax Services in the UAE

Beyond corporate tax and VAT, UAE businesses face an expanding array of regulatory and tax obligations that require specialised knowledge and timely action. Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), excise tax requirements, tax residency certificates, and FTA tax agent appointments all form part of the compliance landscape that companies must navigate carefully. Our regulatory and other tax practice provides dedicated expertise across these critical areas, ensuring your business meets every obligation without distraction from core operations.

The UAE's Economic Substance Regulations, introduced through Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020, require licensees carrying out relevant activities - including banking, insurance, fund management, lease-finance, headquarters, shipping, holding company, intellectual property, and distribution and service centre activities - to demonstrate adequate economic substance in the UAE. Non-compliance can result in penalties ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 400,000, information exchange with foreign tax authorities, and licence suspension. Our team assesses your substance requirements, prepares your annual notifications and reports, and advises on any necessary operational adjustments.

Whether you need to register for excise tax on tobacco, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, or sweetened beverages, apply for a tax residency certificate to access the UAE's extensive double tax treaty network, or appoint a qualified tax agent for FTA representation, our specialists deliver efficient and accurate services. We stay ahead of legislative developments from the Ministry of Finance and FTA, ensuring our clients are always informed and compliant.

Our Regulatory & Tax Compliance Services

Specialised regulatory compliance and tax services that address the full spectrum of UAE obligations beyond corporate tax and VAT.

01

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)

We assess whether your business activities fall within the scope of UAE ESR requirements, determine the applicable economic substance test, and prepare your annual ESR notification and report for submission to the relevant regulatory authority. Our advisory extends to restructuring recommendations where substance gaps are identified.

02

Excise Tax Registration

We handle the complete excise tax registration process with the FTA for businesses that import, produce, or stockpile excise goods such as tobacco products, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, electronic smoking devices, and sweetened beverages. Our service includes product classification, registration submission, and ongoing compliance support including excise tax return filing.

03

Tax Residency Certificate

We prepare and submit tax residency certificate (TRC) applications to the FTA on behalf of both companies and individuals. A TRC is essential for accessing benefits under the UAE's network of over 130 double taxation agreements and for providing proof of UAE tax residence to foreign tax authorities, banks, and business partners.

04

FTA Tax Agent Services

Our FTA-registered tax agents provide professional representation before the Federal Tax Authority on all tax matters, including registration, filing, audits, penalty reconsiderations, and appeals. Having a qualified tax agent ensures your interests are represented by professionals who understand FTA processes, procedures, and expectations.

What You Receive

Complete regulatory filings and certificates that ensure full compliance across all UAE tax and regulatory frameworks.

ESR notification and substance report filings
Economic substance gap analysis and remediation plan
Excise tax registration certificate and TRN
Excise tax returns prepared and filed with the FTA
Tax residency certificate issued by the FTA
TRC application package with supporting documentation
Tax agent appointment letter and FTA representation authority
Regulatory compliance calendar with all filing deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our FTA tax agent services services in the UAE.

What are Economic Substance Regulations and does my UAE company need to comply?+
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) require UAE licensees that carry out any of nine "relevant activities" - including banking, insurance, fund management, lease-finance, headquarters, shipping, holding company, intellectual property, and distribution and service centre activities - to maintain adequate economic substance in the UAE. This means having sufficient employees, expenditure, physical assets, and decision-making directed and managed in the UAE. All licensees must file an annual ESR notification indicating whether they carry out relevant activities, and those that do must submit a detailed substance report. Non-compliance can result in penalties from AED 10,000 up to AED 400,000 and information exchange with foreign tax authorities.
How do I apply for a tax residency certificate in the UAE?+
Tax residency certificates are issued by the FTA through the EmaraTax portal. For companies, you typically need to provide a valid trade licence, audited financial statements, a tenancy contract or title deed, and bank statements demonstrating UAE-based financial activity. For individuals, requirements include a valid residence visa, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, bank statements, and a salary certificate or proof of employment. Applications are generally processed within five to seven working days. Our team prepares the complete application package and handles all FTA correspondence to ensure a smooth, successful process.
What products are subject to excise tax in the UAE and what are the rates?+
Excise tax in the UAE applies to tobacco and tobacco products (100%), carbonated drinks (50%), energy drinks (100%), electronic smoking devices and liquids (100%), and sweetened beverages (50%). Businesses that import, produce, or stockpile these products must register for excise tax with the FTA and file periodic excise tax returns. The tax is applied at the point of import or production, and registered businesses must maintain proper records of all excise goods movements. Our team handles the full excise tax lifecycle from product classification and registration through to return filing and compliance management.
When should I appoint a tax agent registered with the FTA?+
You should consider appointing an FTA-registered tax agent when you are dealing with any complex tax matter - including corporate tax registration and return filing, VAT disputes, penalty reconsiderations, tax audits, or appeals before the Tax Disputes Resolution Committee. A registered tax agent has met the FTA's qualification and experience requirements and is authorised to act on your behalf in all interactions with the Authority. Having professional representation can significantly improve outcomes in disputes and ensure all communications with the FTA are handled accurately and strategically.
Why is the UAE's double tax treaty network important for my business?+
The UAE has signed over 130 double taxation agreements (DTAs) with countries worldwide, making it one of the most extensive treaty networks in the region. These treaties can significantly reduce or eliminate withholding taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, and management fees paid between the UAE and treaty partner countries. To access treaty benefits, you typically need to present a valid tax residency certificate issued by the FTA to the foreign tax authority or withholding agent. Our team helps you identify applicable treaty benefits, obtain the necessary TRC, and structure your cross-border transactions to maximise the advantages of the UAE's treaty network.