If you run a UAE SME, you have five things to keep on top of: VAT, Corporate Tax, bookkeeping, payroll/WPS and your trade licence. Here's the compliance map.
1. VAT
- Register if taxable supplies > AED 375,000 (or voluntarily > AED 187,500)
- File quarterly within 28 days of the tax-period end
- Issue VAT-compliant tax invoices
2. Corporate Tax
- Register every entity — mandatory
- File within 9 months of year-end
- Elect Small Business Relief if revenue ≤ AED 3M
3. Bookkeeping
- Cloud accounting software (Zoho/Xero/QuickBooks)
- Monthly bank reconciliation
- Retain records 5–7 years
4. Payroll & WPS
- Monthly WPS SIF submitted via your bank
- Gratuity and end-of-service computed correctly
- Payslips issued each month
5. Trade licence & immigration
- Renew trade licence annually
- Keep establishment card and labour file active
- Track visa expiries
Bundling everything under one retainer — tax + bookkeeping + payroll — usually costs less than firefighting penalties later.
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common UAE sme questions.
This article is for general guidance only and reflects FTA rules as of June 2026. Always confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.