UAE Compliance Calendar: What Every Business Must Know

Table of Contents

Introduction

Running a business in the UAE comes with a set of deadlines and legal obligations. A well-organized compliance calendar is essential for staying ahead of requirements and preventing penalties. Here are the main items to track throughout the year:

Trade License Renewal (Annually)

What it is: Renew your trade license through the relevant body (e.g., DED, Free Zone authority).
Why it matters: Operating without a valid license can lead to fines or business suspension.
Reminder tip: Set renewal alerts at least one month before expiration to ensure smooth processing.

Business Activity or Share Changes

Typical scenarios: You’re changing your business activity, adding a partner, or adjusting shareholding.
What to do: Submit amendment requests to your licensing authority and update your license accordingly.
Tip: Always react within 30 days of the change to avoid administrative penalties. Update the changes on FTA portal to avoid penalty. Corporate tax filing annually and Corporate tax registraion within 3 months from the date of license issued for both freezone and mainland

Chamber of Commerce Membership (Annually)

Who needs it: Companies that are DED–registered or operate in Free Zones with chamber ties.
Action: Renew membership and pay dues.
Why: Valid Chamber status is often mandatory for visa processing, public tenders, and certain permits.

VAT Filing Deadlines (Quarterly or Monthly)

Mandatory for: Businesses registered under UAE VAT law (revenues above threshold).
What to file: VAT returns and VAT payments to the FTA.
Timing: Quarterly by default, monthly upon request.
Reminder tip: Schedule filings a few days before the official deadlines to accommodate corrections if needed.

Economic Substance Requirements (Annually)

Applies to: Companies conducting relevant activities under ESR regulations.
Requirement: Submit Economic Substance Report proving operations are genuinely based in the UAE.
Due date: Calendar year-end + 12 months plus 3-month grace period for submission.

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Declaration (Annually)

Who: All UAE-registered businesses.
What to submit: Updated UBO information on the registry.
Deadline: Usually aligned with trade license renewal to simplify reporting.

Statutory Audit & Financial Reporting

Required for: Most mainland companies and certain Free Zone entities.
What’s needed: Annual financial statements audited by a licensed firm.
Due date: Within 6 months following the fiscal year-end.

Data Protection & ADGM/ DIFC Compliance

When it applies: If operating within ADGM, DIFC, or handling regulated data.
Your duty: File relevant data protection reports and meet regulatory submissions.
Timelines: Vary by jurisdiction—check applicable laws to stay compliant.

Why Stay Organized with a Compliance Calendar?

Avoid penalties: Keep your business license valid and operating smoothly.
Boost credibility: Timely filings support trust among clients, investors, and regulators.
Eliminate stress: Managing deadlines proactively avoids last-minute rushes.

How OneClik Helps You Stay Compliant?

At OneClik, our team specializes in:

Setting up tailored compliance calendars
Sending automated reminders for renewals and filings
Preparing and submitting required documents
Coordinating with Free Zone authorities and mainland regulators
Keeping you informed with real-time status updates

Let us take the burden off your shoulders—so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help keep your compliance on track all year long.

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