Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Business Setup & Corporate Services

Company formation in UAE is the legal process of registering a new business entity with the relevant government authority — DET for Dubai mainland, ADDED for Abu Dhabi, or a specific free zone authority such as DMCC, JAFZA, or IFZA. The process involves choosing a business structure, selecting a jurisdiction, registering a trade name, preparing legal documents, and obtaining a trade license that legally permits your business to operate.

The cost depends on your chosen jurisdiction and business structure. A mainland trade license in Dubai starts from AED 10,000–15,000. Free zone company packages start from AED 6,000–8,000 depending on the zone. Offshore company setup starts from AED 8,000–12,000. These figures cover government fees and registration costs. Additional costs apply for visas, office space, and professional service fees. Contact Modest Consulting Services for a fixed quote with no hidden charges.

The AED 3,000 rule relates to the minimum monthly salary requirement for certain UAE residency visa categories. Employees earning AED 3,000 or more per month are eligible to sponsor family residence visas under the standard employment visa category. This threshold was part of the older visa framework. Under the current UAE visa system, different visa categories have different minimum salary requirements — contact Modest Consulting Services for guidance specific to your situation.

Yes. Since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreigners can own 100% of most mainland companies in Dubai and across UAE — no UAE national partner is required for the majority of business activities. All UAE free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. A small number of restricted activities in strategic sectors still require a UAE national partner. Modest Consulting Services advises on whether your specific activity has any restrictions.

The four main types of business structures in UAE are: LLC — Limited Liability Company, which is the most common mainland structure suitable for most commercial activities; Sole Establishment, which is a single-owner structure used by professionals and freelancers; Free Zone Company, which includes FZE (single shareholder) and FZC (multiple shareholders) registered within a specific free zone; and Branch Office, which is an extension of an existing local or foreign company registered in UAE without creating a new legal entity.

LLC OPC stands for Limited Liability Company — One Person Company. It is a mainland UAE company structure that allows a single individual to own and operate a company with limited liability protection — meaning the owner's personal assets are protected from business liabilities. The OPC was introduced as part of the UAE Commercial Companies Law reforms and is particularly useful for solo entrepreneurs who want the protection and credibility of an LLC without requiring multiple shareholders.

The UAE introduced significant amendments to the Commercial Companies Law that took full effect in 2026. Key changes include: broader share class options for LLCs allowing tailored investor rights and enhanced capital raising; a new delocalization mechanism allowing companies to move their place of incorporation between emirates, between free zones, or between mainland and free zones while retaining the same legal entity; statutory recognition of drag-along and tag-along rights in company MOAs; and clarification that the Commercial Companies Law now applies to free zone entities conducting activities outside their designated zones. E-invoicing also becomes mandatory by mid-2026 for all businesses that issue invoices.

The UAE does not publicly maintain an official list of countries with a blanket visa ban. However, nationals of certain countries may face restrictions or find it more difficult to obtain UAE visas depending on bilateral relations and immigration policies. These restrictions change periodically. For the most current information on your specific nationality, contact Modest Consulting Services or the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — GDRFA.

Dubai has specific laws that residents and visitors must follow. Key rules include: no consumption of alcohol in public places — only in licensed venues; no public display of affection; no offensive or rude gestures in public; no jay walking in busy areas; respect for Islamic customs especially during Ramadan; no photography of government buildings, military installations, or people without consent; no littering in public spaces; no use of VoIP calls through unauthorised apps; respectful dress code in public areas and malls; and no criticism of the UAE government or royal family on social media. These are simplified summaries — consult legal counsel for full guidance.

The minimum bank balance requirement varies by visa type. For a UAE tourist visa, applicants typically need to show bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds — generally equivalent to AED 3,000–5,000 or more. For a UAE residence visa through employment or business, the company sponsoring the visa must demonstrate financial stability. For investor visas, a minimum investment or business value threshold applies. Requirements change periodically — contact Modest Consulting Services for current guidance.

No. Indian passport holders require a UAE visa to enter Dubai. However, Indian nationals with a valid US visa, UK visa, EU Schengen visa, or other qualifying visas may be eligible for a UAE visa on arrival or a discounted visa process. Indian nationals can also obtain a UAE tourist visa online through approved channels before travel. Contact the UAE Embassy or a registered travel agent for the most current visa-on-arrival eligibility for Indian nationals.

Earning AED 5,000 per month in UAE is achievable through employment in the UAE job market, freelancing on a UAE freelance permit, or operating a small business under a UAE trade license. Common career paths that offer AED 5,000 and above include sales and marketing, administration, customer service, IT support, accounting, and retail management. Setting up a small business through Modest Consulting Services with a free zone license is one of the most direct routes for entrepreneurs and consultants looking to generate income in UAE.

A UAE business license — also known as a trade license — is an official government permit that legally authorises a business to conduct specified commercial, professional, or industrial activities within a defined UAE jurisdiction. Every business operating in UAE must hold a valid trade license issued by the relevant authority — DET for Dubai mainland, or the specific free zone authority for free zone businesses. Operating without a valid license is illegal and results in significant fines.

A mainland business license in Dubai starts from AED 10,000–15,000 for standard commercial and professional activities. Costs vary depending on the activity type, number of activities on the license, office space requirements, and external regulatory approvals needed. Free zone licenses start from AED 6,000–8,000. Modest Consulting Services provides a fixed written quote before starting any work — no hidden charges.

To get a business license in Dubai you need to: choose your business activity and identify the correct license type; select your jurisdiction — mainland DET or a free zone; choose and reserve a trade name; prepare the required documents including passport copy and business description; obtain any required external approvals for regulated activities; submit the application to DET or the relevant free zone authority; and pay the government fees to receive your license. Modest Consulting Services manages this entire process on your behalf from start to delivery.

Dubai issues four main types of business licenses. A commercial license covers trading, import, export, and general commercial activities. A professional license covers service-based and consultancy activities — management consulting, IT services, medical, engineering, and similar professions. An industrial license covers manufacturing and production activities. A tourism license covers travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality businesses. Within each category, there are hundreds of specific activity codes covering different business types. Modest Consulting Services identifies the correct license type and activity code for your business.

The most affordable business setups in Dubai are freelance permits and single-activity free zone licenses. IFZA, SHAMS, and Ajman Free Zone offer packages starting from AED 6,000–8,000 including a trade license and one visa allocation. A freelance permit in some free zones starts even lower. These are ideal for consultants, designers, writers, developers, and service professionals. Modest Consulting Services compares all options and recommends the most cost-effective structure for your specific activity and requirements.

Yes. Since the 2021 amendment to UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreigners own 100% of most mainland companies in Dubai. All free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. A limited number of activities in strategic sectors still require UAE national involvement. Contact Modest Consulting Services to confirm whether your specific activity has any ownership restrictions.

UAE companies can make various amendments to their registration — including trade name changes, business activity additions or removals, partner and shareholder changes, manager or authorized signatory updates, company address changes, legal structure conversions, share capital increases or decreases, and full MoA restatements. Each amendment type requires specific documentation and authority submission. Modest Consulting Services handles all amendment types across mainland and all major free zones.

Standard amendments such as trade name changes, activity additions, and address updates take 3–7 working days. Shareholder changes and legal structure conversions may take 7–14 working days depending on the authority and documentation complexity. Modest Consulting Services advises on the exact timeline for your specific amendment before starting any work.

Yes. Combining multiple amendments in a single MoA restatement is often faster and more cost-effective than processing each change separately. Modest Consulting Services assesses your changes and recommends the most efficient approach.

A UAE branch is a legally registered extension of an existing company — either a UAE company or a foreign company — that operates in UAE under the parent company's name and legal identity. A branch does not create a new separate legal entity. It conducts the same or similar activities as the parent company and remains 100% owned by the parent. Foreign company branches on UAE mainland require a UAE national local agent — this is a legal requirement and does not affect ownership.

Opening a branch in UAE involves preparing parent company documents including the certificate of incorporation, MoA, board resolution, and Power of Attorney — attested by the UAE Embassy or Apostille in the home country. For foreign company branches, registration with the UAE Ministry of Economy is required before the emirate-level license is obtained. Modest Consulting Services manages the complete branch formation process including document attestation guidance, MOE registration, and license issuance.

Branch office setup costs depend on the type of branch — UAE company branch or foreign company branch — and the chosen jurisdiction. A UAE company branch in another emirate starts from AED 5,000–8,000. A foreign company branch on UAE mainland involves additional MOE registration fees and typically costs AED 15,000–25,000 or more depending on the activity. Contact Modest Consulting Services for a fixed quote specific to your branch type.

The main types of company formation in UAE are: mainland LLC, sole establishment, and civil company under UAE government authority; free zone company (FZE or FZC) under a specific free zone authority; offshore company for holding and international trading purposes; and branch office — either a branch of a UAE company or a branch of a foreign company. Each type has different ownership rules, trading rights, visa eligibility, and cost structures. Modest Consulting Services advises on the right type for your specific business objectives.

A branch of a foreign company in Dubai is a legally registered UAE presence of an international company — operating under the parent company's name and conducting the same or related activities in Dubai. It is registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy and licensed by the relevant emirate authority such as DET Dubai. A UAE national local agent must be appointed — this is a regulatory requirement and does not give the agent any ownership rights. The parent company retains 100% ownership of the branch.

A share transfer in UAE requires a share transfer agreement signed by buyer and seller, a board resolution from the company approving the transfer, an updated MoA reflecting the new shareholding structure, passport and Emirates ID copies of all parties, and submission to the relevant authority — DET for mainland companies or the specific free zone authority. Additional documentation is required for corporate shareholders. Modest Consulting Services prepares all documents and manages the authority submission.

Share transfers in UAE are governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law and the specific regulations of each jurisdiction. Key rules include: all transfers must be formally documented in a share transfer agreement; the company MoA must be updated to reflect the new shareholding; authority approval is required before the transfer is legally effective; certain share restrictions such as pre-emption rights must be respected if stated in the MoA; and the 2026 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law now allow drag-along and tag-along clauses to be included in the MoA to facilitate smoother transfers.

Money can be legally transferred from India to UAE through authorised banking channels — wire transfer from an Indian bank account to a UAE bank account, or through RBI-approved money transfer services. The transfer must comply with India's Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows Indian residents to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permitted purposes including business investment. For company share payments or investment transfers, appropriate documentation of the purpose of remittance is required. Consult a financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Yes. Stock trading is legal in UAE. UAE residents and companies can trade on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), and NASDAQ Dubai through licensed brokers. Trading in international stocks through regulated brokers is also permitted. UAE does not impose capital gains tax on stock trading profits for individuals. Companies involved in securities trading may require a specific financial services license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

PCFC stands for Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. It is a major Dubai government entity that oversees several economic zones, ports, and development areas in Dubai — including Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Jebel Ali Port, and various community development zones regulated through Trakhees.

No. PCFC — Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation — is the parent authority. Trakhees is the Department of Planning and Development that operates under PCFC. Trakhees specifically handles licensing, regulatory approvals, civil engineering permits, and environmental health and safety compliance for businesses operating in PCFC-designated development communities such as Dragon Mart, Discovery Gardens, and Ibn Battuta areas. JAFZA is a separate free zone also under PCFC but managed independently.

Trakhees is the regulatory and licensing authority for PCFC-managed development zones in Dubai. It issues commercial, professional, and industrial licenses for businesses operating in designated PCFC communities. Trakhees also handles civil engineering approvals, environmental health and safety compliance, and regulatory oversight for businesses in its zones. Businesses that operate in Trakhees-regulated areas require a Trakhees license rather than a standard DET mainland or free zone license.

PCFC oversees a range of services through its entities — JAFZA provides free zone company formation, licensing, and warehouse facilities for trade and logistics businesses. Trakhees provides commercial licensing, civil engineering approvals, and regulatory compliance for PCFC development communities. PCFC also manages customs services at Jebel Ali Port, one of the busiest ports in the world. Modest Consulting Services handles JAFZA company formation and Trakhees licensing services for businesses in these zones.

From January 1 2026, the UAE Ministry of Finance implemented a defined five-year window for VAT refund or input credit claims. This means errors or unclaimed VAT amounts must be resolved within five years — claims outside this window will lapse permanently even if the tax was paid correctly. By mid-2026, a nationwide e-invoicing regime becomes mandatory for all businesses that issue invoices, including freelancers and small trading companies.

Recent VAT amendments in UAE include the five-year time limit on VAT refund and input credit claims effective from January 2026, the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing by mid-2026 for all invoice-issuing businesses, and ongoing updates to the voluntary disclosure process through the EmaraTax portal. Businesses should review their VAT records and resolve any outstanding claims before the five-year window closes. Modest Consulting Services advises on all current VAT compliance requirements.

The FTA imposes a fixed penalty of AED 20,000 for businesses that fail to register for VAT by the mandatory deadline. This applies to any business whose taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year and that does not register within the required timeframe. Additional penalties apply for any VAT collected but not remitted to FTA during the period of non-registration. Modest Consulting Services handles VAT registration and ensures you meet all FTA deadlines.

A VAT registration amendment means updating your registered details with the FTA — such as your trade name, business address, contact details, bank account, or business activities. Amendments are made through the EmaraTax portal by logging in to your FTA account and submitting the updated information. Failure to keep your FTA registration details current can result in compliance issues. Modest Consulting Services manages all FTA registration amendments on your behalf.

The FTA imposes penalties for failing to update taxable person details within the required timeframe. The standard penalty for failing to notify the FTA of changes to registration details is AED 5,000 for the first instance and AED 10,000 for repeat violations. Modest Consulting Services ensures all your FTA registration details are kept current to avoid these penalties.

EmaraTax is the UAE Federal Tax Authority's online tax administration platform. It replaces the previous FTA e-Services portal. All VAT registrations, VAT return filings, payment of VAT, refund claims, voluntary disclosures, and registration amendments are managed through the EmaraTax portal at emara.tax. Modest Consulting Services manages all EmaraTax submissions on behalf of our clients.

To change your company name in the FTA EmaraTax portal, log in to your EmaraTax account, navigate to the taxable person profile, select Edit Registration Details, update your trade name to match the amended trade license, upload the updated trade license as supporting documentation, and submit the amendment request. The FTA reviews and approves the change — typically within 5–10 working days. Modest Consulting Services manages this process on your behalf.

To update your address on your UAE VAT registration certificate, log in to EmaraTax, go to your taxable person profile, select Edit Registration Details, update the address fields, upload your new Ejari tenancy contract or free zone lease agreement as evidence, and submit for FTA approval. The updated certificate is issued after FTA approval. Modest Consulting Services handles all FTA registration updates as part of our VAT service.

A legal name change in UAE for an individual requires a court order from the relevant UAE court — either the Personal Status Court or the relevant emirate court depending on your nationality and residency status. Once the court order is issued, the change must be reflected across all official documents including Emirates ID, passport, trade license, and visa. For company trade name changes, the process goes through DET or the relevant free zone authority. Modest Consulting Services handles trade name change amendments for companies. For personal name changes, we recommend consulting a legal firm specialising in personal status law.

The Federal Tax Authority — FTA — is the UAE government body responsible for administering and collecting federal taxes including VAT and Excise Tax. The FTA manages business tax registration, return filing, penalty enforcement, audits, and refund processing. All VAT-registered businesses in UAE deal with the FTA through the EmaraTax portal. The FTA was established in 2016 in preparation for the introduction of UAE VAT in January 2018.

There is no government fee for VAT registration in UAE — the FTA does not charge a registration fee. However, businesses typically incur professional service fees for consultants who manage the registration process, gather documents, and submit through EmaraTax. Modest Consulting Services charges a fixed service fee for VAT registration — contact us for a quote.

To register for VAT in UAE you need to: create an account on the EmaraTax portal at emara.tax; gather the required documents including trade license, passport, Emirates ID, bank account details, and turnover information; complete the VAT registration application on EmaraTax; submit and receive your VAT registration certificate with your Tax Registration Number — TRN. Modest Consulting Services manages the complete process including document preparation and EmaraTax portal submission.

Documents required for UAE VAT registration include: valid trade license copy, passport copy of the owner or authorised signatory, Emirates ID copy of UAE residents, contact details including registered email and phone number, company bank account IBAN and bank name, and business turnover details — last 12 months actual figures or next 30 days projected turnover. Additional documents may be required for importers, exporters, or businesses registering based on projected future supplies.

VAT returns are filed through the EmaraTax portal quarterly. You log in to your EmaraTax account, navigate to VAT returns, select the tax period, enter your output VAT from sales and input VAT from purchases, review the net VAT payable or refundable, and submit before the 28th of the month following the end of the tax period. Modest Consulting Services prepares and files your VAT return every quarter — you review and approve before submission.

Yes. All VAT-registered businesses in UAE are legally required to file VAT returns with the FTA for every tax period — even if the return is a nil return with no VAT to pay. Missing a VAT filing deadline results in immediate FTA penalties starting from AED 1,000 for the first late filing and AED 2,000 for subsequent late filings within 24 months.

Taxable person details — your VAT registration information — are amended through the EmaraTax portal. Log in to EmaraTax, go to your taxable person profile, select the field you want to update, make the change, upload supporting documentation where required, and submit for FTA review. Changes that typically require amendment include trade name, address, contact details, bank account, and business activities. FTA approves amendments within 5–20 working days depending on the type of change.

A PRO — Public Relations Officer — in UAE is a certified professional who manages all government-related administrative tasks on behalf of a company. This includes visa processing, trade license renewal, Emirates ID applications, labour card submissions, document attestation, and all government authority visits. In UAE, every business dealing with government authorities typically requires PRO support due to the volume and complexity of submissions involved.

A PRO job in UAE involves visiting government authorities, processing visa applications, renewing trade licenses, collecting Emirates IDs, submitting labour card applications, and handling document attestation and clearing. PRO officers work either in-house for large companies or as external service providers like Modest Consulting Services — handling government submissions for multiple client businesses.

PRO services in UAE cover all government-related tasks for businesses — investor and employment visa processing, Emirates ID applications and renewals, trade license renewal, medical fitness tests, labour card and MOHRE submissions, document attestation and notarisation, immigration and GDRFA submissions, and government authority liaison. Modest Consulting Services provides certified PRO services for mainland and free zone companies across all UAE emirates.

An in-house PRO officer in UAE typically earns between AED 3,000 and AED 8,000 per month depending on experience, the size of the company, and the volume of government submissions managed. Senior PRO officers with extensive authority relationships and experience may earn higher. Outsourcing PRO services to Modest Consulting Services is often more cost-effective for small and medium businesses than hiring a full-time in-house PRO.

Accounting and bookkeeping services involve recording, organising, and reporting a company's financial transactions. Bookkeeping is the day-to-day recording of all financial transactions — sales, purchases, expenses, and payments. Accounting involves the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of those records — producing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and advising on financial position. Modest Consulting Services provides both as part of a comprehensive monthly service.

Accounting and bookkeeping provides businesses with accurate financial records, monthly profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. This helps business owners understand their financial position, prepare for annual audits, comply with UAE regulatory requirements, and make informed decisions. In UAE, all businesses are legally required to maintain financial records for a minimum of five years.

The seven main types of accounting are: financial accounting — preparing financial statements for external stakeholders; management accounting — providing financial information for internal decision-making; tax accounting — managing corporate tax, VAT, and other tax obligations; cost accounting — tracking and analysing the cost of business operations; auditing — independent review and verification of financial records; forensic accounting — investigating financial fraud and disputes; and government accounting — managing public sector financial records. Modest Consulting Services provides financial accounting, tax accounting, and management reporting for UAE businesses.

The three most widely used accounting software in UAE are QuickBooks — popular for SMEs and easy to use; Zoho Books — UAE VAT compliant and widely used by small businesses in the region; and Xero — cloud-based and popular with professional services firms and free zone companies. Modest Consulting Services works with all three platforms depending on the client's preference and business size.

Audit services involve an independent, certified review of a company's financial statements to verify their accuracy and compliance with applicable accounting standards. Assurance services are broader — they provide independent professional opinions on financial information, internal controls, compliance, and risk management. In UAE, annual statutory audits are mandatory for most free zone companies and are required by banks and investors for mainland companies seeking finance.

The main types are: statutory audit — legally required annual financial statement review; internal audit — independent assessment of internal controls and risk; compliance audit — verifying adherence to regulatory requirements; due diligence audit — financial review for mergers, acquisitions, or investment; special purpose audit — prepared for specific purposes such as bank loans or tenders; and forensic audit — investigation of financial irregularities or fraud.

Auditing is a specific type of assurance service — it involves examining financial statements and expressing an opinion on whether they give a true and fair view. Assurance is the broader category — it includes audits but also extends to reviews of internal controls, risk management, compliance, and other areas where an independent professional opinion adds credibility. All audits are assurance engagements but not all assurance services are audits.

Most UAE free zone companies are required to submit annual statutory audit reports to their free zone authority — DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, and most other zones mandate this. Mainland companies may require audits for bank loan applications, investment purposes, or government tenders. UAE audits must be conducted by licensed, independent auditors. Modest Consulting Services provides statutory audits accepted by all major UAE free zone authorities.

Audits conducted in UAE include statutory audits for free zone annual compliance, internal audits for operational risk management, compliance audits for regulatory adherence, VAT audits by the FTA to verify VAT return accuracy, customs audits by the Federal Customs Authority for import-export compliance, and due diligence audits for business acquisitions and investment. Modest Consulting Services covers statutory, internal, compliance, and due diligence audits.

Yes. PricewaterhouseCoopers — PwC — is one of the Big Four global accounting firms and provides audit and assurance services as a core offering. PwC operates in UAE and provides statutory audits, internal audits, and assurance services for large corporations and multinational companies. For SMEs, free zone companies, and growing businesses in UAE, firms like Modest Consulting Services provide the same statutory and compliance audit services at rates appropriate for smaller entities.

WPS — Wages Protection System — works as follows: employers prepare a Salary Information File (SIF) in the exact format specified by the UAE Central Bank, submit the SIF to their bank for processing, the bank transfers individual salaries to employee accounts, and the transaction is confirmed to MOHRE. MOHRE monitors WPS compliance in real time — any company that fails to submit on time or pays incorrect amounts is flagged immediately.

The UAE WPS rules require all private sector employers registered with MOHRE to pay salaries through WPS monthly. Recent enforcement has increased with MOHRE implementing stricter monitoring of WPS submissions. Companies must ensure payroll is submitted through the correct SIF format for their bank and that all active employees are included. Any discrepancy between MOHRE employment records and WPS submissions is flagged as non-compliance.

The UAE continues to enforce its Wage Protection System requirements strictly in 2026. Key salary rules include: salaries must be paid in full and on time through WPS every month; gratuity must be calculated correctly under UAE Labour Law for all employees; end-of-service settlements must be paid within 14 days of an employee's last working day; and salary deductions beyond permitted amounts are prohibited. Modest Consulting Services ensures full MOHRE and WPS compliance for all our payroll clients.

MOHRE imposes escalating penalties for WPS non-compliance. The fine is AED 1,000 per employee per month for salary delays exceeding 10 days of the due date. First month of non-compliance results in a MOHRE warning and investigation. Second consecutive month results in a ban on new work permit and visa applications. Third consecutive month places the company on the MOHRE stop-list — no government services, no new visas. Modest Consulting Services ensures WPS is submitted on time every month without exception.

A customs audit in UAE is a detailed review of a business's import and export declarations, HS code classifications, declared customs values, and duty payments — to verify compliance with UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA) regulations. A customs audit can be conducted proactively by a specialist consultant to identify and correct errors, or it can be triggered by the FCA as a regulatory investigation of your company. Modest Consulting Services conducts proactive customs audits to identify compliance risks and duty recovery opportunities before the FCA does.

UAE applies customs duty under the GCC Common External Tariff — a standard rate of 5% on the CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) of most imported goods. Some goods are exempt from duty — including basic food items, medicines, and certain raw materials. Tobacco and alcohol carry higher duty rates. Goods imported into UAE free zones are generally duty-exempt unless they are moved to UAE mainland. Preferential duty rates apply to goods from countries that have free trade agreements with UAE or the GCC.

Audits conducted in UAE cover financial and regulatory areas — statutory audits of financial statements for free zone compliance; internal audits for operational risk management; VAT audits by the FTA to verify VAT return accuracy; customs audits by the Federal Customs Authority for import-export declaration compliance; compliance audits for regulatory adherence; and due diligence audits for business acquisition and investment purposes. Modest Consulting Services provides statutory audits, compliance audits, customs audits, and due diligence audits.

Free zone companies must submit annual statutory audit reports to their free zone authority — DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, and most others require this annually. Mainland companies may require audits for bank finance, investor requirements, or government tenders. All UAE businesses that are VAT-registered are subject to potential FTA VAT audits. Businesses that import or export goods are subject to potential FCA customs audits. Modest Consulting Services manages all audit types for UAE businesses.

Yes. Modest Consulting Services FZE is a licensed business setup and corporate services consultancy registered in UAE. Our team handles company formation, business licensing, amendments, PRO services, accounting, audit, VAT, payroll, and customs compliance for businesses across all UAE emirates.

Call or WhatsApp us at +971 56 404 5802 or fill the contact form on our website. A consultant responds within 1 business hour and guides you through the next steps. The first consultation is free with no commitment required.

Yes. We work with mainland companies across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — and free zone companies in JAFZA, Dubai South, DMCC, DAFZA, IFZA, SHAMS, Ajman Free Zone, and RAKEZ.

Yes. The first consultation with Modest Consulting Services is completely free with no commitment. A consultant assesses your requirement, gives you honest advice, and provides a fixed written quote before any work begins.