Doing business in the - UAE May 2021 KPMG Lower Gulf - assets.kpmg
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Doing business in the UAE May 2021 KPMG Lower Gulf
Welcome Recent
to the UAE highlights
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strategically located
between Europe, Africa and Asia. Due to a continuous
flow of new business opportunities, investor friendly Amendment to Commercial Companies Law
legislation, a solid financial system, well developed (CCL) allowing foreign nationals to have
infrastructure for business and life, and availability 100% ownership of companies undertaking
of people resources, the UAE may be an ideal business in mainland UAE
business location for multiple purposes:
– Creating holding, trading, financing, support platform(s) for
a group’s international business
Introduction of a virtual work program, in
– Conducting regional business from a hub in the UAE addition to five- and ten-year visas
– Conducting local business in the UAE
A number of immediate and long-term initiatives are intended
to foster the business environment and promote development
within the Emirates — in particular, Vision 2021. A dual licensing system in some of
the free trade zones (FTZs) allowing
This guide seeks to provide you with initial and practical companies in selected sectors to also
information on doing business in the UAE, particularly from the operate in mainland UAE
perspective of an inbound investor.1 Please also refer to our
website for the latest developments.
1
This publication is of a general nature only. Specific professional advice must be obtained before making
a decision. Our publication should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for seeking local legal Continued implementation of
advice. Laws and regulations in the UAE are changing constantly. The information contained within this
publication is based on facts available as of 31 March 2021 and is subject to change. the BEPS Action Plan
Reduction in the cost of doing business
in the UAE
2 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 3
United Arab
Country overview Legislative process Each emirate has its own local
The UAE is a federation of seven The Cabinet or the Council of government responsible for
emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Ministers of the United Arab passing laws applicable to that
Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah Emirates is the executive branch emirate. Federal law, however,
and Umm Al Quwain) located along of the federation. It executes all overrides local legislation.
the eastern side of the Arabian internal and external affairs of the
Emirates
International membership
Peninsula. The UAE comprises Federation as per the provisions
The country is a member of
approximately 71,023.6km2 of land, of the UAE Constitution and
various international organizations,
including islands in the Arabian federal laws. It works under the
such as the United Nations (UN),
Gulf, in addition to 27,624.9 km2 of supervision of the President and
the League of Arab States, the
territorial water.4 the Federal Supreme Council. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF),
country’s parliament, the Federal
With a number of social, economic World Trade Organization (WTO), the
National Council (FNC), assists
and environmental initiatives, World Customs Organization (WCO)
the Council of Ministers in a
the UAE strives to continue and the Organization of Petroleum
consultative capacity.6
progressing on a variety of fronts, Exporting Countries (OPEC).
including trade, investment, Each emirate has its own local
Key business facts
communications, information government responsible for
– Member of the Gulf Cooperation Council technology, tourism and passing laws applicable to that
(GCC), which also includes Bahrain, infrastructure, as well as human emirate. Federal law, however,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, and social development. The UAE’s overrides local legislation.
Oman and Qatar Vision 2021 includes a broad
approach to addressing social,
– Several GCC-based international free
economic and environmental
trade agreements2
goals and provides direction at the
– No federal corporate income tax, but federal level.5
emirate-based taxation of oil and gas sector
Political system
companies and branches of foreign banks
The political system is based on
– Levy of VAT, excise tax and customs duty the Constitution which explains
the main rules of the political
– No personal income tax
and constitutional organization
– Social security for UAE/GCC nationals only, of the country. Article 45 of the
with an end of service benefits (EOSB) Constitution provides for five federal
scheme for expats authorities:
– No foreign exchange control regulations 1. The Federal Supreme Council
– United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) pegged 2. T
he President and the Vice
to United States Dollar (USD) (USD 1.00 = President of the UAE
AED 3.6725)3
3. T
he Cabinet or the Council
of Ministers
4. The Federal National Council
5. The Federal Judiciary
The federal Supreme Council is the
highest constitutional authority in
the United Arab Emirates. It is also
the highest legislative and executive
authority that draws up general
policies and approves various
federal legislation.
4 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 5
Statistics
GCC membership
The UAE is one of the six member
countries of the GCC, together with
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and
Oman. The GCC aims to promote political
stability and economic integration in the
region. Seeking to encourage closer ties
between members, the Council has taken
various measures, including establishing The UAE
the GCC Customs Union with a common
external customs tariff,7 developing a VAT
framework and enabling more efficient
travel between member states.8
Population, language and culture
According to 2020 data, the total
population of the UAE is approximately
9.89 million. The official language of the
UAE is Arabic. English is a widely
accepted business language and is
commonly spoken in commercial and
government organizations, although
government correspondence is mainly
conducted in Arabic.
The UAE is an Islamic nation and the
legal system is largely based on Islamic
teachings. The holy month of Ramadan is
determined by moon sightings and shifts
by approximately ten days each year. In
this holy period, Muslims fast during the
day. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast;
Ranked #1 in Middle Ranked first in the Ranked #1 in the Arab
however, smoking, drinking or eating in
public is prohibited. Working hours in both East & North Africa and region and fourth World for the fifth
the public and private sectors are reduced #16 in the world for ease globally in the Global consecutive year and
during this period and a slowdown in
of doing business in the Entrepreneurship Index improved to 34th
commercial activities should be expected.9
World Bank’s Doing (GEI) 2020 by the Global globally in the Global
Currency
The official currency of the UAE is the Business 2020 Entrepreneurship Monitor Innovation Index
Dirham (AED). Since 1980, the Dirham (GEM – NECI)11 (GII) 2020.12
has been pegged to the US Dollar (USD
1 is equivalent to AED 3.6725).10 There
are no exchange controls in the UAE but
exchanging cash may require
supporting documents.
6 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 7
Options for
doing business
Overview Entities in the UAE are required Recently, the UAE has amended Free trade zones – Telecom, IT and multi-industry:
Depending upon business to have a valid license to perform the Commercial Companies Law Dubai Internet City (DIC) and
There are close to 45 FTZs
objectives, different options of business activities within a particular (CCL), allowing foreign nationals Dubai Multi Commodities
throughout the UAE, with the
varying complexity, set-up and emirate or FTZ. to have 100% ownership of Centre (DMCC)
majority located in Dubai.14 Each
maintenance costs are available. companies undertaking business
Any activity in another emirate or is independent, with its own rules There are three main types of
Considerations may include in the UAE, unless a specific
FTZ generally requires additional set and regulations. However, they are entities in FTZs. They can operate
proposed activities, expected restriction is created with
up and licensing from that particular subject to certain UAE federal laws. only within the specific FTZ and
duration, a need for location in respect to entities that engage in
emirate or FTZ. outside the UAE:
mainland UAE versus FTZ, licensing business activities that will have There are no foreign ownership
requirements and costs, and tax Mainland UAE a “strategic impact” on the restrictions within FTZs, and 100% – Branch: A branch of a legal entity
impact. Broadly, the options are: The three most frequently UAE economy. foreign ownership is allowed. can be established in an FTZ by a
utilized legal forms for mainland foreign or UAE company.
– Business/trading with UAE The amended law does not A dual licensing system has been
entities are: 13
from overseas: provide clarity on what these introduced by certain FTZs to allow – Free zone establishment
– Branch: A branch of a foreign strategic impact activities entities (engaged in certain sectors) (FZE): An FZE is the simplest
– Directly with UAE
or UAE company, not being a are. A list of such activities, to also operate in the mainland UAE. form of a legal entity that can
customers/clients
separate legal entity, may only and the applicable licensing be established in an FTZ. It
Dubai has announced a “One Free
– Via a UAE agent or distributor carry out the same activities as requirements, will be determined can have only one shareholder.
Zone Passport” initiative which allows
the head office. by a committee comprising The minimum share capital
– Projects in the UAE: companies to operate across FTZs in
representatives from each requirement will vary according to
– Representative office: A one emirate without the requirement
– Fly-in fly-out (to the extent a emirate and is still awaited, as of the specific FTZ.
representative office of a foreign of applying for multiple licenses.
local license is not required) the date of publication.
company, not being a separate – Free zone company (FZCO)/free
Many FTZs in the UAE are set up
– Via a sub-contractor legal entity, may only carry out Subject to the powers of zone limited liability company
with a focus on particular sectors.
marketing and promotional the committee in relation to (FZLLC): An FZCO/FZLLC
– Unincorporated joint venture Specialized FTZs include:15
activities for the head office and activities with “strategic impact”, requires a minimum of two
(with a local or foreign partner)
may not undertake any business each emirate will determine – Financial services: Dubai shareholders. The minimum share
– Legal presence in the UAE: or trade activity. the percentage of permitted International Financial Centre capital requirement will vary
ownership, and the level of (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global according to the specific FTZ.
– In a mainland UAE emirate to – Commercial companies
capital contribution required Market (ADGM)
undertake business within that [such as a limited liability
emirate and outside the UAE for higher levels of foreign – Ports and logistics: Jebel Ali
company (LLC)]: An LLC may
ownership. Therefore, it is Free Zone (JAFZA) and Dubai
– In an FTZ as an onshore entity be established in mainland
possible that different emirates Airport Free Zone (DAFZ)
to undertake business within the UAE. It must have at least
will set different UAE national
FTZ and outside the UAE two shareholders. An LLC can
ownership requirements for
conduct all activities included
– In an FTZ as an offshore similar business activities.
in its license in the respective
company to undertake business emirate and outside the UAE.
only outside the UAE
8 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 9
Tax
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Country-by-Country Reporting Transfer pricing
issues Tax Domicile Certificates or (CbCR) in the UAE Currently, there are no transfer
Tax Residency Certificates (TRCs) The UAE has implemented CbCR pricing regulations in the UAE.
on a case-by-case basis to UAE rules, with relevant notification However, the UAE has committed
companies in operation for at least and reporting requirements. to complying with BEPS Action 13,
one year, with an office in the UAE CbCR requirements apply to the therefore, any developments should
matters
and audited accounts. A TRC is ultimate parent entity (UPE) of be monitored.
issued for a specific DTT and for a a multinational group of entities
Thin capitalization
specified period. (MNE) which is a ‘tax resident’
Currently, there are no thin
in the UAE and has consolidated
Individuals residing in the UAE can capitalization rules in the UAE.
revenues equal to or exceeding
apply for a UAE TRC in order to avail
AED 3.15 billion (approximately Value Added Tax (VAT)
tax treaty benefits, as applicable.
USD 858 million) in the preceding The UAE implemented VAT with
The FTA grants TRCs to individuals
financial year.17 effect from 1 January 2018. The
on a case-by-case basis.
UAE VAT legislation is based on the
Common Reporting Standards
Economic Substance Regulations Common VAT Agreement of the
BEPS implementation in the UAE (CRS)
The UAE introduced economic States of the GCC. VAT in the UAE
The UAE joined the OECD Inclusive Following FATCA implementation
substance regulations with is administered by the FTA.
Framework on Base Erosion and for US tax reporting purposes,
notification and reporting The standard rate of VAT in the
Profit Shifting (BEPS IF) on 16 May the UAE has implemented CRS
requirements for UAE entities. UAE is 5%.
2018. The country has committed legislation to collect via the
to implementing the four minimum The regulations require UAE entities UAE’s financial institutions and All local entities making taxable
standards in the near term: that undertake any of the following automatically exchange information supplies exceeding AED 375,000
‘relevant activities’ and derive any with foreign tax authorities on (in the last 12 months or next 30
– Action 5: Harmful tax practices income therefrom to demonstrate foreign tax residents’ financial days) are obliged to register for VAT.
– Action 6: Treaty abuse economic substance i.e. meet accounts in the UAE. Entities making taxable supplies
economic substance tests: or incurring taxable expenses
– Action 13: Transfer pricing Corporate income tax
— Banking Currently there is no corporate between AED 187,500 and AED
documentation and CbCR
tax legislation at the federal level. 375,000 (in the last 12 months or in
– Action 14: Dispute resolution — Insurance the next 30 days) can apply for VAT
Corporate tax legislation has been
— Investment fund management enacted in several emirates through registration on a voluntary basis.
In addition to implementing these
minimum standards, the UAE has respective emirate-level decrees. Non-resident entities are required
— Lease finance
also committed to implementing the However, these tax decrees have to register for VAT if they make
remaining 11 BEPS Actions in the — Headquarters not been applied in practice to any any taxable supplies in the UAE,
medium- to long-term.16 sector, except foreign oil and gas unless there is another person in
— Shipping
companies with UAE concessions, the UAE who can account for the
UAE double tax treaties — Holding company petrochemical businesses and VAT due on such activities. The
(DTTs) and tax residency foreign banks with a UAE presence. VAT registration threshold for non-
certificate (TRC) — Intellectual property
The income tax rate for oil and resident suppliers is nil.
The UAE has an extensive network — Distribution and service centers gas and petrochemical businesses
of 117 DTTs, of which 90 are in Under UAE VAT legislation, entities
is 55%. For branches of foreign
force. The UAE also has a DTT in Economic substance broadly established in FTZs are considered
banks, corporate tax is generally
force with Saudi Arabia - the first comprises of core income to be mainland entities for VAT
calculated at the rate of 20% of
of its kind within the GCC, as GCC generating activities, employees, purposes and have the same
taxable income.
countries do not have mutual DTTs. premises, management and costs. VAT registration and compliance
Most FTZs offer a guaranteed tax obligations. Some FTZs are
The BEPS Multilateral Instrument The purpose of the economic considered to be designated zones
holiday (0% corporate income tax
(MLI) is in force in the UAE to substance regulations is to ensure for VAT purposes. There are special
or exemption) to their residents.
change its selected 114 DTTs. that UAE entities report actual profits rules for the VAT treatment of
The extent to which the MLI will that are commensurate with the Withholding taxes
the supply of goods to, from and
modify the UAE’s DTTs will depend economic activity undertaken within Currently, there are no withholding
within these designated zones.
on the final MLI positions of the the UAE. taxes in the UAE.
Businesses that establish in FTZs
counterparty countries.
10 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 11
should assess their VAT registration subject to a 0% duty rate while c) 100% on energy drinks or at the time of incorporation of
requirements carefully. other goods are taxed at higher a new entity to their respective
d) 100% on electronic
VAT registered entities are required rates (e.g., tobacco). Generally, registrars. Companies must notify
smoking devices
to file monthly or quarterly returns, once duties are paid in the UAE, the Registrar of any change or
as determined by the FTA. VAT no further duties would apply e) 100% on liquids used in such amendment to the information
returns and any associated VAT when goods are transferred within devices and tools provided within 15 days of such
liability payments are due to be GCC states. change or amendment. The
f) 50% on any product with added
submitted to the FTA by the 28th information maintained in the
Under a specific set of sugar or other sweeteners
day of the month following the end register could be shared by the
requirements, licensed entities
of the VAT return period. Businesses that are engaged in Ministry of Economy with
in the UAE can benefit from
below mentioned activities are foreign governments at their
Businesses may obtain an input several customs duty deferment
required to register for excise tax: request, as per international
VAT credit for any VAT incurred regimes, e.g. bonded warehousing,
cooperation measures.
on expenditure subject to the temporary admission. Other a) The import of excise goods into
normal rules of VAT recovery. VAT customs duty exemption the UAE; These rules do not apply to
refunds may be requested from regimes may apply, e.g. industrial companies established in the
b) The production of excise goods
the FTA where the VAT incurred on exemption for raw materials and UAE’s financial free zones (such as
where they are released for
purchases exceeds the VAT payable equipment, GCC origin exemption, DIFC or ADGM) or to companies
consumption in the UAE;
on sales. free trade zone status. which are wholly owned by the
c) The stockpiling of excise goods federal or local government.19
Clarification requests can be Subject to a specific set of rules,
in the UAE in certain cases;
submitted to the FTA where there the UAE may grant a certificate of
and/or,
is uncertainty in the application origin for locally obtained goods,
or interpretation of VAT legislation which may attribute a GCC origin to d) Anyone who is responsible
and the results of these private said products. for overseeing an excise
clarifications are specific to the warehouse or designated zone
Goods of UAE origin may also
facts of the requestor. i.e. a warehouse keeper.
circulate freely within the
The FTA periodically publishes Greater Arab Free Trade Area Property transfer fee
public clarifications and sector- (GAFTA) under the free trade A registration fee is applicable
specific VAT guides. Therefore, it is agreement signed between the on transfer of real estate. For
important for taxpayers to remain member states of the League of example, within the Emirate
up to date with the continually Arab States. of Dubai, the fee is 4% of the
evolving VAT legislation. property transfer value.18
As a GCC member state, the UAE
The FTA can impose administrative enjoys the benefits of the free Regulation of procedures related
penalties for non-compliance trade agreements signed between to real beneficiaries
and under-declaration of VAT. the GCC and other international On 28 August 2020, the UAE
These penalties are fixed and/or trade actors, such as EFTA States Ministry of Economy published
percentage based and, in cases and Singapore. Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of
of late or under declaration of 2020 (the Decision) on the
VAT, may be up to 350% of the Excise tax
Regulation of Procedures Related
underpaid tax. Excise tax is an indirect tax levied
to Real Beneficiaries. The Decision
on specific categories of goods. It
Trade and customs requires companies based in the
was introduced for the first time in
The UAE is a Member State of the UAE mainland and commercial
the UAE in 2017. These goods are
GCC. Accordingly, the UAE is part free zones to maintain registers
referred to as “excise goods”.
of the GCC Customs Union; as of their beneficial owners and
such, it acts frequently as a first In the UAE, excise tax is applicable shareholders. Further, it requires
point of entry of goods into to the below mentioned products that the companies file their
the GCC. as follows: registers with the relevant
registrar and licensing authorities
Most goods entering the UAE are a) 50% on carbonated drinks
within 60 days from the date of
subject to the standard duty rate b) 100% on tobacco products promulgation, i.e. 27 October 2020
of 5%. Some goods imported are
12 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 13
Staff
employer and employee must
make social security and pension
contributions to the General
Pension and Social Security
Authority. These contributions are
based on salary and are payable
matters
at the following rates for a UAE
national (different rates may apply
for other GCC nationals):
– Public-sector employer: 15%
– Private-sector employer: 12.5%
(15% is applied for the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi)
– Employee: 5% There is no
UAE Labor Law Where required, a three-month requirement for expatriates
The Labor Law regulates mission visa can be obtained for or the employer of an
employment terms such as work overseas staff or visitors.22 expatriate to make social
hours, leave, termination rights and security contributions.
The UAE introduced a long-term
medical benefits. The Labor Law End of service benefits (EOSB)
residency visa which will be issued
overrides any conflicting provisions An expatriate employee who
for five or ten years and renewed
in an employment contract that are has completed one year or
automatically. The eligibility criteria
deemed less beneficial to more of continuous service, is
for both five- and ten-year visas
the employee.20 entitled to benefits at the end
is wide and covers a number
Certain FTZs, such as DIFC or of qualifying cases, including of service. EOSB is generally
ADGM, have their own labor laws. property investors, entrepreneurs, calculated as follows (in case of an
outstanding talent and researchers, unlimited contract):24
Emiratization requirements
students with promising scientific – If the period of the employee’s
To overcome structural divisions
capabilities and their respective continued service is more than
in the labor market, the UAE
family members.23 one year and less than three
government launched an
Emiratization campaign which Virtual work program years, they become entitled to
mandates inclusion of Emiratis Dubai has launched a unique virtual/ one-third of 21 days’ last basic
in the workforce, particularly the remote working program enabling salary as gratuity.
private sector. Emiratization aims eligible foreign professionals,
to increase the number of Emiratis entrepreneurs and company owners
participating in the job market and to work remotely from Dubai for up
their contribution to the economy. to one year with the ability to bring
their family members with them, as
The UAE encourages Emiratization
well as access all services in Dubai.
across levels through the
This program has been recently
establishment of a special
introduced and more details are to
department, quotas and incentives.
be confirmed.
Visa requirements
Personal income tax
An employer entity in the UAE must
There is no personal income tax in
ensure its employees are authorized
the UAE.
to work in the UAE by providing a
one- to three-year employment visa, Social security payments
residence permit and Emirates ID. Under the Pensions and Social
Employees may then sponsor their Securities law, when a company
family to reside in the UAE.21 employs a GCC national, both the
14 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 15
– If the period of the employee’s in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,
continued service is more than employers are required to provide
three years and less than five health insurance for employees
years, they become entitled to and their families (one spouse
two-thirds of 21 days’ last basic and three children below 18 years
salary as gratuity. of age). In the Emirate of Dubai,
employers are required to provide
– If the period of employee’s
health insurance for employees,
continued service is more than
only. Employers may be required
five years, they become entitled
to submit a valid health insurance
to full 21 days’ last basic salary
policy for employees when a visa
as gratuity.
is initially issued and renewed.26
The above calculations may differ
– Workmen’s compensation
in the case of a limited contract,
insurance: This is a mandatory
termination of employment or for
requirement for all companies.
certain free zones. For example, in
It covers legal liability to
DIFC, the DIFC Employee Workplace
employees for occupational
Savings Scheme (DEWS) was
injury during the course of their
recently introduced, replacing the
employment, within the defined
above EOSB scheme. As per this
territorial limits according to
scheme, employers now are required
the Labor Law/Workmen’s
to make monthly contributions to
Compensation Ordinance.27
DEWS or an alternative regulated
qualifying scheme instead of a lump – Recruitment insurance: The
sum EOSB payment to eligible UAE Government introduced
employees at the end of their a “recruitment insurance” as
employment. Employers are required an alternative to the monetary
to contribute monthly 5.83% or deposit by employers of AED
8.33% of the employee’s basic salary 3,000 per employee. In contrast,
into the scheme, as applicable.25 insurance will be AED 60 per
year per employee. The insurance
Wage protection system (WPS)
provides coverage of AED 20,000
The UAE Ministry of Human
per employee and protects the
Resources and Emiratization
employee from the company’s
mandates use of the electronic
bankruptcy or the company’s
salary transfer system to pay wages
failure to pay their benefits.28
via authorized financial institutions
in the UAE. The system allows the Housing fee
Ministry to create a database that A 5% housing fee is charged to
records wage payments in the tenants in Dubai, based on the
private sector to guarantee their annual residential rental amount.29
timely and full payment.
Companies located in certain FTZs
are not required to use the WPS.
Key insurance obligations for
employers and employees:
– Health insurance: Specific health
insurance laws are implemented
in each emirate, to ensure that
employees enjoy a minimum level
of health coverage. For example,
16 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 17
References
1
This publication is of a general nature only. Specific 15
https://www.government.ae/en/information-and-services/
professional advice must be obtained before making a business/starting-a-business-in-a-free-zone
decision. Our publication should not be considered legal
advice or a substitute for seeking local legal advice. Laws
16
https://home.kpmg/ae/en/home/insights/2018/05/the-uae-
and regulations in the UAE are changing constantly. The joins-the-beps-inclusive-framework.html
information contained within this publication is based 17
https://home.kpmg/us/en/home/insights/2020/08/tnf-uae-
on facts available as of 31 March 2021 and is subject to
amendments-cbc-reporting-requirements.html
change.
18
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/fact-sheet
2
https://www.economy.gov.ae/english/Ministry/
MinistrySectors/ForeignTradeSector/Trade-Negotiations- 19
https://home.kpmg/ae/en/home/insights/2020/10/tax-flash-
WTO/Trade-agreements/Pages/default.aspx increased-transparency-rules-of-ownership-for-uae-entities.
html
3
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/fact-sheet
20
https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/labour-law.aspx
4
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/fact-sheet
21
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5
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id/residence-visa/sponsoring-family-residency-visa-by-
awards/federal-governments-strategies-and-plans/
expatriates
vision-2021
22
https://www.dnrd.ae/en/issuance-entry-permit-mission- 90-
6
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government
days-3
7
https://www.fca.gov.ae/en/homerightmenu/pages/ 23
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-
uniongccstates.aspx?SelectedTab=9
id/residence-visa/long-term-residence-visas-in-the-uae
8
https://www.mof.gov.ae/en/lawsAndPolitics/govLaws/ 24
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/end-of-service-
pages/CommonVATAgreement.aspx
benefits-for-employees-in-the-private-sector
9
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and- 25
https://www.difc.ae/business/operating/employee-
religious-affairs/ramadan
workplace-savings/faqs-glossary/
10
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/fact-sheet 26
https://u.ae/information-and-services/health-and-fitness/
11
https://www.economy.gov.ae/English/Media-Section/News/ health-insurance
Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?ItemID=958 27
https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/labour-law.aspx
12
https://www.economy.gov.ae/English/Media-Section/News/ 28
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/insurance-
Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?ItemID=891
system-for-employees-in-the-private-sector
13
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/steps-to- 29
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-
start-a-business-on-the-mainland
investment/government-fees
14
https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/community/45-free-zones-
intheuae-find-the-right-one-for-your-new-business-1.1716197
18 Doing business in the UAE Doing business in the UAE 19Contact us
Stuart Cioccarelli Nilesh Ashar Rhys Penning Shabana Begum
Partner | Head of Tax UAE Partner Partner Partner
Tax Tax Indirect Tax Transfer Pricing
KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited
t: +971 2 401 4881 t: +971 4 403 0370 t: + 971 4 424 8900 t: +971 4 356 9844
e: scioccarelli@kpmg.com e: nashar1@kpmg.com e: rpenning@kpmg.com e: shabanabegum@kpmg.com
Muzaffar Salaev Olga Ermolaeva David Fernley Eric Janowak
Director Director Director US Seconded Managing Director
Tax Tax Tax Tax
KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited
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Julie Lere Pland Keith Donegan Pascal Cange Filip Vukovic
Director Director Director Director
Indirect Tax Indirect Tax Customs and Excise Transfer Pricing
KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited KPMG Lower Gulf Limited
t: +971 4 424 8928 t: +971 4 249 6576 t: +971 4 403 0477 t: +971 4 249 6535
e: jlerepland@kpmg.com e: keithdonegan@kpmg.com e: pcange@kpmg.com e: fvukovic@kpmg.com
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Publication date: May 2021 @kpmg_lowergulfYou can also read
