How to Get a Accounting Auditing & Tax Services Business License in Dubai
Topic Summary
Choose Between Mainland and Free Zone
A mainland DET license gives you access to all UAE clients but requires a physical office and Ministry of Economy registration. A Dubai South Business Hub free zone license offers 100% foreign ownership and flexi-desk options, ideal for firms serving international clients.
Confirm Your Activity Code Early
Before submitting any paperwork, verify that your chosen activity code covers accounting, auditing, and tax services in full. Picking the wrong code can delay your approval or limit what work you are legally allowed to perform.
Prepare Your Professional Credentials
Authorities require proof of relevant training and experience alongside your passport copy when you apply. Having these documents ready from the start helps most free zone setups complete in just three to seven working days.
Register for Corporate Tax Immediately
Once your company is formed, you must register with the Federal Tax Authority regardless of your turnover level. Free zone firms may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate, but only if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions set by the FTA.
Track Your Turnover for VAT Obligations
VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual turnover reaches AED 375,000, and late sign-up carries a fine of AED 10,000. Filing returns on time is an ongoing legal duty that cannot be skipped after registration.
Comply With UAE Federal Audit Law
All licensed firms, whether mainland or free zone, must follow UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2014, which governs how accounting and audit work is conducted. Failing to meet these standards can result in fines or the loss of your license.
Sort Your Visa and Bank Account Together
A corporate bank account must be in place before you begin trading, and DSBH offers visa packages that can be arranged alongside your company license. Handling both at the same time keeps your setup timeline as short as possible.
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H1 (for the CMS title field, do not paste into the body): How to Get an Accounting, Auditing and Tax Services Business License in Dubai
What This License Covers
Dubai's economy keeps growing. That means real, steady demand for accounting, auditing, and tax work. This guide shows you the exact steps to get licensed, pick the right setup, and start trading fast.
An accounting, auditing, and tax services license lets you run a wide range of financial work in Dubai. It covers the core activities most firms need from day one.
Bookkeeping and financial records
External audit and assurance
VAT filing and advice
Corporate tax planning and advice
Management accounts and reporting
Qualified accountants, audit firms, and tax consultants can all apply. You will need proof of your training and relevant experience when you submit your papers.
Activity type | Accounting, auditing & tax services |
|---|---|
Foreign ownership | 100% in the free zone |
Visa quota | Based on office package chosen |
Minimum capital | As set by DSBH at time of setup |
Governing law | UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2014 |
Mainland vs Free Zone
You have 2 main options when you start a business in accounting or audit in Dubai. Each suits a different type of firm.
A mainland license from DET lets you work with any client in the UAE. You will need a physical office. You must also register your firm with the Ministry of Economy. This suits firms that want direct access to the local market.
A free zone license through Dubai South Business Hub gives you 100% foreign ownership. You can use a flexi-desk rather than a full office. It works best for firms serving clients from abroad or across borders.
Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free zone (DSBH) |
|---|---|---|
Client access | All UAE clients | Mainly foreign clients |
Office need | Physical office required | Flexi-desk options available |
Foreign ownership | Up to 100% (select activities) | 100% |
Audit body | Ministry of Economy | DSBH & federal audit law |
Setup speed | Varies by activity | 3 to 7 working days |
Regulated Body Rules
Mainland firms must register with the Ministry of Economy. This is a legal step for any firm offering audit work on the UAE mainland. Free zone firms follow DSBH rules and UAE federal audit law. Both must comply with UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2014 on accounting and auditing.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The process is clear and moves fast when you have your papers ready. Most free zone setups finish in 3 to 7 working days.
Step 1, book your trade name: Use the DET portal for a mainland company, or the DSBH portal for a free zone one.
Step 2, pick your activity code: Confirm the code covers accounting, auditing, and tax services before you go further. You can explore the full list of business activities on the DSBH site.
Step 3, submit your papers and pay fees: Send your passport copy, proof of training, and any other papers asked for. Pay the license fee to get your approval.
Step 4, open a bank account: You need a corporate bank account before you trade. Find out more about bank account opening in Dubai through DSBH.
Step 5, register for corporate tax: Do this with the Federal Tax Authority once your company exists. Your turnover level does not change this duty.
You can also sort your UAE residency visa at the same time as your license. DSBH offers visa packages tied to your company license.
What You Must Comply With
Once you are licensed, you take on several ongoing duties. These are not optional. Missing them can lead to fines or loss of your license.
Corporate tax
You must sign up with the Federal Tax Authority once your company exists. Free zone firms may pay 0% corporate tax. You only get that rate if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions the FTA sets.
VAT
Register for VAT if your turnover hits AED 375,000 or more. File your returns on time. Late sign-up carries a fine of AED 10,000.
Audit law
Follow UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2014. This law sets the rules for how accounting and audit work must be done in the UAE.
Records
Keep your books for at least 7 years. The FTA can ask to see them at any time.
License renewal
Renew your license each year. Missing the renewal date can lead to fines and trading stops.
Costs and Timelines
Costs vary by package and office type. The table below shows the main fees you should plan for.
Fee type | Notes |
|---|---|
Trade name booking | Paid at the start of your application |
License fee | Set by DSBH – confirm at time of inquiry |
Office or flexi-desk | Depends on the package you pick |
Visa fees | Per person, paid to the relevant authority |
Annual renewal | Due each year to keep your license active |
Use the DSBH business setup cost calculator to get a clear figure for your chosen package. Free zone licenses at DSBH typically take 3 to 7 working days from full submission to issue.
You can also check your trade name availability before you apply. This saves time at the first step.
Start Your Accounting Business in Dubai
Getting an accounting, auditing, and tax services license in Dubai is a clear process with the right guidance. You pick your setup, book your name, submit your papers, and you are ready to trade in days.
Talk to the Dubai South Business Hub team today to pick the right setup and get started. DSBH offers free zone licenses, visa packages, and full business support to help you move fast.
Who can get an accounting and audit license in Dubai?
Qualified accountants, audit firms, and tax consultants can apply. You will need proof of your training and work history. Both mainland and free zone options are open to foreign nationals.
Do I need a physical office for an accounting license?
On the mainland, yes. A physical office is required. In a free zone like DSBH, you can use a flexi-desk. This keeps your costs lower at the start.
Do I need to register for VAT as an accounting firm?
Yes, if your turnover reaches AED 375,000 or more. You must register with the FTA before you hit that level. Late sign-up carries a fine of AED 10,000.
Can a free zone accounting firm work with UAE mainland clients?
Free zone firms mainly serve foreign or cross-border clients. To work directly with UAE mainland clients, you may need a mainland license or a local agent. Check with DSBH to find the best fit for your plans.
How long does it take to get a free zone accounting license?
Most free zone licenses at DSBH are ready in 3 to 7 working days. This is from the point of full submission. Having all your papers ready speeds things up.
What law governs accounting and audit work in the UAE?
UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2014 sets the rules for accounting and audit work. All licensed firms must follow it. The FTA also sets rules for tax-related work.
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HEADING OUTLINE
H2 What This License Covers
H2 Mainland vs Free Zone
H3 Regulated Body Rules
H2 How to Apply: Step by Step
H2 What You Must Comply With
H2 Costs and Timelines
H2 Start Your Accounting Business in Dubai
H2 References
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
H3 Who can get an accounting and audit license in Dubai?
H3 Do I need a physical office for an accounting license?
H3 Do I need to register for VAT as an accounting firm?
H3 Can a free zone accounting firm work with UAE mainland clients?
H3 How long does it take to get a free zone accounting license?
H3 What law governs accounting and audit work in the UAE?
References
Frequently Asked Questions
