1. Check trade licences and approved activities
Verify the legal entity name, issuing authority, licence expiry, branch details and authorised activities. Adding a product to a catalogue does not automatically authorise its sale. Before entering a new sector, confirm whether a licence amendment or product approval is needed.
2. Maintain separate tax calendars
Corporate Tax and VAT have different registration and filing rules. The Federal Tax Authority generally requires Corporate Tax returns and payments within nine months of the relevant tax period end. Check the actual company tax period and current exceptions; do not assume every business has the same deadline.
The FTA Corporate Tax registration service explains how taxable persons apply for a registration number. The FTA states that juridical persons subject to Corporate Tax must register according to applicable timelines; natural persons carrying on UAE business activities have separate rules, including an AED 1 million calendar-year revenue threshold for registration. Do not apply the natural-person threshold to companies. Keep registration numbers, tax periods, return dates and official filing acknowledgements in separate records.
VAT registration is a different test: for UAE-resident businesses, the FTA states that registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the preceding 12 months or are expected to exceed that amount in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration may be available above AED 187,500 under the applicable taxable supplies, imports or expenses criteria. Non-resident businesses can have different obligations. Use the official VAT registration guidance rather than relying on a generic turnover rule.
3. Check work permits and contracts
For covered employment, the UAE Government requires an applicable work permit. Do not assume a pending application authorises work. Free-zone arrangements may involve different authorities.
Check current official work-permit guidance. Track permit expiry, residence dates, contract changes and confirmation references.
4. Verify sector and product approvals
General trading, food, healthcare and financial activities can require different approvals. Confirm licence scope, customs paperwork and the responsible regulator before selling or importing new products.
5. Organise company records
Keep relevant shareholder and manager records, leases, establishment cards, powers of attorney and authorised-signatory documents current. Restrict access to employee identification records. Refer regulated legal, audit and tax work to licensed professionals.
6. Run a 90-day renewal review
List each upcoming licence, permit, contract and tax deadline. Record its owner, authority, supporting documents, submission reference, fee receipt and next review date. An application is complete only when official evidence confirms the outcome.
90 days before expiry: identify the issuing authority, permitted activities and supporting documents; confirm who can sign. 60 days before expiry: request any approvals, update company records and reconcile tax or permit exceptions. 30 days before expiry: verify the submission route, settle official fees and track the application reference. These are internal planning intervals, not statutory filing deadlines.
Dubai trade licence renewal: what to verify
Before renewing a Dubai mainland trade licence, check the issuing authority, permitted activities, expiry date and activity-specific approvals. The official Invest in Dubai renewal service lists available renewal routes and notes that fees depend on the business activity. Free-zone and other-emirate businesses should follow their own issuing authority. Keep the renewed licence as evidence; submitting an application does not prove approval.
7. Maintain a verifiable evidence register
For each obligation, retain the regulator's name, applicable entity, source link, review date, responsible employee, due date, current status and official receipt or certificate. Separate prepared, submitted and approved records. A payment receipt or application submission is not the same as a granted licence or permit. Review access controls before storing passport copies or employee records.
Frequently asked questions
Does every UAE business need VAT registration?
No. For UAE-resident businesses, mandatory registration generally depends on taxable supplies and imports exceeding AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or being expected to exceed that threshold in the next 30 days. The FTA also describes voluntary registration above AED 187,500 and different treatment for non-residents. Check the facts of your business with the FTA.
When is a Corporate Tax return due?
Generally within nine months of the relevant tax period end, subject to applicable rules.
Does a general trading licence cover every product?
No. Permitted activities and sector-specific approvals determine the scope.
Can QIKZ provide binding tax or legal advice?
QIKZ coordinates documentation and referrals; regulated advice requires an appropriately authorised professional.
Official references
Federal Tax Authority: Corporate Tax registration; Federal Tax Authority: VAT registration and thresholds; Federal Tax Authority: current Corporate Tax legislation and decisions.
UAE Government: work permits. Check the current authority guidance before making decisions.
Related QIKZ services
Explore Legal & Compliance Support, Corporate Services and Business Setup.
Contact QIKZ for documentation coordination. Government approvals cannot be guaranteed.