UAE free zones
Free zone audit services across the UAE, planned around your renewal.
Free zone companies face two sets of rules: the authority that issues the licence, and the Federal Tax Authority. We handle the audit and the filings for both, in 15 zones across the UAE.
- Free zones covered
- 15
- Emirates
- 4
- Tax rate that depends on audited statements
- 0%
Choose your zone
Find your free zone.
Each page covers the zone, its audit requirement and the questions its companies ask us.
Dubai
Ras Al Khaimah
Sharjah
Audit requirements
Why free zone companies need an audit.
-
Licence renewal
Many authorities, including DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZ, Hamriyah and SAIF Zone, ask for audited financial statements every year.
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0% corporate tax
Every Qualifying Free Zone Person must have audited statements to keep the 0% rate on qualifying income.
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Banks and investors
Audited accounts are expected for facilities, account reviews and any sale of shares.
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Closing the company
A liquidation audit report is needed before a free zone will cancel the licence.
How we work
From first call to signed report in four steps.
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Free consultation
A 20 minute call or WhatsApp chat about your company, your licence and what is due.
Day 1 -
Fixed-fee proposal
A written scope, timeline and price. No hourly billing and no surprises later.
Within 24 hours -
Fieldwork
Share records by secure upload. We test, reconcile and keep you posted on every open point.
Agreed timeline -
Signed report
Your signed audit report or filed return, delivered in the format your authority requires.
Before your deadline
Free zone FAQ
Free zone audit and tax, answered.
Have a question about your own company? An advisor replies the same working day.
Ask on WhatsApp
Is an audit mandatory for free zone companies in the UAE?
It depends on the authority and on your tax position. Many free zones require audited financial statements every year at renewal. Separately, the corporate tax rules require audited statements for every Qualifying Free Zone Person and for any business with revenue above AED 50 million.
What is a Qualifying Free Zone Person?
A free zone company that has adequate substance in the zone, earns qualifying income, keeps audited financial statements, complies with transfer pricing rules and has not elected for the standard tax regime. It pays 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
What does "approved auditor" mean in a free zone?
Some authorities, DMCC among them, only accept audit reports signed by firms on their approved list. Before you appoint an auditor, check that the firm is accepted by your authority. We confirm this for your zone on the first call.
When should a free zone company start its audit?
As soon as the financial year closes. Starting early leaves time to fix gaps in the records before the renewal or tax filing date, and avoids the rush in the months when most companies file.
My free zone is not listed here. Can you still help?
Very likely. These are the zones our clients operate in most often, but the audit and tax work is the same elsewhere. Tell us the zone and we will confirm.
Free consultation
Tell us what is due. We will tell you what it takes.
Send a few details and an advisor will call you back within one working day with next steps and a fixed quote. No obligation.
- Call+971 52 202 3984
- WhatsAppChat with an advisor
- Emailadvisor@ashfordmc.com
- OfficeAl Shafar Investment Building 121, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
- HoursSaturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM