ESR stands for Economic Substance Regulations, a set of regulations introduced to ensure that
companies operating within the UAE demonstrate genuine economic activities and substance within the
country. The ESR Regulations are implemented by the international standard established by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Forum on Harmful Tax Practices. This standard
mandates that entities engaged in business activities that can easily relocate geographically must
demonstrate significant operational presence in a particular jurisdiction.
Business entities under the purview of ESR in UAE must strategize and prepare for the annual ESR
notification and reporting processes. Additionally, they must adhere to the stipulated criteria for
the UAE Economic Substance Test, seeking expert assistance from reputable ESR service providers.
APPLICABILITY OF ESR IN UAE
ESR applies to all UAE onshore and free zone companies across various sectors, including:
Banking Business
Insurance Business
Investment Fund Management Business
Lease-finance Business
Distribution & Service Centre Business
Headquarters Business
Shipping Business,
Holding company Business
Intellectual property Business
Should a licensee engage in a relevant activity mentioned above, it is incumbent upon them to
thoroughly assess the specific requirements outlined for such activities under the ESR UAE
Regulations.
Companies falling within the scope of the ESR UAE need to meet specific economic substance
requirements, which include conducting core income-generating activities within the UAE, having an
adequate number of qualified employees, incurring sufficient operating expenditures, and maintaining
physical assets in the UAE. Companies subject to ESR must submit an annual notification to their
regulatory authority, providing details on their activities and whether they meet the economic
substance requirements. Additionally, entities that generate income from relevant activities need to
file a detailed economic substance report annually.
ESR is crucial for maintaining a fair and transparent business environment in the UAE. Companies
subject to ESR regulations must carefully plan and execute annual ESR UAE notification and reporting
procedures
ADHERENCE TO ESR IN UAE
ESR in UAE aims to ensure that businesses engage in actual economic activities. By requiring
companies to have substantial operations and economic substance in their jurisdictions, ESR helps
promote fair taxation and transparency in the global business environment.
Gathering and providing data necessary for both the Regulatory Authority and the National Assessing
Authority to oversee the engagement in a Relevant Activity and ensure compliance with the ESR
Regulations is pivotal for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the ESR UAE Regulations.
The National Assessing Authority and Regulatory Authorities in the UAE can work in collaboration
with any ministry or administrative body to gather necessary information about a Licensee or an
Exempted Licensee for enforcing the ESR Dubai Regulations. As per the ESR Regulations, each regulatory
authority must provide copies of the information received to the Ministry of Finance when requested.
Additionally, it is the responsibility of the National Assessing Authority to notify the Competent
Authority about any Licensee who fails to pass the Economic Substance Test for any Relevant
Activity.
If the National Assessing Authority finds out that a Licensee or an Exempted Licensee has failed to
comply with the provisions mentioned in the ESR Dubai Regulations, it has the power to impose various
administrative penalties as described in Articles 13, 14, and 15 of the ESR Regulations. Generally,
these administrative penalties are subject to a time limit of six (6) years.
Non-compliance with the Economic Substance Regulations can lead to various penalties, encompassing
fines, suspension, or potentially result in the company's deregistration. Companies should seek
guidance from legal and tax advisors to assess their obligations under the ESR UAE and implement
necessary measures to achieve compliance.
A Licensee has the right to appeal a decision by the National Assessing Authority on several
grounds, including contesting that it did not commit a violation, informing that the penalty levied
is disproportionate to the violation, or asserting that the administrative penalty exceeds the
prescribed limit. Licensees can initiate appeals through formal procedures outlined within the
regulatory framework.
HOW CAN EXCELLENCE HELP?
Amidst uncertainties surrounding the Economic Substance Test requirements, Excellence aims to serve
as a trusted resource, offering comprehensive guidance on fulfilling the ESR UAE Test Requirements.
With our dedicated team of experts, we provide clarity and support to businesses navigating through
the complexities of ESR UAE compliance, ensuring smooth adherence to regulatory standards and
fostering long-term success.
Backed by a team of proficient experts committed to excellence, our company ensures that your
business is equipped with the expertise needed to meet the ESR UAE requirements seamlessly. We
understand that staying compliant with ESR regulations in the UAE can be daunting, but with our
guidance, you can confidently navigate through the process.
Our specialists are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions crafted to align perfectly with your
unique needs and requirements, guaranteeing compliance and optimizing your business operations for
long-term success. We recognize the importance of having a reliable partner to assist you in ESR
reporting, and we are here to offer our unwavering support every step of the way.
FAQ
ESR stands for Economic Substance Regulations, crafted to guarantee that companies functioning
within the UAE demonstrate genuine economic activities and substance within the country.
The ESR Regulations in UAE are implemented based on the international standard established by the
(OECD) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Forum on Harmful Tax Practices.
ESR regulations apply to various sectors in the UAE, including banking, insurance, investment fund
management, lease finance, distribution & service centers, headquarters, shipping, holding
companies, and intellectual property businesses.
To demonstrate adequate substance in the UAE, a Licensee must meet specific criteria, including
conducting Core Income-Generating Activities (CIGAs) in the UAE and maintaining appropriate
resources such as qualified employees, operating expenditures, and physical assets. These
requirements vary based on the nature and level of the Relevant Activity.
Non-compliance with ESR can lead to penalties such as fines, suspension, or even company
deregistration.
Companies subject to ESR regulations in Dubai and the UAE must submit annual notifications to their
regulatory authority, providing details on their activities and whether they meet the economic
substance requirements. Additionally, entities generating income from relevant activities must file
detailed economic substance reports annually.
Entities undergoing liquidation or ceasing Relevant Activities in the UAE must adhere to ESR
Regulations as long as they exist. They must ensure compliance with the Economic Substance Test
during the liquidation process, meeting all obligations and reporting requirements outlined under
the ESR Regulations.
Excellence offers comprehensive guidance on fulfilling ESR Test Requirements in the UAE, ensuring
seamless compliance with ESR UAE regulations.
Backed by a team of proficient experts dedicated to Excellence, Excellence provides tailored
solutions to cater to the distinct needs and specifications of businesses in the UAE, guaranteeing
compliance and optimizing operations for long-term success.
Given the complexities surrounding ESR regulations in UAE, seeking guidance from legal and tax advisors is crucial for companies to understand their obligations and implement necessary measures
for compliance.
Excellence serves as a trusted resource and partner for businesses in UAE, offering unwavering
support throughout the ESR reporting process, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance to
navigate uncertainties surrounding ESR regulations.
A very professional and efficient service from start
to finish. Brilliant job!
Alex Petridis
Executive Financial Coordinator
Very reasonably priced and excellent staff support.
Would definitely recommend.
Hozaifa Lokawala
Project Manager
Time bounded people with a group of professionals to
cater clients' needs in a most professional manner. Thanks to the whole team.
Riniclair Mathew
Accountant
The name of the company matches the services they
provide for their customers.Their willingness to extend assistance as much as they could
is very valuable. Exceptionally Professional, Accommodating, and Friendly in approach.
Their work is very efficient.
Pamela Jose
Admin Executive
Very professional and dedicated team with excellent
service, great communication skills and approach. Always very responsive with no delay
in work. It's a pleasure working with.
Nayla Richa
Business Owner
The best Auditing Company in UAE. We are so happy to
deal with them.
Narssis Deir Sarkisyan
Business Owner
Been working with them since 2015. Amazing company to
work with, very kind, efficient and effective team there!
Lamloum Maatouk
Business Owner
Recommended. Working fast and efficient.
Asya Aba
Shareholder
Quick and easy to deal with "Excellence"!! We
definitely recommend this company if you're looking for excellence and quality work.
Thank you and looking forward to work with you again. :) :) :)
Zen Santiago
Admin Executive
Excellent service with reasonable charges &staff
coordination is brilliant. Recommend to contact them for any kind of audit or finance
services.
Yaseen Aswani
Accounts Manager
Best PRO services
Manale Mukaddam
Project Manager
Talent means nothing, while experience with hard
work, means everything� good saying by Patrick Suskind. By hard work, excellent service,
fast responses Excellence Business Consultants DMCC have won the hearts of many clients.
I would describe them as following: skillfully and wisely manages even the most
difficult clients, dedicated and empathetic team who constantly helps meet their client
requests.
Aizada Akmatalieva
Administrative Manager
Excellence Auditing truly reflects excellence in the
quality of service they provide to their clients. Their dedicated customer service team
are very accommodating and initiative. They always make sure to remind and update us
about new protocols and are quick to address any of our concerns. In short, they
simplify everything for us so we could focus more on daily jobs.
Beatrice Jabonero
Brand Services & Office Admin Executive
It is always a pleasure to work with Excellence
Auditing & Business Consultants. They foster an atmosphere of openness and a high level
of professionalism. With them, our organization is assured that our goals remain in
focus and never undermined by all the technicalities that every company in the region
faces. Truly, they set a high standard for firms in the same field.
Andrew GALINDO
Accountant
Excellence Auditing & Business Consultants are
providing their services from last 5 years to our business and I can highly recommend
their work. They are great assets for any start-up and fast-growing company, as they
also help you to identify areas of improvement. Very professional and available for any
question you may have.
Saqib Raja
Office Manager
Working with this accounting firm a very reliable,
trustworthy & staff are very friendly mostly accommodating. In terms of work for the
last 3 years they are good in book keeping, auditing & mostly in our private
information. They handle our VAT filing which is faster and detailed oriented, including
our management accounting. Also, working with them is my pleasure and will continue our
good relation & work with Excellence Auditing.
J.A Balandra
Admin Coordinator
I have been going to Excellence for my Company Audit
since 5 years now... They are friendly, professional, and very transparent something
that you expect from your auditing firm. I would totally recommend them
Sahil C Kirpalani
Business Owner
Have the required expertise.Have the ability to
understand the needs of the business. Effective communication skills.
Ella Gansena
Accountant
I appreciate all the team members for their
professionalism, accuracy in the work & promptness
Rajil Mathradan
Operations Manager
Team Excellence is living up to their name. Hands
down to its leaders and the whole team. We have been working with them from day one and
they are simply genuine and professional people.
Kristine Joy Orozco
Finance and HR Manager
I have been working with Excellence for years now;
they always deliver on time what they promised. The best thing about Excellence is the
charges, as compared to others they offered the best. Highly recommended for a start-up
business, as they can work with you closely to identify the areas that you should
improve.
Hasaranga Anuradha
Accountant
A committed and professional team focused on getting
the job done.
Neil DSylva
Public Relations Manager
Professional, efficient and with a smile. Best in
Dubai. Highly recommended.
Mansoor Mulla Auditing of Accounts is a member of Dubai Chamber's "Global Trusted
e-Network", a member-only community of verified businesses, where all members go through verification
and credit rating process to get labelled as a trusted trading partner or service provider.
After qualifying to get labelled as a trusted business, Mansoor Mulla Auditing of Accounts received the
Global "Trusted Member" certificate and badge of trust, in addition to Credit Rating Business
Information report on our company. The Report is issued by Dubai Chamber in collaboration with
international credit rating agencies.
Excellence has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 accredited certification in recognition of
their commitment to high standards in its accreditation process and internal procedures.
Excellence was assessed and met the requirements of ISO9001:2015 for the following scope of operations:
Auditing, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Tax consultancy, Tax reclaim services by the International
Register of Quality Assessed Organisations (IRQAO).
International Register of Quality Assessed Organizations (IRQAO) was established in
1997 to provide a reference to organizations that hold certification thus validating the quality of
their processes, products, or services.
To ensure stringent quality control IRQAO only
lists certificates that have been awarded by credible third-party assessment bodies. Personnel who have
achieved academic qualifications in a field related to quality assurance are also listed.
After completion of a thorough assessment, Excellence auditing was granted and certified by the
International Register of Quality Assessed Organizations (IRQAO).
ASCB was formed in 1995 in the United Kingdom to accredit a range of international
non-governmental certifying bodies that assess products, personnel and management systems.With their
global headquarters in the United States, ASCB serves clients in over 70 countries worldwide, using
internationally recognized conformity assessment standards.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone, located in the Jumeirah Lake
Towers (JLT) offers a variety of benefits while setting up a company including different types of
licenses, flexible office structures and hassle-free business set up procedures. However, it is
mandatory that the businesses in the DMCC Free Zone get their books of accounts audited from registered
& approved auditors with DMCC Authority.
DMCC Freezone has a strict guideline regarding the
auditing process of the member companies. The DMCC from time to time prepares a list of DMCC approved
auditors to strictly adhere to regulations and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
EXCELLENCE AUDITING is one of the leading auditing and accounting firms in Dubai, UAE that is registered
with DMCC as approved auditors.
Our expert team of auditors will analyse your DMCC Free
Zone Company's accounts and verify financial statements with the aid of supporting documents. Our DMCC
approved auditors will help you identify the risk involved in the business operations. Being a leading
auditing firm, we offer the services of our experienced chartered accountants to improve and add value
to your company's corporate governance practices.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a globally recognized financial free
zone in Dubai, has mandated that the companies operating within the free zone are required to get their
books of accounts audited by registered auditors in the DIFC.
The DIFC was established in
2004 as an international financial centerto enable the financial businesses to enter and expand into the
emerging markets in the region. The DIFC was launched in accordance with UAE Federal Decree No. 35 of
2004 as part of the Dubai government's goal to diversify the emirate's economic resources and attract
more investments. The DIFC is an independent jurisdiction within the UAE having its own legal and
regulatory framework.
We as Excellence are operating in DIFC since 2021 and are DIFC
approved auditors. The DIFC has mandated all the registered companies to get their accounts examined and
reported on by the registered auditors in the DIFC. We are one among the few recognized DFSA approved
auditors.
Located across the Dubai International airport, Dubai Airport Free Zone was established
by the Government of Dubai in pursuant to law No 2 in 1996. Launched with a vision to accomplish the UAE
Government's strategy for an investment-driven economy, the DAFZA houses around 1800 companies from over
20+ sectors and various industries with 17,000+ professionals, who benefit from a business-focused
regulatory and tax environment that offers total ownership, full repatriation of earnings and a range of
world-class facilities.
The companies registered with DAFZA are required to appoint an
approved auditor who will examine and report on the accounts prepared in accordance with local and
international regulations. It is also important to note that the auditing is mandatory for both Free
Zone Establishment (FZE) as well as Free Zone Companies (FZCO).
Excellence is one of the
top-rated auditing and accounting firms in the UAE. Excellence is registered with the Dubai Airport Free
Zone Authority.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone has been established in 1985 to promote trade and to strengthen
container throughput at the Jebel Ali Port. In over 3 decades, Jafza grew from 19 companies in 1985 to
more than 500 in 1995, and over 8,000 today, which includes nearly 100 Global Fortune 500
enterprises.
Most of these companies have set up their regional headquarters in Jafza to
serve the wider Middle East region comprising West Asia, the CIS, Africa and Indian Subcontinent.
Today, Jafza proudly stands as a dynamic base for thousands of businesses from over 100
countries, sustains more than 135,000 jobs and attracts 23.9% of Dubai's foreign direct
investment.
Excellence is a highly regarded audit firm in Dubai, UAE. Being a registered
auditing firm with the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Excellence highly qualified team of auditors will
help companies ensure that their financial statements are true and accurate. Excellence services will
ensure that the company's audit report reflect an honest opinion on the financial health of the company
thereby making the license renewal process with the JAFZA easier.
Dubai World Central (DWC) is Dubai's airport of the future. DWC opened the doors to its
5-7 million capacity passenger terminal passengers on October 27, 2013, while cargo operations were
launched much earlier on June 27, 2010. Upon completion, DWC will become the world's largest airport
with an ultimate capacity of more than 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a globally recognized free zone and an integrated technology
park that allows people to live, work, and play. Hosting modern technology based industries and an urban
master-planned community in an iconic location, DSO offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and in-house
business services.
Designed as a hi-tech ecosystem in Dubai, DSO offers a wide range of
benefits. It is considered to be the only technology park in the region that provides both a living and
working integrated community.
It is of utmost importance to note that the companies need to
appoint the auditor from the DSO Approved list of Auditors. Excellence is one of the top-rated auditing
and accounting firms in UAE. Excellence is registered with the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSO).
Excellence is a member of Dubai Chamber's "Global Trusted e-Network", a member-only
community of verified businesses, where all members go through verification and credit rating process to
get labeled as a trusted trading partner or service provider.
After qualifying to get
labeled as a trusted business, Excellence received the Global "Trusted Member" certificate and badge of
trust, in addition to Credit Rating Business Information report on our company. The Report is issued by
Dubai Chamber in collaboration with international credit rating agencies.
D3 is the region's hub for design, fashion, and culture, where trendsetters and
forward-thinkers shape the future of design every day.
An interactive ecosystem that houses
established designers, nurtures emerging creatives and provides a platform for start-ups and students to
rethink the regular.
A platform that showcases regional and local creative talent to a
global audience, while nurturing a creative community of ultimate expressions that challenges the norms
and incubates even the wildest ideas, turning them into reality.
Excellence is D3
registered and approved auditor, we can analyze and provide a report on the accounts of the companies
operating in D3.
The region's largest media, entertainment and broadcasting hub meets your creative
needs by offering the largest sound stages in the region, outstanding production services, backlots,
sets, water tanks, production offices, recording studios and much more established in 2005.
Dubai Studio City's one of its kind community brings the perfect mix of business and leisure, in a
diverse yet harmonious atmosphere, for over 2800 individuals that call Studio City their home.one of its
kind community brings the perfect mix of business and leisure, in a diverse yet harmonious atmosphere,
for over2800 individuals that call Studio City their home.
Over the last few years,
companies in Hamriyah Free Zone rely on Excellence auditing services for preparing and submitting the
audit reports on time to the authority. Excellence auditors are equipped with years of experience in
assisting clients comply with regulations thereby ensuring the growth and stability of their businesses.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC): the world's first enabling healthcare and wellness free
zone ecosystem with an independent regulatory framework right in the heart of the Middle East's most
progressive business and tourism destination. Welcome to a city where valued healthcare providers are
supported by a strong community service infrastructure, from pharmacies and retail to F&B and personal
care.
The DHCC Zone authorities mandate that the companies operating within the free zone
must conduct audits only by the auditors approved by the DHCC Zone authority. Excellence auditing is a
registered auditing firm with the DHCC Zone authority. Excellence is highly qualified Chartered
Accountants would ensure that the DHCC Zone companies have maintained the records in compliance with the
local and international regulations such as the IFRS.
Dubai Economy (Department of Economic Development - Government of Dubai) is the
government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. Dubai
Economy supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based
economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Dubai Economy
and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic
sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.
The
Department of Economic Development (Registration & Licensing Sector) allows the Auditing licenses in
Dubai as Mainland Company. This will allow you to provide accounting services to other companies. The
firm owner also needs well versed and certified staff in audit and as well as account maintenance.
Senior accounting and auditing bodies have welcomed a new federal law setting high standards for
registered auditors in the UAE, saying that it will contribute to the country's economic growth. The law
sets strict guidelines for the licensing of auditing firms and professionals, with would-be auditors
obliged to carry a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or the same qualification.
Mansoor Mulla Auditing of Accounts is one of the entities of Excellence Group duly licensed from
Department of Economic Development (DED) Dubai with license number 738553 and approved by Ministry of
Economy to carry out acitivities of Auditing.
Strategically situated within one of the UAE's dynamic business gateways, IFZA Dubai is
a leading free zone that provides local and international businesses the ideal platforms, infrastructure
and location that optimize the benefits of the UAE's geographic position, world-class infrastructure and
business- and tax-friendly environments.
IFZA provides competitive Free Zone License
packages, fast and efficient incorporation and an expert team with up-to-date knowledge on rules and
regulations to ensure that your client's business foundation is laid in a timely and secure
manner.
Excellence's highly qualified Chartered Accountants would ensure that the IFZA Zone
companies have maintained the records in compliance with the local and international regulations such as
the IFRS.
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is located in Umm Al Quwain, a friendly,
progressive and prosperous emirate with modern infrastructure. Renowned for its desert landscape and
unique flora and fauna, it is also a popular leisure destination within the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and is located just 45km from Dubai.
Umm Al Quwain's stable economy, open investment
climate and low costs of living and labour make it a strategic business base with the MENA region,
Subcontinent, Far East and European markets all within easy reach.
Excellence's auditors
are one of the best external auditors in the UAE who will verify the books of accounts and other
supporting documents to express a true and fair opinion on the company's financial statements.
As the region's leading dedicated tech hub establishes in 2000, DIC offers the perfect
environment with the right mix of commercial spaces, services, retail, and events for thousands of
innovators that strive to make DIC home to great ideas.
Excellence auditing is one of the
top-rated auditing and accounting firms in UAE. Excellence is registered with the Dubai Internet City
Zone (DIC) Authority.
The region's largest Media and Content Hub established in 2001, home to key global,
regional and local brands, with diverse commercial spaces, bustling retail spots and various exciting
events.
Dubai Media City's one of its kind community brings the perfect mix of business and
leisure, in a diverse yet harmonious atmosphere, for over 25,000 professionals that call Media City
their home.
Get your accounts audited by Excellence, trusted and approved auditors in Dubai
Media City Free zone.
SAIF ZONE offers you attractive tax-friendly benefits combined with complete ownership
in a designated free zone at an unmatched strategic location. With every detail thoughtfully structured
and robust service support, SAIF ZONE provides plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate so you
can focus solely on growing your business.
The companies operating in the SAIF Zone must
get the books of accounts audited and submitted to the free zone authority within 90 days from the end
of the financial year. The audit report needs to be submitted to the SAIF Zone Authority along with the
audited financial statements.
We are proud members ofThe Russian Business Council (RBC).
Since our
inception, Excellence has been honored to work closely with some of the most exciting and successful
brands across the Middle East. To help demonstrate our continuing ambition for growth and commitment to
our clients and partners in the region, we therefore decided it was time to join the RBC.
The RBC is devoted to promoting trade and economic co-operation between the Russia and the Middle East.
We are delighted to be a member of such a forward-looking and valuable organization and excited for
future opportunities in the region with the support of the RBC.
It is the only Russian
business organization in the GCC, and is the first port of call for Russian businesses in the UAE. RBC
is a unique source of experience and information in doing business in the MEA region, it has wide
network of contacts among businessmen and government official.
