Annual (typically at license renewal); changes must be notified within 15 days.
UBO Annual Declaration
Annual Ultimate Beneficial Owner declaration filed with the licensing authority (Free Zone or DED). Identifies natural persons with 25%+ ownership or substantial control.
Who this applies to
- All UAE-licensed companies
- Excludes companies wholly owned by federal/local government
What to file
UBO register with full legal name, nationality, DOB, address, and ID document for each beneficial owner.
How to file
Via the licensing authority's portal — DMCC, IFZA, DED, etc.
Payment due
No fee.
Penalties for missing this deadline
AED 50,000 for failure to maintain register. AED 100,000 for failure to provide accurate info.
Filing checklist
- Identify all 25%+ beneficial owners
- Identify any individuals exercising substantial control
- Collect required ID documents
- File UBO declaration with authority
- Update within 15 days of any change
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to update on shareholder changes
- Not identifying control through trusts or nominee structures
- Missing the 15-day update window
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