The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced significant administrative and tax relief measures to support local businesses, foreign partnerships, and family foundations. These measures, introduced through amendments to Ministerial Decision Nos. (261) of 2024, aim to reduce compliance challenges and enhance the UAE’s reputation as a global business hub.
Simplified Compliance for Unincorporated Partnerships
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has removed the requirement for unincorporated partnerships to notify the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within 20 business days of any changes in their partnership composition. This adjustment, which includes scenarios such as new partners joining or existing partners leaving, simplifies administrative procedures for businesses operating within the UAE.
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Tax Transparency for Foreign Partnerships
A notable update is the treatment of foreign partnerships as “tax transparent” within the UAE if they are classified as such in their home jurisdictions. This eliminates the need for individual partners to separately verify their tax status with the FTA. The measure aligns the UAE’s tax regime with global standards, making it easier for international partnerships to operate in the country.
Enhanced Benefits for Family Foundations
Family foundations, which play a crucial role in managing wealth and assets, also benefit from the updated regulations. A juridical entity within a family foundation can now request “tax transparent” status, aligning its tax advantages with the broader UAE corporate tax framework. This change provides greater flexibility and financial benefits for family foundations, encouraging their growth and stability.
The revised Ministerial Decision applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023. It encompasses measures to ease compliance burdens for taxable entities and improve the clarity of the UAE’s corporate tax regime.
Strategic Goals of the New Measures
Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the strategic importance of these revisions. “The amendment to this decision reflects the UAE’s corporate tax regime flexibility to provide certainty to taxable persons and sustain confidence in the UAE’s competitive business environment. Specifically, this approach aims to ease compliance burdens on taxpayers and to reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for business and investment.”
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The updated measures are a testament to the UAE’s commitment to fostering an attractive environment for businesses and investors. By addressing compliance challenges and offering tax relief, the UAE further strengthens its position as a prominent global hub for economic activity.