Accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax services in Abu Dhabi
Fixed-fee bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax for Abu Dhabi companies — mainland and free zone — delivered remotely by our UAE team.
Abu Dhabi companies are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) on the mainland, or by a free zone such as KEZAD, Masdar City Free Zone or twofour54 — or are registered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Corporate Tax and VAT are federal, so the core obligations are the same as in Dubai; a few local points differ by licensing authority.
What every Abu Dhabi company has to do
| Corporate Tax registration | Within 3 months of incorporation (companies set up on or after 1 March 2024) |
| Corporate Tax return | Every year, within 9 months of the financial year end |
| VAT | Registration once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000; quarterly returns after that |
| Records | Kept for 7 years for Corporate Tax and at least 5 years for VAT |
| ADGM companies | Annual accounts prepared and filed with the ADGM Registration Authority, audited unless an exemption applies |
Local points to watch
- Mainland companies dealing with government or semi-government entities are often asked for audited accounts and tax registration certificates as part of supplier registration.
- Free zone companies selling into the mainland — for example under a dual licence — need that income tracked separately, as it is generally non-qualifying for the 0% rate.
- ADGM entities have their own filing calendar with the Registration Authority in addition to their FTA obligations.
How we help Abu Dhabi companies
- Monthly bookkeeping in Zoho Books (included in your plan), VAT returns and the annual Corporate Tax return, all handled remotely — documents are shared through our client portal.
- Free zone companies get a yearly Qualifying Free Zone Person review before the 0% rate is relied on.
- Audit-ready year-end accounts, with coordination with your independent auditor where an audit is required.
- Our cross-border tax experience helps groups and foreign-owned companies, and we support you with FTA queries, voluntary disclosures and penalty matters if they arise.
Setting up in Abu Dhabi? Our sister team's Abu Dhabi company setup guide compares the mainland and free zone routes.
Sources: Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax; FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024; Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT, as amended; Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023; ADGM Companies Regulations 2020.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep the books for an Abu Dhabi company from Dubai?
Yes. The tax rules are federal and the work is done on cloud software, with documents shared through our client portal, so the location of your licence does not change the service.
Do Abu Dhabi free zone companies pay 0% Corporate Tax?
Only on qualifying income, and only if the company meets every Qualifying Free Zone Person condition, including audited financial statements. We test the position each year.
Do ADGM companies need audited accounts?
ADGM companies must prepare annual accounts and file them with the ADGM Registration Authority; an audit is required unless an exemption applies. A company claiming the free zone 0% Corporate Tax rate must also maintain audited financial statements.
Ready to hand over your books and returns?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a fixed-fee proposal within one business day.