The new economic substance regulations (ESR) aim to stop non-domiciled directors who have registered (and who operate) companies in the UAE from evading tax in their home country. It’s an important step by the UAE to ensure the country is not blacklisted as ‘non-cooperative’ by the EU. In turn, it creates a better and fairer business environment. Regardless of how you’re setting up your business, it’s important that you’re aware of the UAE’s economic substance regulations.
Essentially, your company needs to be managed or directed within the UAE, have an adequate number of UAE-based staff (who are full-time), generate the majority of your income in the UAE, as well as keep adequate assets in the UAE and be able to demonstrate operating expenditure in the country