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VAT Public Clarification on Crypto Currency Mining

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  ​​​​​​​ On Jan 14 th  of 2025, Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have issued VAT public clarification (VATP039) on VAT implication on Crypto Currency Mining. As we all witnessing rise of popularity of crypto currency, FTA have given the clarification on the  VAT  treatment on Crypto currency mining. Crypto mining is the process by which individuals or businesses use specialized equipment, known as mining rigs, to validate blockchain transactions and earn cryptocurrency rewards. The tax treatment of these activities in the UAE depends on whether the mining is done for personal use or as a service provided to others. Here’s an overview of how VAT applies to crypto mining in the UAE: Mining for a person’s own account : When a person mines cryptocurrency for their own account, person is not guaranteed a reward if he successfully solves the cryptographic equation, as the reward does not solely depend on the person solving the equation, but also on being the first to solve it....

Tips to Save Money on Starting a Business in Dubai

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Establishing a business in a thriving centre like Dubai promises dichotomous advantages ranging from strategic positioning to economic prosperity and inviting tax considerations. However, setting up initial charges is usually one of those critical things hindering new entrepreneurs. With some planning and guidance, it is quite easy to make a start without forking out too much cash. This guide gives you some key tips to save money when starting a business in Dubai and underscores the importance of seeking the help of a professional  business setup consultant in the UAE . Selecting the Appropriate Business Jurisdiction (Free Zone versus Mainland) One crucial setup factor affecting cost is the jurisdiction. Dubai offers two principal options: Mainland and Free Zones. Free Zones: These economic zones grant the advantages of 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and sometimes tax exemptions for a determined period. Free zones are usually cheaper for initial setup, espec...

VAT Public Clarification on SWIFT MESSAGES

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  On Apr 14 th  of 2025, Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have issued VAT public clarification (VATP041) on VAT implication on Swift Message replacing the previous VATP036. UAE Banks and exchange houses (“Financial Institutions” or “FI”) FI incur international bank charges from banks outside the UAE as a result of using the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (“SWIFT”) communication system with these banks. The provision of the right to use the SWIFT communication service constitutes a Service for  VAT  purposes.where such Service is received from outside the UAE, it constitutes a Concerned Service for UAE VAT purposes and covered under RCM on import of services. Financial Institutions that are registered for  VAT in the UAE  are required to issue and deliver an original Tax Invoice to the recipient of taxable services supplied by the Financial Institution. Since the Financial Institution is regarded as supplying the Concerned Service to...

Corporate Tax Public Clarification on Taxation of investors in a Real Estate Investment Trust that is exempt from Corporate Tax as a Qualifying Investment Fund

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  A REIT that meets all the legal conditions under Article 10(1) of the  UAE Corporate Tax Law  and Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 can apply to be exempt from Corporate Tax as a Qualifying Investment Fund. If granted, this exemption applies from the specified tax period. However, from  1 January 2025 , corporate (juridical) investors in such exempt REITs must pay Corporate Tax on  80% of the REIT’s prorated immovable property income , unless they no longer hold any ownership and did not receive a dividend distribution within  9 months  after the REIT’s financial year-end. Purpose The purpose of this public clarification is to clarify the following: The income that will be taxed in the hands of juridical persons that are investors in a REIT. The relevant Tax Period in which the income shall be taxed for such investors. The compliance obligations of the REIT and the investors and other related matters. Clarification Taxable Income in the Hands of Juridi...

Major Changes to UAE VAT Executive Regulation – What You Need to Know

  Introduction The UAE has recently amended its  VAT framework  through  Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024 , which took effect on  15 November 2024 . This decision introduces key updates to the  Executive Regulation  of  Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT , aiming to enhance clarity, compliance, and practical application of the law. The  Federal Tax Authority (FTA)  refers to the regulation before this date as the  “Previous Executive Regulation”  and the updated version as the  “New Executive Regulation.” In this article, we highlight the  main changes , explain their  practical impact , and provide  examples  where applicable. Major Changes to UAE VAT Executive Regulation Key Articles Amended in the New Executive Regulation This  Public Clarification  issued by the Federal Tax Authority aims to  highlight the main changes  introduced to the Executive Regulation. These updates i...

Understanding Family Foundations Under UAE Corporate Tax Law

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  As part of the UAE’s evolving tax framework, the  Federal Tax Authority (FTA)  has released detailed guidance on the  tax treatment of Family Foundations  under the  Corporate Tax Law  (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) . This is a significant development for high-net-worth families, estate planners, and legal advisors seeking to manage wealth across generations while remaining compliant with UAE tax laws. What is a Family Foundations? A  Family Foundation , as defined in the Corporate Tax Law, refers to any  foundation, trust, or similar entity  established for the benefit of specific individuals or public benefit entities. It is primarily used for asset protection, succession planning, and charitable giving. Importantly, it can be  domestically or internationally established , as long as it meets the criteria under  Article 17(1)  of the Corporate Tax Law. These entities are often formed under free zones like  DI...

What services are included in corporate Tax Planning in Dubai, and why are they important?

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  The imposition of Corporate Tax Planning in the UAE starting from June 2023 has, in a major way, changed the financial-business structure for every Emirate, including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi. To succeed amidst these new regulations, one needs more than just accounting: in fact, one needs  corporate tax planning Dubai . Therefore, hiring the Best Corporate Tax Consultants in UAE has become an absolute must for ensuring compliance, tax optimization, and sustainable growth. What Services Do Corporate Tax Planning in Dubai Include? In a nutshell, comprehensive  corporate tax planning Dubai  entails a wide bucket of services that are rendered to allow businesses to assess, comply with, and strategically manage their respective tax issues. These services would normally and preferably include: Corporate Tax Impact Assessment and Advisory: Prior to effecting any change, specialist consultants carry out a comprehensive study of the business environment, financi...