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Why Businesses Choose the First Check for Smart and Reliable Financial Solutions

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Success in the UAE's competitive and dynamic business environment is not just about some great idea; it is the existence of a financially viable and strategically compliant infrastructure operating. Established businesses across Abu Dhabi or startups setting up camp in Dubai are in dire need of a financial partner that offers much more than accounting services-a true partner that provides integrated solutions that contribute to growth and risk mitigation.   First Check is that partner. The blend of deep local knowledge with the best international practices has, over the years, made us the ideal choice for businesses wanting smart and reliable holistic financial services. From high-level strategic assurance like corporate finance advisory Dubai to regulatory assurance through integrated compliance services UAE , we provide the complete financial gamut for your business.   Pillar 1: Risk Mitigation-Being Proactive with Internal Audit For growing companies, it is impor...

Starting a Business in the UAE: How to Choose the Right Setup Consultants and Partners

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With its strategic location, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure, a global magnet for ambitious entrepreneurs is the UAE. However, going through the regulatory landscape administered by different jurisdictions, such as Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore, should be done with due expert advice. Who you entrust to handle your company formation, accounting, and compliance can make or break your venture. The First Check has put together this guide to detail the key things involved with choosing the right business setup consultants in UAE and long-term financial partners so that your business is set up for success.   1. Vetting Your Business Setup Consultants in UAE The first, and possibly the most important, partner to have is the expert company formation. They will be the gatekeepers to trading licenses, VASAs, and corporate bank accounts, if the title must be specified. If efficiency and compliance are to be guaranteed, choosing a reputed business setup company in Dub...

Which consultancy is best for AML in Dubai?

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  The UAE consequently has become a global financial and business centre, attracting investments and talents from all over the world. With such growth, the menace of financial crimes, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, cannot be stopped.Stringent AML laws have been set by the government, and hence, all cross-sectoral businesses must inculcate strict compliance. It is here that the  best consultants for AML in the UAE  come with paramount significance. What Makes an AML Consultancy “Best” in Dubai? Finding the  best AML consultants in Dubai  entails looking beyond simple services into knowledge, experience, and proactive approach of the firm. Some considerations are: Deep Understanding of UAE Regulations: The UAE’s AML/CFT regime is constantly evolving, with a series of decrees, cabinet decisions, and guidelines issued from time to time by various authorities such as the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Ministry of Economy (MoEc). The Best AML C...

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...