Real Estate & Holding Companies Accounting & Tax in Dubai (UAE)

Our services cater to two distinct but related groups:

• Real Estate Investors: Individuals and companies holding residential or commercial properties in Dubai for rental income or capital growth. This includes non-resident investors who need local management of their assets.
• International Holding Companies: Businesses that use a Dubai Free Zone entity (e.g., in DMCC, RAKEZ, or IFZA) to hold shares in foreign subsidiaries, intellectual property, or other global assets.
• Property Developers: Companies involved in the construction and sale of real estate projects in Dubai, requiring complex project accounting.

From the moment of acquisition or incorporation, specialized accounting is essential. It becomes critical at these stages:

• Before Acquiring Property or Assets: To advise on the optimal ownership structure—whether personal, Mainland, or Free Zone—to minimize taxes and liability.
• During Property Ownership: To track rental income, manage service charges, and account for all expenses to determine the true net yield of your property.
• For Holding Companies: To document inter-company transactions and ensure compliance with the rules for 'Qualifying Income' to secure the 0% Corporate Tax rate.
• At Year-End: To prepare financial statements required for Corporate Tax filing and, for many free zone entities, for the mandatory submission of audited accounts for license renewal.

The cost of professional accounting reflects the expertise required to manage property portfolios or complex holding structures.

• Small Real Estate Portfolio (1-3 properties): AED 2,000 - AED 4,000 per month for bookkeeping and financial reporting.
• Simple Holding Company: AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 per month to manage compliance and basic reporting.
• Large Portfolios or Complex Holding Structures: Custom pricing from AED 7,000+, involving consolidated reporting and strategic tax advisory.

Investing in Dubai real estate or using a holding company structure without expert financial management carries significant risks:

• Corporate Tax Liability: Incorrectly structuring a holding company or mixing it with Mainland business can lead to profits being subject to the 9% Corporate Tax rate. For property, rental income is subject to Corporate Tax.
• RERA Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with RERA regulations for managing rental properties, including registering leases via Ejari, can lead to disputes and fines.
• VAT on Commercial Property: The sale or lease of commercial property is subject to 5% VAT. Incorrect handling can lead to significant penalties from the FTA.
• Audit Failure: For holding companies in free zones that require an audit, poor record-keeping can lead to a qualified audit report, jeopardizing the renewal of your trade license.

The legal and tax frameworks governing property and holding structures in the UAE are highly specialized. Outsourcing your accounting to YourLegal provides access to a team that understands these nuances. We ensure your property portfolio's finances are managed efficiently, maximizing your rental yield after expenses.

For holding companies, we provide the critical expertise to structure your entity and manage its transactions in a way that maintains its eligibility for the 0% Corporate Tax rate on foreign income and capital gains. By handling the complex financial administration, we allow you to focus on managing your assets and growing your global business from a stable, tax-efficient base in Dubai.