Introduction
As part of the UAE’s continuing effort to reinforce fiscal transparency and align with global corporate tax governance, the Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025. The New UAE Corporate Tax Audit Rules 2025 introduce updated requirements for the preparation and maintenance of audited financial statements under the Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.
This Decision, published on 25 March 2025, repeals and replaces Ministerial Decision No. 82 of 2023 and takes effect for Tax Periods commencing on or after 1 January 2025. However, Ministerial Decision No. 82 of 2023 shall continue to apply to Tax Periods that commenced before 1 January 2025.
Who Is Required to Maintain Audited Financial Statements?
Following the New UAE Corporate Tax Audit Rules 2025, the following Taxable Persons shall be required to prepare and maintain audited financial statements:
A Taxable Person, other than a Tax Group, whose Revenue exceeds AED 50,000,000 during the relevant Tax Period.
Any person that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person.
Without prejudice to the above, a Qualifying Free Zone Person engaged in the distribution of goods or materials:
In or from a Designated Zone, as referred to in Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023,
Shall be required to comply with any additional procedures or conditions as may be prescribed by the Federal Tax Authority in relation to such activity.
Applicability to Tax Groups
A Tax Group, as defined under the Corporate Tax Law, shall be required to prepare and maintain audited special purpose financial statements, such statements are prepared in accordance with the form, procedures, and rules as may be specified by the Federal Tax Authority.
Revenue Threshold for Non-Resident Persons
In the case of a Non-Resident Person, for the purposes of applying the Revenue threshold only revenue derived through a Permanent Establishment and/or nexus in the state shall be taken into account.
Conclusion
Ministerial Decision No. 84 of 2025 represents a matured and more structured evolution of the UAE’s corporate tax compliance framework. It extends the scope of audited financial reporting to a wider set of taxpayers, introduces differentiated reporting obligations for Tax Groups, and reinforces the need for documentary substance in Free Zone operations.
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