Ultimate Beneficial Owner
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Compliance in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has introduced stringent regulations mandating all companies to disclose and register their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). Also, This crucial step aims to promote transparency, align with global anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and build a secure and credible business environment in Dubai and across the UAE.
Whether you operate a small consultancy, a trading firm, an industrial unit, or a large-scale multi-shareholder corporation, identifying and maintaining accurate information about your Ultimate Beneficial Owner is not optional—it is a legal requirement. As per UAE Cabinet Resolution No. In addition, (58) of 2020, all companies (except those owned by the government or based in financial free zones) must submit and regularly update UBO data with the relevant authorities.At Almalia Consulting FZCO, we make UBO compliance effortless. Our team assists you in preparing, filing, and maintaining your Ultimate Beneficial Owner records accurately and in full accordance with UAE legal requirements. We help you avoid costly mistakes, reduce compliance risks, and ensure that your company’s UBO details are always up to date.
Thus, From understanding the definition of an Ultimate Beneficial Owner, to gathering the necessary documents and submitting them correctly—we handle it all, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.
What Documents Are Required for Ultimate Beneficial Owners Compliance?
1. Valid Trade License Copy – A current and valid copy of your business trade license is mandatory to initiate the UBO registration process. Furthermore, This verifies that your entity is legally operational within the UAE.
2. Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA) – The MOA provides insights into your company’s ownership structure, share distribution, and managerial responsibilities. It is essential to support the identification of Ultimate Beneficial Owners.
3. Passport Copies of All Shareholders and Directors – Clear and valid passport copies of all individuals holding shares or managerial positions within the company are required to verify personal identification.
4. Emirates ID and UAE Visa Pages (If Applicable) – For individuals who are residents of the UAE, a copy of the Emirates ID and valid UAE visa pages must be submitted. However, This helps link the UBO to their legal residency and status within the country.
5. Organizational Chart – A visual ownership structure, typically presented as an organizational chart, is necessary to illustrate the layers of ownership or control, particularly in complex or multi-tiered corporate setups.
How We Help You
Free Compliance Assessment – We review your corporate structure to determine who qualifies as an ultimate beneficial owner under UAE law.
UBO Identification & Declaration – We prepare detailed UBO declarations, ensuring all controlling individuals and entities are identified correctly in compliance with UAE standards.
Filing with Authorities – We submit your UBO data to the Ministry of Economy or relevant free zone registries, and maintain evidence of submission for your company records.
UBO Register Maintenance – We maintain your company’s internal UBO register, updating it whenever shareholders change, ownership percentages adjust, or new beneficial owners are identified.
Integration with ESR & AML Compliance – We coordinate your UBO filings with Economic Substance (ESR) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, ensuring your compliance is streamlined and consistent.
Why Choose Almalia Consulting FZCO for Ultimate Beneficial Owners Compliance in the UAE?
Specialised in UAE Beneficial Ownership Compliance
Almalia Consulting FZCO has in-depth knowledge of the UAE’s legal landscape concerning Ultimate Beneficial Owners. Also, We have successfully supported a diverse range of businesses—from single-partner consultancies to complex, multi-tiered investment companies—with their UBO filings. Our tailored approach ensures every client receives the right support based on their ownership structure and industry type.
Precise and Timely Declarations
We understand that accuracy and timeliness are critical in meeting the UAE’s UBO regulations. Our team carefully prepares, reviews, and submits your UBO declarations in full alignment with Cabinet Resolution No. (58) of 2020. This significantly reduces the risk of non-compliance and avoids the financial penalties associated with delays or incorrect filings.
Confidential and Legally Compliant Data Handling
Your shareholder data, ownership structures, and internal documentation are handled with the highest level of confidentiality. Almalia Consulting strictly follows UAE privacy and corporate governance laws, ensuring that your company’s sensitive information is protected throughout the UBO registration process.
Complete Compliance Support Under One Roof
UBO compliance often intersects with other regulatory obligations such as Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Value Added Tax (VAT), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. Thus, At Almalia Consulting, we provide integrated services that cover all these compliance areas, offering a streamlined and cohesive solution for businesses operating in the UAE.
Ongoing Guidance and Register Maintenance
UBO compliance is not a one-time process. As your business structure changes—whether due to share transfers, board appointments, or restructuring—we assist in updating your UBO register accordingly. Our advisory services ensure you stay compliant at all times, even as your company evolves and grows.
Frequently Asked Question
Who qualifies as a UBO under UAE law?
Anyone who owns or controls 25% or more of the company’s shares, voting rights, or exercises significant influence. If no one meets this threshold, the senior management official is recorded.
Is UBO compliance mandatory for all UAE companies?
Yes. Nearly all UAE companies, including mainland and free zone entities, must file and maintain UBO registers.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Failure to file or maintain UBO records can result in administrative fines and restrictions on your trade license.
Do we need to update the UBO register regularly?
Yes. Any change in ownership or control must be updated in your UBO register within 15 days and notified to the authorities.
Can you handle our UBO filings and other compliances?
Absolutely. We integrate UBO compliance with your ESR, VAT, and AML obligations for seamless regulatory management.
How do we get started?
Contact us and we’ll review your corporate structure, prepare the necessary UBO declarations, submit your filings, and maintain your records to keep your company compliant and penalty-free.