ESR Services in Dubai
ESR Compliance
Effective businesses are built on integrity, transparency, and informed decision-making—not revenue alone. MBB Auditing supports this through specialised Forensic Investigation services that identify fraud, financial irregularities, and misconduct, provide clear evidence-based insights, and help safeguard your organisation’s assets, reputation, and long-term stability.
What is Economic Substance Regulation?
Dubai’s Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) is a rule that make sure that certain businesses in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) show that they are genuinely operating in the United Arab Emirate.
To put it in layman’s language, ESR makes sure that the companies must prove that they are presently working in the country and they are making a real economic contribution in the country and not just avoiding taxes.
Who Must Comply with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)?
MBB Auditing advises that all UAE onshore and free zone entities undertaking specific Relevant Activities and generating income from them must comply with the UAE Economic Substance Regulations (ESR). Compliance requires demonstrating adequate economic substance in the UAE through Core Income Generating Activities (CIGA).
Below are the key Relevant Activities subject to ESR:
Finance & Leasing Business
Investment Fund Management Business
Banking Business
Insurance Business
Holding Company Business
Headquarters Business
Intellectual Property (IP) Business
Distribution & Service Centre Business
Shipping Business
Penalty for Incorrect ESR Notification Information
MBB Auditing advises that submitting incorrect, incomplete, or false information in an Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) Notification can result in a penalty of AED 50,000. Where a licensee knowingly provides misleading information or incorrectly claims an exemption under ESR, the entity may be deemed to have failed the Economic Substance Test for the relevant reporting period, exposing it to further regulatory action and penalties.
Exemptions Under Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
MBB Auditing advises that a licensee claiming Exempted Licensee status must clearly state the applicable exemption grounds in the ESR Notification (Questions 1A–1E) and submit supporting documentation to substantiate the claim.
The recognized ESR exemption categories include:
UAE-Owned Businesses
The licensee is wholly owned by UAE nationals or UAE-resident individuals, operates only within the UAE, and is not part of a multinational group.
Investment Funds
The licensee qualifies as an Investment Fund as defined under the ESR Regulations.
Investment Fund Vehicles
The licensee is a special purpose vehicle or an investment holding company established for an Investment Fund.
Foreign Tax Resident Entities
The licensee is tax resident in a jurisdiction outside the UAE and can provide valid tax residency evidence.
UAE Branch of a Foreign Company
The licensee is a UAE branch of a foreign entity, and all branch income is subject to tax in the foreign company’s home jurisdiction.
Why Choose MBB Auditing for Economic Substance Regulation Services?
MBB Auditing has handled a wide range of liquidation cases across mainland and free zones. Our experience ensures a smooth, structured, and timely business closure process.
We possess in-depth knowledge of UAE commercial, insolvency, and regulatory frameworks. This ensures full compliance and minimizes legal or financial exposure during liquidation.
Our team understands the specific liquidation requirements of UAE free zones. We manage authority approvals, clearances, and documentation with precision.
MBB Auditing acts with complete objectivity throughout the liquidation process. Our independent assessments protect the interests of shareholders, creditors, and regulators.
We work closely with major free zone authorities and government bodies across the UAE. This allows us to efficiently coordinate approvals and expedite closures.
Our Economic Substance Regulation Services
At MBB Auditing, we assess your business activities, operational presence, and financial records to determine ESR applicability, identify compliance gaps, and ensure full adherence to UAE Economic Substance Regulations in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
ESR Applicability Assessment
We review your business activities to determine ESR applicability, identify relevant activities and income, and assess eligibility for exemptions.
ESR Notification Filing
MBB Auditing supports accurate preparation and submission of ESR Notifications through the MoF portal within the prescribed timeline.
Economic Substance Test Review
Our team evaluates CIGAs, UAE-based management, and the adequacy of employees, expenditure, and physical assets.
ESR Report Preparation & Filing
We assist in preparing and submitting the annual ESR Report, ensuring all substance and reporting requirements are met.
Record Keeping Support
We advise on maintaining proper documentation to support ongoing ESR compliance and regulatory reviews.
Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
Our experts assess current compliance, identify gaps in filings, and recommend corrective actions to reduce risk.
ESR Audit & FTA Support
MBB Auditing assists during ESR audits, including document review, response drafting, submissions, and penalty appeal support.
Penalties & Regulatory Assistance
We help identify non-compliance issues and support penalty appeals and regulatory communications.
Your Economic Substance Regulation Questions, Answered
Yes. ESR applies to any UAE entity conducting Relevant Activities, even if it is part of a foreign group. Certain activities apply only if transactions occur with foreign group entities.
Yes. A Notification must still be filed. However, the Economic Substance Test and ESR Report are not required if no income is generated.
Yes. Offshore and free zone entities must comply with ESR if they conduct Relevant Activities.
No. ESR compliance is required regardless of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner’s nationality or residency.
They are determined based on actual activities carried out during the financial year, not just the trade license description.
Ensure a Compliant Business with MBB Auditing’s ESR Support
Strong ESR compliance are critical to reducing risk, fulfilling regulatory obligations, and safeguarding stakeholder interests. MBB Auditing supports businesses with Economic Substance Regulations and UAE legal requirements.
Our experts manage ESR reviews, regulatory documentation, authority clearances, to ensure an efficient and compliant business.
Trust MBB Auditing for precise, confidential, and fully compliant business allowing you to move forward with confidence.
