ESR NOTIFICATION IN UAE

Created on Aug 22, 2024
Last updated on Mar 10, 2026

By Divya R Nair (Author) | Reviewed by Gessika S. On Aug 24, 2024

ESR NOTIFICATION IN UAE

What is ESR ?

As part of the UAE’s commitment being a member of the OECD Inclusive Framework, in response to an assessment of the UAE’s tax framework by the European Union (“EU”) Code of Conduct Group on Business Taxation, the UAE introduced a Regulation on the Economic Substance (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No.31 of 2019, the “Regulations”) on 30 April 2019.
 

Who is subject to the ESR Filling?

All UAE onshore, offshore and free zone companies that carry on and generate income from one of these activities:

* Banking

* Insurance

* Investment fund management

* Lease-finance

* Headquarters

* Shipping

• Holding company

* Intellectual property

* Distribution and service centres

As per UAE authorities, all constituent entities (licensees) must submit a notification by 30 June 2020, declaring whether such licensee is carrying on a relevant activity as defined under ES Law. This is an annual requirement.

Scope of ESR

It applies to all companies established in the UAE (except those entities in which a minimum 51 per cent direct or indirect investment is from government authorities) and which have an income from a relevant sector in any accounting period commencing on or after January 1, 2019.

UAE companies - offshore, onshore or mainland - should notify the concerned regulator on or before the due date issued by their applicable regulator. All mainland companies have to notify the Ministry of Economy before June 30, 2020.

Penalities

Penalties for failing to notify the Regulatory Authority within the given deadline is between AED10,000 and AED50,000. Other penalties shall apply in case Licensees fail to provide accurate or complete information and demonstrate sufficient economic substance in the UAE.

How Danburite can assist you with ESR ?

  • To analyze the company structure & identify the entities qualify for ESR as per the business activities.
  • To perform an assessment on the current compliance level of the company as per the ESR.
  • To review the transactions of company to identify the outsourced activities.
  • To conduct ESR test on the company & prepare the information for ESR reporting.
  • To share the knowledge on ESR requirement with the concerned person in the organization & prepare compliance checklist.
  • Assistance in submission of the notification information & ESR report with the Regulatory Authority.

In case you have any questions or require further clarification, reach out to our experienced team of professionals.

Call or WhatsApp +971568080092

E-mail  info@danburite.ae

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who needs to file ESR notification in the UAE?

All UAE licensed entities, including mainland, free zone, and offshore companies, must determine whether they conduct relevant activities such as banking, insurance, shipping, holding company operations, or intellectual property activities. Entities engaged in these activities must submit ESR notifications.

2. What is the difference between ESR notification and ESR report?

The ESR notification is the first filing where a company confirms whether it performs relevant activities. The ESR report is a detailed submission required only if the company earns income from those relevant activities. The report includes information about employees, operating expenses, and business activities in the UAE.

3. What are the penalties for failing to submit ESR notification in the UAE?

Failure to submit ESR notification on time can lead to administrative penalties starting from AED 20,000, and higher penalties may apply for repeated non-compliance or incorrect information.

✎ Author

Divya R Nair
Legal Advisor cum Admin  
Corporate Legal Advisor & Operations Lead managing company formations, AML compliance, banking coordination, administrative operations, and regulatory governance across the UAE.

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