Compliance Filings

Our specialized team at DIFC is here to assist you in ensuring your company meets crucial compliance requirements. Failing to adhere to these obligations can lead to substantial penalties. Trust us to keep your business in accordance with the law and mitigate any potential legal consequences.
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Mohammad Shafeek

CEO & Founder of MS

Let MS empower your business in DIFC

Mindful Compliance, Timely filings

Compliance filings is an integral part to fulfil the legal requirements in DIFC. This include annual accounts to data protection renewal which is essential to stay compliant in the vibrant DIFC community. Companies operating in DIFC must annually prepare financial statements, comprising profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, following recognized accounting standards. Renewing both licenses and data protection agreements is critical for maintaining legal and operational validity within DIFC. Failure to renew licenses or adhere to data protection requirements can lead to penalties and legal ramifications. Thus, vigilance in tracking renewal dates, following renewal procedures, and maintaining compliance with regulations is important. It's crucial to stay aligned with regulatory changes and amendments to the compliance framework. Employing a specialized team to aid in meeting these obligations, including preparing financial documents and assessing the applicability of Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) notifications and reporting, can ensure ongoing compliance.

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Compliance Filings
01

Annual Accounts/Return

Companies are required to keep records of any corporate changes and submit the annual return to the DIFC Registrar of Companies (ROC) within 7 months following the conclusion of the initial financial year.

02

Annual Audit Accounts 

This applies to companies with an annual turnover exceeding US$ 5 million or having more than 20 shareholders, with exemptions for certain corporate entities. 

03

Commercial License Renewal 

Businesses within DIFC must undergo an annual renewal of their licenses. Staying vigilant about renewal dates and promptly initiating the renewal process is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted compliance with DIFC regulations.

04

Commercial License Renewal 

To sustain their business licenses in DIFC, companies need to adhere to specific renewal prerequisites. Typically, valid for one year, DIFC business licenses necessitate annual renewal through the submission of an application, necessary documents, and payment of the renewal fee.

05

Data Protection Renewal

Every DIFC company is required to register with the Commissioner of Data Protection during the licensing process and renew this registration annually thereafter.

Compliance Filings
01

Annual Accounts/Return

02

Annual Audit Accounts 

03

Commercial License Renewal 

04

Commercial License Renewal 

05

Data Protection Renewal

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Why MS
for Compliance Filing services in DIFC

Navigating compliance filings in DIFC alongside our expert team ensures a seamless process. With MS as your trusted advisor in the complicated regulatory landscape of DIFC, our tailored services, spanning precise document preparation to strategic consulting, expedite compliance procedures, allowing businesses to focus on their fundamental strengths. Avoid penalties and stay compliant with the regulatory framework of DIFC with MS.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does DIFC has CRS legislation ?
Yes, DIFC legislation is set out in the Common Reporting Standards Law, DIFC Law No. 2 of 2018 (the “Law”) in relation to the information gathering and reporting obligations imposed on Reporting Financial Institutions under the Law and the Common Reporting Standards Regulations 2018 (the “Regulations”) collectively referred to as the “DIFC CRS”.
What are the Data Protection Notification Filings for new entities in DIFC ?
The data protection notification is an integral part of the registration or incorporation service request process. In the DIFC client portal, users are required to finalize the data protection notification section of the onboarding form before submitting the registration or incorporation service request. The notification process consists of two steps: an initial notification and a service request. The service request must be completed within six months of licensing.
What are the penalties for non-compliance ?
Penalties, enforcement, and appeals are detailed in Part 4 of DIFC Common Reporting Standard Law. Schedule 2 lists fines and disciplinary actions. It's important to note that each violation of the Law incurs a separate fine, which may accumulate for each instance of non-compliance.
Which entities are obligated to submit compliance filings within the DIFC ?
Entities operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), including companies, financial institutions, professional service providers, and registered agents, are required to apply for compliance filings. These filings ensure adherence to regulatory requirements set by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or other relevant regulatory bodies within the DIFC jurisdiction, facilitating compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.