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UAE VAT Rules for Employee Expenses: Six Categories Businesses Should Review

The UAE Federal Tax Authority has introduced clearer conditions for recovering input VAT on certain employee-related expenses through FTA Decision No. 17 of 2026. The decision became effective on 1 October 2026. It covers six categories of expenses that may qualify for VAT recovery: Employee transportation: Transport provided for employment-related needs. Food and beverages: Meals provided to employees in qualifying remote areas. Employee accommodation: Accommodation that meets the applicable operational or legal conditions. Temporary accommodation: Short-term accommodation for new employees, subject to the 30-day limit. Mobile phones and internet: Communication services that meet the relevant business-use conditions. Employee parking: Parking expenses that satisfy the business-purpose requirements. Is VAT recovery automatic? No. Businesses must meet the conditions applicable to each expense category. Having an expense mentioned in an employment contract or company policy does no...
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ADGM SPV for Founders: 5 Things to Consider Before Holding Shares

Founders who own shares in multiple businesses may eventually need a more organised ownership structure. An Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) can be one option. It allows a separate legal entity to hold shares in an operating company. Here are five things to consider before choosing this structure. 1. Separation of Ownership An SPV creates a separate legal entity for holding investments. This can help distinguish investment ownership from day-to-day business activities. 2. Multiple Business Interests Founders with shareholdings across different companies may use a holding structure to organise those interests under one entity. 3. Tax Implications An ADGM SPV does not automatically receive a Corporate Tax exemption. The treatment of dividends and capital gains depends on applicable rules and qualifying conditions. Founders must also review tax obligations in their countries of residence. 4. ADGM Eligibility and Compliance ADGM removed its SPV nexus requireme...
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5 Ongoing Responsibilities of a RAK ICC Foundation

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A RAK ICC Foundation can be used for asset holding, family wealth planning, and succession. However, its responsibilities do not end when registration is complete. Here are five areas that founders and families should keep in mind. 1. Maintain Proper Governance The Foundation's Council should act according to its Charter and By-laws. Decisions should be documented, and the Foundation should continue to operate in line with its stated objectives. 2. Keep Records Accurate Relevant foundation records, including governance and ownership information, should be kept up to date. Changes should be reported to the appropriate parties or authorities where required. 3. Meet Annual Filing Requirements Annual returns and other ongoing obligations should be tracked according to the rules that apply to the Foundation. Missing a deadline may lead to compliance issues. 4. Pay Attention to AML and Beneficial Ownership Foundations must follow applicable anti-money laundering requirements and benefic...
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ADGM SPV Setup: 5 Things Investors Should Know in 2026

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The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has changed an important rule for investors considering a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). In September 2026, it removed the GCC nexus requirement for SPVs. Here are five points investors should understand before starting the process. 1. A GCC Connection Is No Longer Required Previously, applicants had to show a genuine connection to the UAE or GCC region. With the nexus requirement removed, investors can consider an ADGM SPV without demonstrating that previous regional link. 2. Understand the Purpose of an SPV An ADGM SPV is generally a passive entity used to hold assets, shares, or investments. It is not intended for ordinary trading activities or employing staff. Before applying, identify what the SPV will own and why a separate entity is needed. 3. Check the Incorporation Requirements Removing the nexus requirement does not guarantee approval or remove other rules. Depending on the entity, a licensed Company Service Provider, an eligible authorised...
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DIFC Foundation, SPV or Holding Company? 3 Key Differences

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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offers different legal structures for investors, families, and business owners. Three common options are the DIFC Foundation, DIFC Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), and DIFC Holding Company. Understanding their differences can help you make a better decision before incorporation. 1. DIFC Foundation: Planning for the Future A DIFC Foundation can hold assets and provide a framework for long-term wealth planning and succession. It has no shareholders and is governed through a council. It may be suitable for families who want to set clear rules for how assets are held and how benefits are provided to future generations. The DIFC Foundation setup and its benefits are worth reviewing if succession planning is one of your main objectives. 2. DIFC SPV: Holding a Specific Asset A DIFC SPV is generally used to hold a particular asset, investment, or shareholding. It is normally passive rather than an operating business. For instance, an investor m...
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RAK ICC Redomiciliation: When an Existing Company Moves Jurisdiction

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A company does not always need to start from the beginning when its current jurisdiction no longer fits its long-term plans. RAK ICC provides a transfer of domicile, also known as continuation or redomiciliation, for eligible companies from other jurisdictions. This allows a company to move its legal domicile while maintaining its legal identity, subject to the applicable requirements. Why Would a Company Consider Redomiciliation? A business may have been incorporated in one jurisdiction when its needs were different. Over time, the company may need a different legal framework, ownership structure or jurisdictional environment. Redomiciliation can be considered when maintaining the existing company is more suitable than creating an entirely new entity. RAK ICC states that companies may preserve their existing legal status and operational and banking history when completing a qualifying transfer of domicile. What Needs to Be Reviewed? Redomiciliation is not simply a change of registere...
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ADGM SPV for Family Offices: Separating Assets Within a Wider Structure

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Family offices often manage different types of assets at the same time. These can include company shares, real estate, investment funds, private investments and interests in operating businesses. Keeping every asset within one entity may not always be the most suitable structure. An ADGM SPV can be used to separate particular assets or investments within a wider family ownership structure. One Family, Several Investment Vehicles A family office may have a long-term investment portfolio with different risk profiles. For example, property investments may be treated differently from private equity investments or stakes in operating companies. Separate SPVs can allow specific assets or investment arrangements to sit within distinct legal entities. This can make ownership and governance easier to identify at the entity level. The SPV Is Not the Family Office It is important to distinguish an SPV from a family office structure. An SPV is generally a passive holding vehicle. It is not designe...
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