The Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) were introduced in the UAE in April 2019 via Cabinet Resolution No. 31 and later refined by Cabinet Decision No. 57 and Ministerial Decision No. 100 of 2020 in September 2020. These regulations require all UAE companies engaged in ‘Relevant Activities’ to demonstrate substantial ‘economic presence’ in the UAE, evaluated through the ES Test.
If your company is involved in relevant activities and generates income from them, it is mandatory to submit an annual ES Notification within six months from the end of the relevant financial period. Additionally, a comprehensive ES Report must be filed within 12 months after the end of the fiscal year.