Obtain An Accounting License In The UAE (And Establish An Accounting Firm)

Obtaining your audit license in the UAE opens up many career opportunities in the region’s thriving business world. The process, overseen by the Ministry of Economy , involves a number of strict requirements, such as educational level, practical experience, and recognized certifications.

You will need to complete a comprehensive application and review process and stay up to date with the latest international accounting standards and UAE-specific regulations.

We will explain in detail the steps you need to take to obtain your UAE audit license , from meeting the education and experience criteria to passing the exams and maintaining your license through continuous professional development.

Whether you are a resident of the UAE or applying from abroad, we will show you the key steps to start a prestigious career as an accountant in the UAE.

Requirements For Auditing Licenses In The United Arab Emirates

Important Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field from a recognized institution.

• Graduates without a degree in accounting must have completed at least 15 credits of accredited accounting courses.
• A master’s degree provides a competitive advantage but is not a requirement.

Required Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience as an audit employee after graduation.
• Expatriates must meet additional UAE audit experience requirements due to their international experience. For over 10 years of international experience, one year of UAE experience is required, for 5 to 10 years, two years are required, and for 2 to 5 years, three years are required.

Recognized Professional Certifications

• Professional certifications such as ACCA (UK), ICAEW (England and Wales), CPA (US, Australia, Canada) and SOCPA (Saudi Arabia) provide exemptions from the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and auditing standards exam.
• All applicants must also pass the UAE Law and Taxation exam.

Mandatory Scholarship Program And Exams In The United Arab Emirates

The UAE Fellowship Programmed ensures that accountants practicing in the UAE meet the highest professional and ethical standards. The programmed is administered by the Emirates Association of Accountants & Auditors (EAAA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and ACCA, and obtaining the UAE Fellowship certificate is essential for obtaining an audit license.

To Obtain The UAE Fellowship Certificate, Follow These Clear Steps:

1. Register For EAAA Membership

Register as a member of the Emirates Association of Accountants & Auditors (EAAA).

2. Meet The Educational Requirements

Hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Candidates without a degree in accounting require a minimum of 15 recognized college credits in accounting.

3. Gain Professional Experience

At least five years of practical experience in auditing after graduation.

4. Pass The Mandatory Exams

Complete the three mandatory exams:

• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• International Standards on Auditing (ISA).
• Laws and taxes in the United Arab Emirates.

Provide evidence of exemption from IFRS and ISA audits if you hold certain international professional certifications.

5. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

Complete at least 30 hours of continuing education annually, including at least 12 hours in core subjects (UAE accounting standards, auditing standards, law, and tax).

6. Get Your UAE Scholarship Certificate

Submit your application to EAAA after completing the above steps.

Examination Structure

• Each exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must achieve at least 60%.
• The examinations are conducted online by ACCA under the supervision of certain British Council Centers in the UAE.
• The examinations must be completed within two years of passing the first degree.

Recommended Study Materials

• ACCA, MOE and EAAA offer comprehensive study materials and practical guides.
• To improve your exam preparation, regular practice tests and self-assessment tools are recommended.

Obtaining An Audit License (Certificate After The Fair)

Once you have received your UAE scholarship certificate:

1. Take Out Liability Insurance

• Self-employed individuals are required to have mandatory insurance of at least AED 500,000 (USD 126,130).

2. Registration With The Ministry Of Education

Submit all required documents and pay the license fee:

• Registration fee Starting 100 AED (27 USD).
• AED 4,500 (USD 1,225) for a three-year sole examiner license.

How To Establish An Accounting Firm In The United Arab Emirates

1. Choose a Business Name

Choose a suitable company name and ensure that it is available and complies with UAE regulations.

2. Form A Partnership

Include at least one UAE partner who owns at least 25% of the shares. A minimum of two partners are required, each with at least five years of audit experience.

3. Check Licenses

Confirm that all partners have valid examiner licenses from the Ministry of Education.

4. Implement A Risk Management Framework

Ensure that legal and ethical standards are followed.

5. Create Credibility For Your Business

International companies must demonstrate that they have at least five years of recognized auditing experience in their home country.

6. Secured Business Premises

Obtain office space that meets legal requirements.

7. Open A Business Account

Choose a reputable bank and open a business account to manage your company’s financial activities.

8. Take Out Liability Insurance

Obtain mandatory insurance with an annual minimum amount of AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,260).

9. Complete Registration With MOE

Submit the required documents and pay the registration fee:

• Registration fee: 100 AED (27 USD).
• License fee (3 years): AED 10,500 ($2,860).

Maintenance And Renewal Of The Audit License

Once you have obtained your license to practice as a certified public accountant, it is important to continue to follow the rules and stay up to date with current professional requirements. Follow these guidelines:

Renewal Cycle And Procedure

The validity period of the audit licenses is three years. Renewal requires proof of continued suitability and compliance with auditing standards and legal requirements.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Chartered accountants must undertake at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) annually, in accordance with the requirements of their recognized professional body. Audit firms must keep accurate records of auditors’ CPD activities.

Stay Informed

Auditors must stay up to date on changes in auditing standards, including the Global Internal Auditing Standards, which come into effect on January 9, 2025.

Ethical Standards And Consequences Of Non-Compliance

Accountants must strictly adhere to ethical guidelines, where integrity, objectivity and independence are of paramount importance. Violations can lead to severe penalties , such as fines, revocation of driving licenses , imprisonment, restrictions on business activities or professional bans.

Corporate Tax Audit Requirements In The United Arab Emirates

The UAE corporate tax has been in effect since June 1, 2023 and requires eligible companies to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and comply by paying corporate tax.

• Companies with an annual turnover of over AED 50 million must submit audited financial statements prepared by an auditor approved by the Ministry of Education .
• Qualifying companies in the free zone must submit audited accounts to continue to be eligible for the 0% corporate tax rate.

Visit the official FTA website for detailed information and registration guidelines.

Your Path To Successful Auditing In The UAE

Obtaining and maintaining your UAE audit license will make you a trusted professional in an important industry. By following this comprehensive guide, adhering to continuing education requirements, and staying up to date with the latest regulations, you will build a rewarding and respected career.

Whether you are starting a sole proprietorship or an accounting firm, at G12 we offer comprehensive company formation and PRO solutions tailored to your specific needs.

We offer expert assistance with company formation, permits, local sponsorship, visa management, government relations, regulatory compliance and ongoing PRO support. We help you efficiently manage your administrative processes both in the UAE mainland and in the country’s many free zones.

Contact G12‘s experienced specialists today for a free consultation to help you optimize your audit trail and achieve full compliance from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)