IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- Company setup from
12,900 AED
Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices
IFZA is a low-cost business setup solution in Dubai, perfect for startups and SMEs involved in trading, consulting, or services.…
Audit license in the UAE
An audit license in the UAE is an official permit that grants the right to provide independent financial statement audits, issue audit reports, and offer related consulting services. This license is issued only after registration in the official auditor registry maintained by the UAE Ministry of Economy (MoE). Without registration with the MoE, conducting audits is prohibited, even if a license has been obtained.
Types of audit licenses
Auditing (professional license “Auditing activity”) — allows only audit services and signing audit reports. It does not include bookkeeping. Registration with the UAE Ministry of Economy is mandatory.
Audit and Accounting (professional license “Audit and Accounting”) — covers both audit services (if approved by the MoE) and accounting services, including financial reporting and tax calculations.
5 key requirements for obtaining an audit license on the UAE mainland in 2025
- Auditor requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- Passing mandatory exams in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and UAE tax regulations.
- Auditor experience and qualifications:
- At least 3 years of audit experience.
- A valid practicing certificate from a recognized professional body.
- Audit firm requirements:
- A minimum of two partners, each with at least 5 years of audit experience.
- A functioning risk management system.
- Additional conditions:
- At least 1 year of professional experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- Shareholders must pass the required exams for membership in an auditing organization (personal auditing license required).
- Proof of current practice:
- A certificate from the current employer confirming active professional practice.
Three mandatory steps to legally provide auditing services
- Step 1. Obtain a license from the Economic Department of the emirate or from a free zone authority.
- Step 2. Appoint a chief auditor registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Step 3. Register the auditing firm in the official registry of audit organizations maintained by the Ministry of Economy.
Emirabiz experts guide you through the entire process of obtaining an auditing license in the UAE — from evaluating compliance with MoE requirements to submitting your application and registering in the official registry. We handle all documentation, liaise with government authorities, and ensure license issuance for both individuals and audit firms.
If you want to legally provide auditing services in the UAE, trust the licensing process to the professionals at Emirabiz.
Accounting license in the UAE
An accounting license in the UAE is an official permit that allows individuals and companies to provide bookkeeping, prepare financial statements, calculate taxes (including VAT), and offer related consulting services. These licenses are issued by the Economic Departments of the emirates (e.g., DET in Dubai) or by free zone authorities and are regulated by local commercial laws.
This license does not authorize auditing activities and does not require registration with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Types of accounting licenses
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Services – a license for legal entities providing a full range of accounting services.
- Accounting Services – a general license suitable for both individuals and companies, covering standard accounting operations.
- Freelance Accountant or Accounting Consultant – a license for individuals working independently, mostly issued in free zones.
Key differences between individual and corporate licenses
- Individuals obtain a freelance or professional license and work as independent consultants without registering a company.
- Companies obtain a commercial license, must maintain an office, prepare corporate documentation, and may hire staff.
Requirements for obtaining a commercial license
For Individuals:
- A degree or certificate in accounting
- Verified experience (depending on the emirate or free zone)
- Passport, CV, and police clearance certificate (in some cases)
- The license is issued as a freelance or individual professional license
For legal entities:
- Company formation documents
- Appointment of a qualified manager
- Proof of office address
- Payment of registration fees
- License application submitted on behalf of the company
How to get an accounting license
- An individual submits an application to the emirate’s Economic Department or a free zone authority, provides education and experience documents, and obtains a freelance or professional license.
- A company is registered with the appropriate authority, submits incorporation documents, and appoints a qualified accounting specialist. After approval, the company receives a commercial accounting license.
Emirabiz experts will help you obtain your accounting services license in the UAE quickly and accurately — from selecting the right jurisdiction to submitting documents and securing approval.
Aidina K.
Need expert assistance with audit and accounting licenses? Reach out to us now!
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Smooth and speedy process from the initial contact to the final visa approval. Wale was super helpful and professional and always answered promptly all my questions.
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