Annual Audit Services — UAE
Annual Audit UAE 2026: Free Zone & FTA-Approved Auditors — From AED 4,000
Most UAE Free Zones require audited financial statements for annual licence renewal. With Corporate Tax now live, audited accounts are also the foundation for accurate CT returns. Affinitas provides audit services for Free Zone and mainland companies — with Corporate Tax alignment built in from the start.
AED 4K
Audit fees starting from
40+
Free Zone auditor approvals
90 days
Typical DMCC audit deadline after year-end
CT aligned
Every audit prepared with Corporate Tax in mind
What We Audit
Annual Audit Services for UAE Free Zone & Mainland Companies
Affinitas provides statutory audit services across the major UAE Free Zones and mainland — with FTA registration and Free Zone approvals maintained across 40+ jurisdictions.
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DMCC Companies
DMCC requires audited financials by an approved auditor within 90 days of financial year end. Affinitas is on the DMCC approved auditors list and manages the submission directly. See our DMCC company service.
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DIFC & ADGM
DIFC and ADGM entities have specific audit requirements set by the DFSA and FSRA respectively. Affinitas provides audit services compliant with the requirements of both financial centre regulators.
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JAFZA, IFZA & Other Free Zones
Affinitas holds approved auditor status across 40+ UAE Free Zones — including JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS, Dubai South, and others. We confirm your specific Free Zone's requirements before commencing.
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Mainland Companies
Mainland LLC and branch office audits — including businesses registered under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — where audit is required for regulatory or banking purposes.
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Special Purpose Vehicles
DMCC SPVs and other special purpose vehicles with specific audit requirements. Affinitas as the first registered DMCC SPV Agent understands the unique compliance requirements of these structures.
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Corporate Tax-Aligned Audits
Every Affinitas audit is prepared with Corporate Tax alignment in mind — confirming that the financial statements provide a reliable basis for the CT return and identifying any timing or recognition differences that need to be addressed. See our CT registration service.
Why the Audit Matters Post-2023
The Annual Audit and UAE Corporate Tax: Why They Must Be Aligned
Before June 2023, the annual audit was primarily a Free Zone licence compliance obligation. Post-2023, it is also the financial foundation for the Corporate Tax return — and the two must be consistent.
Audit & Corporate Tax
Audited Financial Statements Are the Basis for Your CT Return
UAE Corporate Tax returns are filed on the basis of financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting standards. For most entities, the audited accounts are the primary source. The CT return cannot be prepared correctly without reliable financials — and discrepancies between audit and CT create FTA audit risk.
- Audited revenue, profit, and balance sheet figures feed directly into the CT return
- Opening balance adjustments (for entities with financial years starting after June 2023) must be correctly captured
- Non-deductible expenses (entertainment, fines, certain provisions) must be identified and adjusted
- Participation Exemption claims require audited subsidiary financial information
- Transfer pricing documentation must be consistent with audited financials
- Affinitas produces audits and CT returns as an integrated service — no gaps between the two
Pricing
Annual Audit Fees in UAE 2026: What to Expect
Affinitas provides fixed-fee audit quotes upfront — no surprise billing at project close. Fees depend on entity complexity, transaction volume, and Free Zone requirements.
| Entity Type | Typical Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Free Zone entity (limited transactions) | From AED 4,000 | Low transaction volume, straightforward activity |
| Standard Free Zone entity (trading / services) | AED 5,000 – 8,000 | Normal trading company with regular transactions |
| Free Zone with subsidiaries or complex structure | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | Group structures, multiple income streams |
| DMCC SPV | From AED 4,000 | Passive holding / SPV with limited activity |
| DIFC / ADGM entity | AED 10,000+ | Regulatory requirements add complexity |
| Mainland LLC | AED 6,000 – 15,000 | Depends on turnover and transaction volume |
Fees are indicative as of mid-2026 and subject to final quote based on entity profile. All prices exclude VAT where applicable. Affinitas provides a fixed-fee quote after reviewing your entity's financial profile.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Annual Audit UAE 2026
Is an annual audit mandatory for UAE Free Zone companies?
Most UAE Free Zones — including DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, ADGM, IFZA, and RAKEZ — require audited financial statements annually as a condition of licence renewal. Requirements, deadlines, and approved auditor lists vary by Free Zone. Failure to submit an audit on time can result in licence non-renewal or suspension. Affinitas confirms your specific Free Zone's requirements and manages the submission.
How does the annual audit relate to UAE Corporate Tax?
UAE CT returns are prepared on the basis of financial statements. The audited accounts provide the most reliable foundation for the CT return — particularly for establishing revenue recognition, asset values, opening balance adjustments, and non-deductible expenses. Discrepancies between audit and CT positions create FTA audit risk. Affinitas produces audits and CT returns as an integrated engagement to prevent these gaps. See our Corporate Tax service.
What are the DMCC audit requirements?
DMCC requires all member companies to submit audited financial statements by an auditor on DMCC's approved list, within 90 days of the financial year end. Late submission risks licence non-renewal. Affinitas is on the DMCC approved auditors list. We manage the audit, prepare the financial statements in compliance with IFRS or IFRS for SMEs, and submit directly to DMCC.
How much does an annual audit cost in UAE?
Affinitas audit fees start from AED 4,000 for simple Free Zone entities with limited transactions. Standard trading company audits typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000. Complex structures with subsidiaries or DIFC/ADGM regulatory requirements are priced higher. Affinitas provides a fixed-fee quote upfront based on your entity profile — no surprise invoices at project completion.
Need Your UAE Annual Audit Completed?
Affinitas provides audit services for Free Zone and mainland UAE companies — with FTA registration, Free Zone approvals, and Corporate Tax alignment built in. Fixed fees from AED 4,000. No obligation to get a quote.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. UAE Free Zone audit requirements, deadlines, and approved auditor lists are set by each Free Zone authority and are subject to change. Audit fees are indicative as of mid-2026. UAE Corporate Tax audit requirements are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and FTA guidance. Affinitas is a registered auditing and tax advisory firm.