UBO register
Every UAE company must identify its ultimate beneficial owners and keep a register of them.
Who is a beneficial owner
An individual who ultimately owns or controls 25% or more of the company, directly or indirectly, or who otherwise exercises control. If no one meets that test, the person who exercises control through other means, or the senior manager, is recorded.
What you must keep
- A register of beneficial owners with identity details and the date they became owners
- A register of partners or shareholders
- A register of nominee directors, if any
- Filing of the information with the licensing authority, and updates whenever it changes
Penalties
Failure to keep or update the registers attracts administrative fines.
Common questions
Is the UBO register public?
No. It is held by the registrar and available to the authorities, not published.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.