January 22, 2026/
UAE Tax Compliance in 2026: All You Need to Know Tax compliance in the UAE is entering a new and...
UAE Tax Fees Updated: Paper Certificates Cancelled, New Fees Added from 2026
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced key updates to its service fees, marking another step in the country’s transition toward a fully digital tax system. From January 1, 2026, businesses registered with the FTA will no longer be charged for paper tax certificates, as all registrations move to free electronic certificates.
At the same time, the Authority has introduced new service fees related to Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs), signalling a more structured approach to complex tax arrangements.
Paper Tax Certificates Cancelled from January 2026
Under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2025, the FTA has officially scrapped fees for issuing certified paper tax certificates.
What’s changing?
Paper Tax Registration Certificates are discontinued
Paper Warehouse Keeper Registration Certificates are cancelled
All registrants will receive digital certificates free of charge
Each electronic certificate will include a QR code for instant verification of registration status, eliminating the need for certified hard copies.
Benefits for UAE Businesses
The shift to digital certificates is expected to deliver immediate benefits for businesses operating in the UAE.
Key advantages include:
Cost savings by removing certificate issuance fees
Faster access to registration documents
Reduced paperwork and administrative delays
Improved verification through QR-based authentication
According to the FTA, this move will reduce processing times and simplify compliance for companies across all sectors.
New Fees Introduced for Pricing Agreements
While some fees have been removed, the FTA has also introduced two new service fees, effective from January 2026.
The new fees apply to:
Applications to enter into a Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) for the first time
Applications to renew or amend an existing Unilateral APA
Advance Pricing Agreements are typically used by large businesses and multinational groups to agree in advance with tax authorities on how certain transactions will be priced for tax purposes.
Although the FTA has not disclosed the exact fee amounts, the introduction of these charges reflects a move toward greater formalisation and efficiency in handling specialised tax applications.
Why Advance Pricing Agreement Fees Matter
The addition of APA-related fees signals the UAE’s evolving tax environment, particularly in the area of transfer pricing compliance.
For larger organisations, this means:
Increased emphasis on structured documentation
More rigorous review of complex pricing arrangements
Greater alignment with international tax standards
The FTA has stated that these fees are intended to improve tax compliance while ensuring efficient processing of technically complex cases.
Aligning with the UAE’s Digital Tax Strategy
Since its establishment in 2017, the Federal Tax Authority has consistently expanded its digital services, covering:
Tax registration
Filing and payment
Compliance monitoring
The removal of paper certificates and the introduction of targeted service fees align with the UAE government’s broader goal to enhance digital services, streamline procedures, and encourage voluntary compliance.
What Businesses Should Do Now
To stay compliant in 2026, UAE businesses should:
Ensure access to electronic tax registration certificates via the FTA portal
Review internal processes for document verification
Assess potential exposure to transfer pricing and APA requirements
Budget for possible new APA-related service fees
Early preparation will help businesses adapt smoothly to the updated fee structure.
How Prodigy Group Can Support Your Tax Compliance
At Prodigy Group, we help businesses navigate evolving UAE tax regulations with clarity and confidence. From VAT and corporate tax compliance to transfer pricing advisory and APA support, our experts ensure your tax framework remains aligned with FTA requirements.
📞 Contact Prodigy Group today to prepare your business for UAE tax changes effective from 2026.
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