Master File Maintenance Service
Larger UAE businesses and members of big groups must keep a transfer pricing master file and local file and produce them within 30 days of an FTA request. We prepare and update both.
- AED 200m or moreEntity revenue
- AED 3.15bn or moreGroup revenue
- 30 daysDeadline on request
How it works in the UAE
Under Ministerial Decision No. 97 of 2023, a UAE taxpayer must maintain a master file and local file if its revenue in the tax period is AED 200 million or more, or if it belongs to a multinational group with consolidated revenue of AED 3.15 billion or more.
The master file describes the group: its structure, business, intangibles, financing and transfer pricing policies. The local file covers the UAE entity’s own related party transactions and the analysis that supports their pricing. We prepare both, keep them current each year and align them with the disclosure form filed with your return.
What the service includes
Threshold assessment
Confirming whether the requirement applies.
Master file preparation
Group overview prepared to OECD style content.
Local file preparation
Functional analysis and benchmarking for the UAE entity.
Annual updates
Refreshing data and benchmarks every year.
Disclosure alignment
Matching files with the corporate tax return disclosure.
FTA request support
Delivering files within the 30 day window.
Who it is for
- UAE businesses with revenue of AED 200 million or more
- UAE members of large multinational groups
- Groups preparing for FTA transfer pricing reviews
How we work with you
Scope
Entities and transactions confirmed.
Analyse
Functions, assets and risks documented.
Benchmark
Comparable data gathered.
Deliver
Files finalised and updated annually.
Documents we usually need
- Group structure and financial statements
- Intercompany agreements
- Transfer pricing policies
- Segmented financial data
We confirm the exact list after a short review, as requirements vary by authority and case.
Questions we hear often
Who must prepare a master file in the UAE?
Businesses with revenue of AED 200 million or more in the tax period, or members of a multinational group with consolidated revenue of AED 3.15 billion or more.
When must it be submitted?
It is kept on file and must be provided within 30 days of an FTA request.
Is it the same as country by country reporting?
No. Country by country reporting applies to groups with revenue of AED 3.15 billion or more and is a separate filing.
How often is it updated?
Every tax period.
Related services
Get a fixed quote for master file maintenance
Tell us a little about your business. We will reply within one business day with what is needed, the timeline and a fixed fee.
- Straight answers from qualified accountants and tax agents
- Fixed fees agreed before we start
- Office in Al Fahidi, Dubai, and support across the UAE
An adviser will be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, message us on WhatsApp or call +971 56 505 9557.