UAE Updates FTA Service Fees: A Deep Dive into Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2020 

Introduction 

The UAE has revised the fees charged by the Federal Tax Authority through Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2020, along with amendments from 2023 and 2025. These fees cover everything from tax agent registration to certificates, clarifications, designated zone approvals, and upcoming APA-related requests. 

What Changed

The updated decision sets a clear fee structure for all FTA services and aligns the UAE with global standards in tax administration. With amendments effective 2023, 2024, and 2026, several categories now have new or expanded fee requirements. 

Key Features 

• Fees for designated zone registration and renewal under Excise Tax
• Tax agent registration now clearly priced and structured for natural and juridical persons. 
• Accounting software vendors must pay annual fees to maintain registration
• New pricing tiers for Tax Residency Certificates and Certificates of Commercial Activities. 
• Private clarification requests formalized and priced, covering single or multiple tax queries. 
• Introduction of unilateral advance pricing agreement fees (first-time and renewals) effective 2026. 
•  Cabinet maintains authority to modify fee structures as needed. 

Why It Matters

The changes impact businesses in several ways:

Operational: budgeting for tax certificates, registrations, and clarifications is now more predictable

Financial: APA fees (AED 30,000 / 15,000) will significantly impact companies with cross-border transactions

Compliance: clarity around fees helps businesses plan applications and renewals without disruption

Next Steps 

1. Review all interactions your company has with the FTA. 
2. Budget for 2026 fee updates, especially APAs and clarifications.
3. Keep documentation ready to avoid repeat submissions. 
4. Verify tax agent registrations and software vendor statuses. 
5. Stay updated on any future Cabinet fee amendments. 

Conclusion

Cabinet Decision No. 65 of 2020 and its amendments create a robust, transparent, and scalable fee structure for FTA services. Companies that understand and incorporate these updates into their planning can ensure continuity and compliance — especially as APA and clarification fees gain relevance in 2026.

Disclaimer: The Content offer general guidance and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is provided for completeness or applicability to individual situations. Users are responsible for their interpretation and actions based on this information, at their own risk.

For understanding more about Corporate Tax, VAT, Excise Tax, Financial Services, Advisory Services, reach out to us on: contact@acme-group.me |+971 52 740 1169.