Corporate & Commercial Archives - Fichte & Co Legal

Major Changes Ahead for DIFC Prescribed Companies

Florian Herkommer — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:01:11 +0000

The Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) is considering significant reforms to its Prescribed Company regime. If adopted, these changes would further expand access to DIFC holding structures and shift the regulatory focus from entry requirements towards ongoing oversight. Prescribed Companies have become an important structuring tool for investors, family offices and multinational groups seeking a …

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What Happens to Your Assets in the UAE When You Die? Most Expats Don’t Know and It’s Costly

Lakshmi Omanakuttan — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:52:38 +0000

If you live or invest in the UAE and don’t have a valid Will, your family could face frozen accounts, lengthy court proceedings, and inheritance rules you never intended. Here’s what every expat needs to know. You’ve built a life here. An apartment in Dubai, a salary account, maybe a business. You’ve thought about schools, …

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Dual Licensing in the UAE: Key Tax Implications

Lakshmi Omanakuttan — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:04:37 +0000

The UAE, known for its wide range of business setup and growth opportunities, offers a dual licensing regime that plays an important role for businesses seeking to expand across multiple jurisdictions within the country. Dual licensing allows a company incorporated in a free zone to operate its activities on the mainland without the need to …

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Standing Strong with Dubai and the UAE: Operations Remain Active

Jasmin Fichte — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:07:47 +0000

In light of recent developments being reported across the region, we would like to briefly confirm that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates remain fully operational, with business activities continuing as normal. All UAE courts, government authorities and regulatory bodies are open and operating, and legal proceedings and commercial activities continue without interruption. At Fichte …

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The DIFC Variable Capital Company (VCC): A Transformative New Company in the DIFC Framework

Florian Herkommer — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:02:39 +0000

On 9 February 2026, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) enacted the Variable Capital Company Regulations 2026 (Regulations), introducing a new corporate structure within the DIFC legal framework. What is a Variable Capital Company (VCC)? A Variable Capital Company (VCC) is a flexible asset-holding vehicle with variable share capital incorporated in the DIFC under …

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Update: Significant Procedural Change Brought by DET for Incorporating New Companies in the Dubai Mainland

Lakshmi Omanakuttan — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:28:54 +0000

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai, has recently introduced an update to the procedural requirements relating to the incorporation of new companies or subsidiaries in the Dubai mainland jurisdiction. The update affects foreign corporate shareholders who intend to incorporate their company or subsidiary in the Dubai mainland. As per the updated procedural requirement, …

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A New Era for the Commercial Companies Law: What the 2025 Amendments Mean in Practice

Florian Herkommer — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:13:04 +0000

With Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, the UAE has implemented one of the most far-reaching updates to its Commercial Companies Law in recent years. Rather than constituting incremental adjustments, the amendments implement structural reforms. The reform agenda is clearly practice-driven. It incorporates concepts long familiar in common law jurisdictions, enhances flexibility for investors and …

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UAE Corporate Tax Law Amendment: Tax Credit Offsets and Payments for Unutilized Credits

Dr. Laura Voda — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:13:43 +0000

On 15 December 2025, the UAE issued a new Federal Decree-Law amending Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (“Corporate Tax Law”). The amendments further refine the UAE’s corporate tax framework by clarifying the treatment of tax credits, incentives, and reliefs, and by introducing a statutory basis for claiming …

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RAK ICC Foundations: New Amendments Enhance Asset Protection and Succession Planning

Florian Herkommer — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:54:39 +0000

Foundations have become an essential structuring tool in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly for succession planning, asset protection, and international wealth management. The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) introduced its Foundations regime in 2019, with substantial amendments taking effect on 31 July 2025 to further enhance the framework. These changes consolidate …

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The “Dark Fleet” Phenomenon: Risks for Charterers and Owners

Arthur Dedels — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:47:51 +0000

In recent years, the so-called “dark fleet” has transformed the maritime landscape. This shadow network consists largely of old tankers in sanctioned trades, particularly involving Russian, Iranian, or Venezuelan oil. These vessels often use deceptive practices such as AIS spoofing, ship-to-ship transfers, forged documents, concealed ownership, and rapid flag-hopping. At first glance, the dark fleet …

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