7 September 2026 · Dubai SMEs
Bookkeeping Retention for Dubai SMEs
A Dubai SME should keep corporate-tax records for 7 years, VAT records for 5, and any real-estate records for 15, storing them digitally in an organised, backed-up system. Keep financial statements, invoices, contracts, bank records and ownership documents, reconcile monthly, and do not discard anything early, even after closing the company. A simple, consistent system is cheaper than reconstructing records for an audit.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
The SME checklist
A simple set covers most SMEs.
- Financial statements and ledgers.
- Invoices, contracts and receipts.
- Bank statements and reconciliations.
- Ownership and related-party records.
Do it affordably
You do not need a big system.
- Keep records digitally and backed up.
- Reconcile monthly to stay current.
- Apply the 7 / 5 / 15-year periods.
- Retain even after closing the company.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For Dubai owner-managed businesses.
How long should a Dubai SME keep receipts?
Keep corporate-tax records 7 years, VAT records 5 years, and real-estate records 15 years.
Do I need expensive software?
No. An organised, backed-up digital system with monthly reconciliation is enough for most SMEs.
Can I discard records after closing?
No. The retention obligation survives closure, so keep records for the full period.
Can Exiloz run our bookkeeping?
Yes. We run compliant, retained bookkeeping for Dubai SMEs.
Simple, compliant records
Exiloz runs affordable, compliant bookkeeping and retention for Dubai SMEs.