3 September 2026 · Definition
Who Is an Ultimate Beneficial Owner
A UBO is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company: someone who owns or controls 25% or more of the shares or voting rights, directly or indirectly, or who otherwise exercises ultimate control over the company. Where no such person can be identified, a senior managing official is treated as the UBO. Tracing ownership through holding structures is essential to find the real person.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
How a UBO is identified
Look for the person behind the company.
- Owns/controls 25%+ of shares.
- Or 25%+ of voting rights.
- Or otherwise exercises ultimate control.
- Direct or indirect holdings both count.
When no one meets 25%
A senior official steps in.
- If no 25% owner exists, use a senior managing official.
- Trace through holding companies and trusts.
- Identify the ultimate natural person.
- Record the basis of control.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For identifying your real owners.
Is a UBO always an individual?
Yes. A UBO is always a natural person; you trace through companies to the real individual.
What percentage makes someone a UBO?
Owning or controlling 25% or more of shares or voting rights, or otherwise exercising ultimate control.
What if no one owns 25%?
A senior managing official is treated as the UBO.
Can Exiloz identify our UBOs?
Yes. We trace your ownership structure to the ultimate beneficial owners.
Identify your UBOs
Exiloz traces your ownership to the natural persons who must be declared.