UAE Tax Agent vs. Tax Advisor
Is a Tax Agent in the UAE the Same as a
Steuerberater (Tax Advisor) in Germany?
Understanding the similarities, differences, and professional standards between UAE Tax Agents and German Steuerberater.
In the UAE, many business owners are unsure whether they need a Tax Consultant or a Tax Agent. This distinction is crucial, especially for German-speaking entrepreneurs, because it determines who is officially authorized to represent a business before the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). While the term Tax Consultant is widely used in the UAE, it does not mean the same as “zugelassener Steuerberater” in Germany. Only a registered Tax Agent is a licensed and regulated professional comparable to a German tax advisor.
A Tax Agent - the official equivalent of a German Steuerberater
-
A Tax Agent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is, in qualification and responsibility, comparable to a licensed Steuerberater (Tax Advisor) in Germany. Both professions are state-approved, professionally certified, and insured, and each is authorized to represent clients in tax matters before the respective tax authorities.
-
In the UAE, registration and oversight are handled by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The FTA verifies the candidate’s education, experience, and competence before granting approval. Only registered Tax Agents can submit tax returns or communicate officially with the FTA on behalf of a business.
Request a Call Back
We are just a call or text away. Reach out to us and our expert consultants will get back to you to counsel you at every step of your business journey.
A Tax Consultant is not a regulated profession in the UAE
By contrast, a Tax Consultant or Tax Advisor in the UAE is not a regulated profession, unless registered and approved as a Tax Agent by the FTA.
Anyone who feels capable of offering tax advice can operate under the title Tax Consultant, provided they hold a valid professional trade license from the local economic department (for example, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, DET).
However, this trade license alone does not authorize Tax Consultants to file tax returns or represent clients before the FTA.
For the business activity as a Tax Consultant in UAE no exam, qualification verification, or FTA approval is required.
JETUP is an FTA-registered Tax Agency in the UAE, specializing in Corporate Tax and VAT compliance and authorized to represent clients before the Federal Tax Authority.
Conclusion
The Tax Agent is the officially approved and regulated tax professional in the UAE, the true equivalent of a Steuerberater in Germany.
The term Tax Consultant, however, is merely a general business designation without formal regulation or state recognition.
For this reason, businesses should always ensure that their tax advisor is an FTA-registered Tax Agent working through an FTA-approved Tax Agency, such as JETUP Tax Consultant LLC, to ensure compliance, accuracy, and legal representation before the Federal Tax Authority.
Ready to ensure full tax compliance?
JETUP is an FTA-registered Tax Agency in the United Arab Emirates, authorized to represent clients before the Federal Tax Authority and provide comprehensive Corporate Tax and VAT compliance services.
Our experts provide end-to-end support, from tax registration, filing, and documentation to audits, clarifications, and penalty prevention.
Whether you’re a local company or an international investor, we help you stay compliant and confidently manage your tax obligations.
Contact JETUP TAX today to safeguard your business with trusted, FTA-approved tax expertise.