It has been reported that the Ministry of Finance changed the rules for issuing tax residence certificates. The Ministry now requires that the applicant company must have been in existence for at least 3 years. Also, the Ministry generally issues certificates for companies registered in free zones where the free zone authority concerned has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry. This is the case of Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai International Financial Centre and Fujairah Free Zone, which all require a certain substance from registered companies. Other requirements include presentation of audited accounts and lease contract and...