Tax efficiency is not incidental — it is designed.
The introduction of corporate income tax in the UAE, VAT regimes across the Gulf, and Spain's complex treaty network have fundamentally changed the cross-border tax calculus for businesses operating in our markets. ILS Consultancy provides practical, implementation-focused tax advisory — from initial structure design through ongoing compliance and audit support — across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Spain.
Why Cross-Border Tax Requires Expert Guidance
Corporate Tax Structuring
Advisory on UAE Corporate Tax (9%), Saudi Zakat, and Spanish corporate tax — including free zone qualifying income, group relief elections, and holding company optimisation.
VAT Compliance & Advisory
VAT registration, periodic filing management, and advisory on recoverability positions across UAE (5%), Saudi Arabia (15%), and Spain/EU (21%) — including cross-border supply chain structuring.
Transfer Pricing
Documentation, benchmarking studies, and intercompany agreement structuring for groups with related-party transactions across our three core jurisdictions.
Our Tax Advisory Advantage
Multi-Jurisdiction Coverage
Single advisory relationship covering the tax implications of your Saudi, UAE, and Spanish operations simultaneously — rather than three siloed advisors.
Practical Implementation Focus
We deliver actionable tax positions and filing-ready documentation — not theoretical opinions that require further interpretation before use.
Treaty Network Optimisation
Structuring through Spain and UAE's extensive double tax treaty networks to minimise withholding on dividends, interest, and royalties flowing between jurisdictions.
Our Tax Advisory Process
A structured approach that moves from diagnosis to implementation to ongoing compliance.
Tax Position Diagnosis
We review your existing structure, transaction flows, and filing positions across all relevant jurisdictions — identifying risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities.
Optimisation Design
We design the optimal corporate and transaction structure from a tax perspective, coordinating with your legal and banking advisors to ensure coherent implementation.
Compliance Setup
We establish filing processes, appoint local tax representatives where required, and implement documentation frameworks for transfer pricing and substance requirements.
Ongoing Advisory & Filing
We provide continuous advisory as your operations evolve and manage periodic VAT and corporate tax filings to maintain compliance across all jurisdictions.
Tax Framework Coverage
Comprehensive coverage of the major tax regimes affecting our clients' cross-border operations.
UAE Tax Regime
Saudi Arabia Tax Regime
Spain & EU Tax Regime
Transfer Pricing
Clients We Serve
Multinational Groups
Holding company structures, intercompany royalty and service flows, and consolidated group tax position management across our three markets.
Real Estate Investors
Property acquisition, rental income, and disposal structuring — including VAT recovery positions and withholding tax on distributions.
Private Equity & Venture
Fund structure optimisation, management fee and carry tax treatment, portfolio company tax due diligence, and exit structuring.
Technology Companies
Digital services VAT obligations, IP holding structures, R&D incentive claims, and transfer pricing for technology licensing across jurisdictions.
Tax Structures Designed
Jurisdictions Covered
Tax Savings Delivered
Filing Compliance Rate
8.5% (from 23%)
Effective Tax Rate
USD 2.4M
Annual Saving
2
Treaties Applied
European Technology Group — UAE & Saudi Tax Structuring
Restructuring a technology group's cross-border operations to optimise UAE Corporate Tax and Saudi WHT exposure
The Challenge
A European technology company operating in UAE and Saudi Arabia was exposed to 20% Saudi WHT on software licensing royalties and faced uncertainty on UAE Corporate Tax free zone qualifying income status after the 2023 reform.
Our Approach
ILS Consultancy redesigned the intercompany IP licensing structure, routed applicable flows through a UAE mainland entity with qualifying income status, and applied the UAE-Saudi tax treaty to reduce WHT on the residual Saudi flows from 20% to 7%.
The Outcome
Effective tax rate on Gulf operations reduced from 23% to 8.5%. Fully documented transfer pricing file established to support the position under ZATCA and FTA scrutiny.
Common Questions
When did UAE Corporate Tax come into effect?
What is the VAT rate in Saudi Arabia?
Does Spain have a favourable holding company regime?
Can you handle ZATCA audits and queries?
Design Your Tax Position
Talk to our tax advisory team about structuring your cross-border operations across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Spain.