2024-11-15
How To Register For Corporate Tax in UAE
2025-09-17
Corporate Tax is a federal tax on the taxable profits of all types of businesses in the UAE. These new taxes and reporting obligations were implemented as part of the UAE’s commitment to increased international tax transparency and improved global tax compliance, as well as reforms to improve and diversify the economy. Corporate Tax started officially on 1 June 2023.
The general Corporate Tax rate is 9% on taxable profits in excess of a threshold exemption (AED 375,000). In other words, Corporations or other entities will pay an effective tax rate of 0% on taxable profits up to and including AED 375,000.
It is critical to register early on, in order to remain compliant with the Federal Tax Authority. Should there be a failure to comply, the associated penalties could be quite costly. Planning for CT up front not only keeps your business compliant, it will also simplify tax submission in the future.
Some entities are exempt from registering, including:
The FTA has set deadlines for the registration of registers for each entity, and these deadlines must be adhered to at all costs. If you register early, you will have enough time to collect your papers, clarify your tax status, and avoid any unforeseen delays in the system. Penalties for late registration can include monetary penalties, restrictions on conducting specified transactions, and possible ongoing scrutiny into your compliance with the tax laws in the UAE.
Step 1 – Create or log in to your FTA e-Services Account.
Step 2 – Under “Corporate Tax” select register for Corporate Tax.
Step 3 – Complete the entity details and details around business activities.
Step 4 – Upload the required documents in the formats as required.
Step 5 – Check your application before submission.
Step 6–Once you have been approved for the TRN of your entity, you will receive confirmation of Tax Registration Number (TRN).
A Free Zone company needs to meet the qualifying free zone person criteria required by the FTA in order to enjoy the benefits of the 0% corporate tax rate.
A qualifying free zone person has a set of qualifying conditions which typically include (a) maintaining adequate substance within your Free Zone, and (b) deriving your income from qualifying activities.
If you are engaged in non-qualifying activities, or if you fail to meet your qualifying conditions, you may find yourself paying tax at the standard 9% tax rate.
Typical Pitfalls to Avoid
At the Total CFO we will provide you with:
• End to end support for registration under corporate tax.
• Compliance checks to ensure that you meet the FTA requirements.
• Continued tax filing, advisory and tax planning services to optimize your tax position.
Registering for corporate tax in the UAE is not merely a compliance issue. It is importantly an essential step to safeguard your business against penalties and secure the continued smooth operation of your business in what will be an evolving tax landscape in the UAE.
For expert support with corporate tax registration UAE, contact The Total CFO today.
With over 25 years in Dubai and nearly 30 years as a Chartered and Management Accountant, Hemant has extensive experience across manufacturing, services and technology sectors. He has worked with major corporate groups including Al Tayer, Saif Al Ghurair, Dhabi, and Aditya Birla. Hemant specializes in profitability and cost management, debt restructuring, contract management, and regulatory compliance, having generated approximately USD 47.5 million in savings and profit growth. A confident public speaker and Distinguished Communicator, he lives by the quote: “You get what you reward for. If you want ants to come, you put sugar on the floor” (Charlie Munger), embodying his belief that “Profit has its own intelligence.”
With over 25 years in Dubai and nearly 30 years as a Chartered and Management Accountant, Hemant has extensive experience across manufacturing, services and technology sectors. He has worked with major corporate groups including Al Tayer, Saif Al Ghurair, Dhabi, and Aditya Birla. Hemant specializes in profitability and cost management, debt restructuring, contract management, and regulatory compliance, having generated approximately USD 47.5 million in savings and profit growth. A confident public speaker and Distinguished Communicator, he lives by the quote: “You get what you reward for. If you want ants to come, you put sugar on the floor” (Charlie Munger), embodying his belief that “Profit has its own intelligence.”
Archana Mundhra is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience in multinational corporations. Her proficiency lies in financial planning and business intelligence. Her deep financial understanding and profound analytical skills empower her to assist management in realizing their objectives effectively.
Rinkle Jain is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India. A results-driven Chartered Accountant with a distinguished career marked by proficiency in management, financial planning, and catalyzing overall company development.Demonstrates a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic insight, and leadership prowess, contributing significantly to organizational success.
