Golden Falcon Consultants provides complete assistance with corporate tax registration in Dubai and ensures businesses adhere to the new tax laws issued by the UAE government. With corporate tax being an integral part of the UAE's fiscal environment, companies must be aware of the requirements, processes, and timelines to conduct business uninterruptedly and avoid penalties. This guide will give you all the necessary information about corporate tax registration in Dubai, such as eligibility, required documents, and the registration process.
For companies with operations in the United Arab Emirates, corporate tax registration in Dubai is a mandatory requirement, and it is implemented to ensure that companies contribute equally to the national economy. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regulates the registration process and ensures compliance.
Taxable Persons:
Exempt Entities:
Government entities, extractive/non-extractive businesses (under certain conditions), public benefit organizations, and investment funds (if compliant with Cabinet decisions).
Process of Corporate Tax Registration:
Deadlines for Corporate Tax Registration:
Log into the FTA Portal: Go to the Federal Tax Authority's official portal and register for an account.
Complete the Registration Form: Enter the business information correctly, such as trade name, legal form, and financial information.
Attach Supporting Documents: Upload all supporting documents (trade license, Emirates ID, etc.).
Review and Submit: Verify the information entered and apply.
Receive Tax Registration Number (TRN): Once approved, the FTA will issue a Tax Registration Number (TRN), which is used for tax filing and compliance.
The corporate tax registration schedule varies according to the size and type of business:
Missing deadlines will result in monetary fines and limitations on business activities
1.Taxable Entities
Mainland Companies:
All UAE mainland businesses (e.g., LLCs, PJSCs, partnerships) regardless of revenue.
Free Zone Entities:
All free zone companies must register, even if eligible for 0% CT. They must comply with reporting requirements and prove "qualifying income" for the 0% rate.
Foreign Companies:
Branches of foreign companies with a UAE permanent establishment (PE).
Foreign entities earning UAE-sourced income (e.g., through real estate, services, or digital activities in the UAE).
Natural Persons (Individuals):
Freelancers, sole proprietors, or individuals conducting business activities with annual turnover exceeding AED 1 million.
2. Special Cases
Tax Groups: Parent companies must register a tax group if they own ≥95% of subsidiaries (same financial year and currency).
Branches of UAE Companies: Branches treated as separate entities (e.g., in another emirate or free zone) must register independently.
The following entities are exempt from UAE Corporate Tax (subject to conditions):
Government Entities: Federal/local governments and entities performing sovereign functions.
Extractive & Non-Extractive Businesses: Companies in oil, gas, and natural resource sectors (taxed under emirate-level decrees).
Public Benefit Organizations: Charities, NGOs, and public welfare entities approved by the FTA.
Investment Funds:
Funds compliant with UAE Cabinet decisions (e.g., regulated public funds).
Qualifying Pension/Social Security Funds.
Natural Persons:
Individuals with business revenue ≤ AED 1 million/year (e.g., small freelancers).
Failing to register with Dubai corporate tax in the timelines specified can be severely penalized:
Golden Falcon Consultants can assist you in evading these fines by facilitating timely and accurate registration.
Corporate tax registration is the process through which companies register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to meet the corporate tax laws and pay taxes on their taxable income.
All Companies (except Sole proprietorship who earns the revenue below 1 million AED) both in mainland and free zone, will have to be registered for corporate tax.
The corporate tax in Dubai is levied at 9% on net income of more than AED 375,000. Companies earning less than this are charged a 0% rate.
Government agencies, charities, and companies under the Small Business Relief Program are exempt from corporate tax.
Non-registration for corporate tax can attract a penalty of AED 10,000 and further fines for non-adherence.
Every registered company must submit corporate tax returns each year, even if they are eligible for a 0% rate.
Golden Falcon Consultants are well-versed in corporate tax registration in Dubai. Our professional team will take care of everything, from beginning to end, to ensure your business complies with all the requirements and escapes penalties. Contact us today and make your corporate tax registration easier while protecting your business's financial future.