Finance
Corporate Tax Registration
Registration and compliance under UAE corporate tax
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
What this involves
UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Qualifying free-zone businesses can access a 0% rate on qualifying income, but only if they meet the substance requirements and avoid excluded activities.
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory for essentially every UAE business, including free-zone companies expecting to pay 0%. Registration and payment are separate obligations, and failing to register carries penalties regardless of what you eventually owe.
Deadlines depend on your licence issue date. Missing one results in an administrative penalty, so the registration date matters as much as the tax position.
What's included
- Federal Tax Authority registration
- Assessment of qualifying free-zone person status
- Tax period and deadline confirmation
- Guidance on qualifying versus excluded income
- Substance requirement review
- Corporate tax return preparation and filing
- Record-keeping guidance
Who this is for
- Every UAE company, mainland or free zone
- Free-zone businesses seeking the 0% qualifying rate
- Companies approaching their first tax return
- Businesses unsure whether they have registered correctly
Not sure if you need this?
A short call will tell you whether this applies to your situation and what it actually costs — before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDocuments you'll need
We'll confirm exactly which of these apply to your case before you start gathering anything.
- Trade licence and Memorandum of Association
- Passport and Emirates ID copies for owners
- Financial statements or management accounts
- Details of business activities and revenue sources
- Free-zone lease or facility agreement, where applicable
How long it takes
Typical government processing times. Individual cases vary by nationality and emirate.
Eligibility assessment
1–2 working daysDetermining your tax position and whether free-zone qualifying status applies.
FTA registration
3–10 working daysSubmitted through the EmaraTax portal.
Tax registration number issued
On approvalYour TRN for corporate tax purposes.
Ongoing compliance
AnnualReturn filed within nine months of the financial year end.
What it costs
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax registration | AED 1,500 |
| Qualifying free-zone person assessment | AED 2,500 |
| Annual corporate tax return filingDepends on transaction volume | AED 3,500 |
These are indicative 2026 market ranges, shown so you can budget realistically. Government fees change and every case differs — we send a fixed written quote covering your exact activity, visa count and facility before you commit to anything.
Common questions
Do free-zone companies really pay 0%?
Only on qualifying income, and only if they meet the substance requirements — adequate people, premises and assets in the free zone. Income from mainland customers is generally excluded and taxed at 9%. The 0% rate is conditional, not automatic.
What happens if I do not register?
An administrative penalty applies for late registration, and it is charged regardless of whether you would have owed any tax. Registration is mandatory even for businesses expecting a 0% liability.
When is my first return due?
Within nine months of the end of your first tax period, which is normally aligned to your financial year. We confirm your specific deadline at registration rather than leaving you to work it out.
Is this the same as VAT?
No — they are separate taxes with separate registrations, thresholds and filing schedules. Many businesses need both.
Let's get this handled
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you exactly what's involved, what it costs and how long it takes.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109