Corporate Tax & Accounting for DIFC Companies

Companies in DIFC must comply with UAE Corporate Tax, VAT and accounting rules just like any other business — and getting the free zone tax position right is especially important. DIFC is the Dubai International Financial Centre, a leading financial free zone with its own common-law framework and the DFSA as regulator. Safeway is an FTA-approved tax agent in Ajman that works with DIFC companies on registration, returns, accounting and audit-ready financial statements across the UAE.

Corporate Tax for DIFC companies

Every DIFC company must register for Corporate Tax, even if it expects to pay 0% as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP). The 0% rate applies only to qualifying income and only where the conditions are met — including earning qualifying income, maintaining adequate substance, meeting the arm's length and transfer pricing rules, and keeping audited financial statements. Income that does not qualify is taxed at 9%. We assess your QFZP status and help you keep it.

VAT and accounting in DIFC

DIFC companies within the scope of VAT must register, charge VAT correctly and file returns, and some designated zones have special rules for goods. DIFC entities must prepare and file audited financial statements, and remain subject to federal Corporate Tax. We keep your books clean and your returns accurate.

How Safeway helps DIFC businesses

• Corporate Tax registration and QFZP status review
• VAT registration and quarterly return filing
• Bookkeeping and IFRS financial statements, prepared audit-ready
• Transfer pricing documentation where required
• Liaison with licensed auditors for renewal and Corporate Tax

Contact us for a tax and accounting review of your DIFC company.

Frequently asked questions

Do DIFC companies pay Corporate Tax?

DIFC companies must register for Corporate Tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income where all conditions are met, and 9% on income that does not qualify. Registration is mandatory regardless.

Do DIFC companies need audited financial statements?

DIFC entities must prepare and file audited financial statements, and remain subject to federal Corporate Tax. Audited statements are also required under Corporate Tax for every Qualifying Free Zone Person, regardless of revenue.

Can Safeway act for my DIFC company from Ajman?

Yes. Tax registration and filing are handled through the FTA's EmaraTax portal, so we act for DIFC companies across the UAE.

← All services