Corporate Tax Registration in Dubai

UAE Corporate Tax applies nationwide at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, with 0% below it, and registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is mandatory for almost every business — including those in Dubai. Dubai is the UAE's largest commercial centre, home to tens of thousands of trading, services, technology, real estate and logistics companies across its mainland and its many free zones. Safeway is an FTA-approved tax agent based in Ajman, and we handle Corporate Tax registration for Dubai businesses across the mainland and every free zone, so you meet your deadline and avoid the AED 10,000 late-registration penalty.

Who must register for Corporate Tax in Dubai

Corporate Tax registration is required for a wide range of taxable persons operating in Dubai, whether on the mainland or in a free zone:

• Dubai mainland companies and LLCs of every size
• Free zone companies in Dubai, including those expecting the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person rate
• Branches of foreign companies managed and controlled in the UAE
• Natural persons running a business with turnover above AED 1 million in a calendar year

Dubai free zones and Corporate Tax

Companies in Dubai's free zones — such as DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, DAFZA, Dubai South and DIFC — must register for Corporate Tax even where they expect to pay 0% as a Qualifying Free Zone Person. The 0% rate is a relief claimed through the return, subject to conditions including meeting the arm's length and transfer pricing rules and earning qualifying income. We review your free zone status before you commit to a position.

Deadlines and penalties

The registration deadline depends on your licence issuance or incorporation date. Companies incorporated on or after 1 March 2024 generally register within three months of incorporation, and missing the deadline is an automatic AED 10,000 penalty. The Corporate Tax return is then due within nine months of your financial year end. We confirm your exact Dubai deadline so nothing is missed.

How Safeway helps Dubai businesses

• Confirming whether and when your Dubai business must register
• Completing the registration on the EmaraTax portal and obtaining your Corporate Tax registration number
• Reviewing Small Business Relief, free zone status and exempt income
• Preparing accounts and the Corporate Tax return, and dealing with the FTA on amendments and penalties

Contact us for a Corporate Tax review of your Dubai business. We work with clients across trading, e-commerce, real estate, professional services, logistics and hospitality.

Frequently asked questions

Do businesses in Dubai need to register for Corporate Tax?

Yes. Almost every business in Dubai, on the mainland or in a free zone, must register for Corporate Tax with the FTA, even free zone companies expecting the 0% rate. Registration is mandatory before your deadline, whether or not tax is finally payable.

What is the Corporate Tax rate for Dubai companies?

0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income where all conditions are met.

What happens if a Dubai business registers late?

Late Corporate Tax registration carries an administrative penalty of AED 10,000, with further penalties for late filing and late payment.

Can Safeway register my Dubai business if you are based in Ajman?

Yes. Registration is done through the FTA's online EmaraTax portal, so we act for Dubai businesses across all emirates. Documents and communication are handled remotely and by email.

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