Corporate tax in UAE has become an important compliance measure for businesses, and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has required eligible companies to be registered. When you are operating a business in Dubai or any other part of the UAE, it is important to know the registration process to avoid penalties. This article will take you through the process of how to register for corporate tax in UAE step by step, give you the latest updates for 2025, and tell you why Awami is your go-to partner when it comes to tax and business set up.
Corporate tax in UAE is a federal tax imposed on the profits of companies. It will come into effect on June 1, 2023, and it will apply to mainland and free zone companies with some exceptions. The normal corporate tax rate is 9 per cent on taxable income beyond AED 375,000, and income below this amount is not taxed to encourage small businesses and startups.
Who should register for Corporate Tax in UAE?
The following are required to be registered for corporate tax:
UAE-based Mainland firms.
Free zone companies (and those enjoying the 0% rate, who also need to register).
Offshore corporations whose income is sourced in UAE.
Foreign businesses that have a permanent establishment in the UAE.
Exemptions: Government, pension funds, and some extractive/natural resource companies are exempt from corporate tax registration.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register for Corporate Tax in UAE
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Ensure that you have the following before you begin your registration with the FTA:
Copy of trade license.
Emirates ID & copy of passport of shareholders.
Financial statements (in case of availability).
Business contact information.
Step 2: Register for the FTA e-Services Account
Log on to the Federal Tax Authority site and register for an e-Services account. You will require your email address, mobile number and a valid Emirates ID.
Step 3: Fill out the Corporate Tax Registration Form
Visit your FTA account and complete the online Corporate Tax Registration Form. Fill in your trade license information, business activities and financial information correctly.
Step 4: Upload Documents & Submit
Provide the necessary documents in PDF and send your application. Your registration will be reviewed and approved by FTA.
Step 5: Get Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN)
Once it is approved, you will be issued with your Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN). This should be kept safe since it will be needed in every tax filing.
Corporate Tax Registration UAE Important Deadlines (2025 Update)
The FTA has come up with staggered deadlines for businesses depending on the date of issuance of their license. Failure to make the deadline may result in fines beginning at AED 10,000. Your deadline will always be found on the official FTA portal.
The Most Common Mistakes:
Failure to register in time.
Not giving full or accurate business information.
Suppose that free zone companies are totally exempted.
Corporate Tax Filing & Compliance
Businesses that have registered are supposed to pay annual corporate taxes. Within 9 months of the end of the relevant tax period, tax returns are made online through the FTA portal.
What are the Reasons to Choose Awami to Register Businesses as a Corporation?
At Awami, we do not just register your company to pay corporate tax. We offer:
Corporate tax registration & Filing.
Professional advice on how to comply with taxes in the UAE to prevent penalties.
Establishment of business in Dubai in mainland, free zone and offshore firms.
Help with opening a bank account, VAT registration, and a Golden Visa.
Awami has local expertise and a customer-centric approach to make sure that your business is fully compliant and you are able to focus on growth.
FAQs
- How much is the corporate tax in UAE?
Taxable income in excess of AED 375,000 is taxed at the standard rate of 9 per cent, and below that amount is exempt.
- Do free zone companies have to register for corporate tax?
Yes. Although you might have 0% tax rate, you are required to be registered with the FTA.
- What is the duration of corporate tax registration?
Usually between 2-5 working days, depending on the workload of FTA and the completeness of documents.
- What will occur if I fail to enrol in corporate tax on time?
You can be penalised with a minimum of AED 10,000 and have subsequent compliance problems.
- Does Awami have the capacity to deal with business establishment and corporate tax compliance?
Absolutely. Awami provides full business setup in Dubai as well as VAT, corporate tax and other corporate services
