Whether your business is on the mainland or in a free zone, this guide helps you understand what’s taxable, what’s not, how much you owe, and how to stay compliant with ease.
Why Did the UAE Introduce Corporate Tax?
At the same time, the system continues to support small businesses and startups, offering a 0% tax rate on modest profits.
Who Must Pay Corporate Tax in the UAE?
✓ UAE companies and LLCs
✓ Foreign companies with a permanent establishment in the UAE
✓ Freelancers / individuals running business activities once turnover crosses AED 1 million (exclusions apply)
Even if you don’t owe tax, you must file a return if you fall under the regime.
Does Your Small Business Qualify for Corporate Tax Relief?
The UAE introduced Small Business Relief (SBR) to support startups and SMEs under the Corporate Tax regime, reducing the tax and compliance burden for smaller businesses.
Eligibility:
- Annual revenue of AED 3 million or less
- SBR is optional and must be claimed in your tax return
- Certain businesses may not qualify, including members of large corporate groups or those engaged in specific restricted activities
How SBR Works:
- Eligible businesses are treated as having no taxable income, effectively paying 0% corporate tax
- Filing a tax return is still required
Relief is available until 31 December 2026, subject to government conditions
Free Zones: Do They Still Have 0% Tax?
Yes, they do, but with specific conditions.
A free zone company may enjoy a 0% Corporate Tax rate only on its Qualifying Income if it is classified as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP).
- Any Non-qualifying income (e.g., business conducted directly with the UAE mainland) is taxed at the standard 9% rate.
- Compliance is mandatory for all free zone entities, meaning they must register and file a return.
2025 Update: Minimum Tax for Large Multinationals
This measure aligns the UAE with global tax standards (Pillar Two rules) and is specifically targeted at large groups, meaning it will generally not affect most startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
How to Pay Corporate Tax in the UAE?
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) handles corporate taxation. Businesses must:
Apply via the FTA e-services portal to obtain your Tax Registration Number (TRN).
Maintain accurate accounts for profits, expenses & deductions.
Corporate Tax Return must be filed within 9 months of your financial year-end.
Note: Return must be filed even if no tax is due.
If your books are in a different currency, convert into AED before submitting.
What Expenses Can You Deduct?
Businesses can typically deduct any costs that are:
- Wholly and exclusively for business purposes.
- Supported by proper documentation (invoices, receipts).
Examples include salaries, rent, office utilities, business travel, marketing costs, and depreciation of assets.
What Income is Exempt?
The law provides for several types of exempt or partially exempt income to support cross-border activity and investment. This includes certain types of qualifying dividends and profits from overseas branches.
The specific rules and required documentation for these exemptions should be reviewed with a tax advisor.
How to Stay 100% Compliant?
To ensure your business remains fully compliant and avoids penalties:
- Register early with the FTA to obtain your TRN.
- Track expenses properly and use reliable, up-to-date accounting systems.
- Keep updated as tax laws and regulations continue to evolve.
- Seek guidance immediately for Free Zone rules, group structures, and international transactions.
Simplify Your Corporate Tax Compliance Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Do I need to file a corporate tax return even if I owe no tax?
Yes. All businesses that are within the scope of UAE Corporate Tax must register and file a return annually,even if their taxable income falls under AED 375,000 or results in zero tax payable.
Filing keeps your compliance status clean and protects you from penalties.
2.Can corporate tax be paid in USD, EUR, or another foreign currency?
No. Corporate Tax payments to the Federal Tax Authority must be made in UAE Dirhams (AED).
If your business uses a foreign functional currency, financials may be prepared in that currency, but the tax payable must be converted to AED.
3.When is my corporate tax return due?
Within 9 months from the end of the financial year.
Example: If your year ends on 31 December 2025, the filing deadline is 30 September 2026.
4.Who needs to worry about the 15% “Global Minimum Tax” rule?
Only large multinational enterprise (MNE) groups with:
- Annual consolidated global revenue of ≥ €750 million
This applies under the OECD Pillar Two framework.
Most SMEs, freelancers, and typical mainland or Free Zone companies are not affected.
5.What happens if I don’t comply or file late?
Penalties may apply for:
- Late registration
- Late filing & payment
- Inaccurate tax returns
- Failure to maintain records
Staying compliant and proactive avoids unnecessary costs.
6.Do I need an auditor for corporate tax?
Not mandatory for all, but strongly recommended.
Some Free Zone entities must submit audited financial statements to retain QFZP status and benefit from the 0% tax on qualifying income.
