The introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE marks a significant shift in the business landscape. Whether you are a startup, SME, or multinational, understanding UAE Corporate Tax is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Corporate Tax is a direct tax on the net profits of businesses operating in the UAE. It was introduced to align the UAE with global tax standards and enhance financial transparency.
The tax is regulated by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
FTA complianceOn track
Filed on time100%
Corporate Tax Rates in the UAE
The UAE offers one of the most competitive tax regimes globally:
on taxable income up to AED 375,000
0%
on taxable income above AED 375,000
9%
(or higher) for large multinational companies under global minimum tax rules
15%
Who is Subject to Corporate Tax?
Corporate Tax applies to:
Mainland companies in the UAE
Free Zone companies (with conditions)
Foreign entities doing business in the UAE
Individuals conducting business activities under a licence
Documents Required for Registration
Copy of Trade License
Memorandum of Association or power of attorney
Passport copy & Emirates ID
Mobile number
Email ID
Key Corporate Tax Deadlines
Corporate Tax in the UAE runs on a strict statutory calendar. Registration must be completed within the FTA-specified timeline for your category, and both your return and any tax payable are due within 9 months of your financial year-end. The FTA treats filing and payment as a single obligation, so submitting one without the other is still non-compliance.
Registration: within the FTA timeline for your category (e.g. 3 months from incorporation for entities formed on or after 1 March 2024)
Filing and payment: within 9 months of your financial year-end
Example: a financial year ending 31 December 2025 means a deadline of 30 September 2026
Records must be retained for the statutory period to support your return
within 9 monthsDeadline
Why Capella
Why choose Capella
Accurate Corporate Tax registration & filing
Expert guidance on UAE tax laws
Risk-free compliance and audit support
Customised solutions for all business types
How We Work
Your Corporate Tax Compliance, Handled End-to-End
01
Step 1
Free Consultation & Assessment
We review your legal structure, revenue, and Free Zone status to map your Corporate Tax position and confirm whether Small Business Relief or QFZP 0% treatment applies to you.
02
Step 2
FTA Registration via EmaraTax
We complete your Corporate Tax registration on the EmaraTax portal and secure your Tax Registration Number (TRN), ensuring you meet the FTA timeline and avoid the AED 10,000 late-registration penalty.
03
Step 3
Bookkeeping & Taxable Income
We maintain IFRS-compliant records, compute adjustments and exemptions, and determine your taxable income accurately under Federal Decree-Law 47/2022.
04
Step 4
Return Filing & Payment
We prepare and submit your Corporate Tax return and arrange payment within 9 months of your financial year-end, keeping you fully compliant and penalty-free.
05
Step 5
Ongoing Advisory & Support
We handle FTA queries, transfer pricing documentation, and year-round planning so your business stays compliant as thresholds and rules evolve.
By business structure
Corporate Tax in the UAE for every business structure
Mainland LLCs are Resident Persons taxed on worldwide income. The 0% band and Small Business Relief can significantly reduce early-stage liability.
0% RateStandard exempt threshold for all taxable persons
On taxable income up to AED 375,000
9% RateStandard Corporate Tax rate under Decree-Law 47/2022
On taxable income above AED 375,000
Small Business ReliefTreated as having no taxable income through 31 Dec 2026
Estimate only — not tax advice. Reliefs, exemptions and adjustments may change the final figure.
Penalties
What non-compliance costs you
ViolationPenaltyHow Capella helps
Failure to register for Corporate Tax within the FTA-specified timelineFixed administrative penalty of AED 10,000 (Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023)We register your business on EmaraTax well within the deadline and secure your TRN. Where eligible, we help you access the FTA penalty-waiver route by filing your first return within 7 months of period-end.
Late submission of the Corporate Tax return after the 9-month deadlineAED 500 per month for the first 12 months, then AED 1,000 per month from the 13th month onwardsWe track your financial year-end and prepare your return early, filing and paying within the 9-month window so monthly penalties never start accruing.
Failure to settle Corporate Tax payable by the due date14% per annum on the unpaid tax, accruing monthly until settledWe calculate your liability ahead of time and schedule payment alongside filing, treating return and payment as one obligation as the FTA requires.
Failure to keep required records and supporting documentationAED 10,000 per violation, rising to AED 20,000 if repeated within 24 monthsWe maintain IFRS-compliant books and a complete audit trail retained for the statutory period, so your records satisfy any FTA review.
The Capella difference
Numbers that speak for us
900+
Businesses Served
UAE companies trust Capella for tax compliance
100%
FTA Compliant Filings
Every return submitted within statutory deadlines
4.9/5
Client Rating
Rated for accuracy and responsiveness
72h
Registration Turnaround
Fast EmaraTax registration once documents are ready
Accounting, tax & audit under one roofRarely Yes Yes
Local UAE / FTA expertiseVaries Yes Yes
FTA Approved
An FTA-registered & approved tax agency in the UAE.
Tax Agent (TAN): 30000939 | TAAN: 20011987
Capella Tax Consultancy L.L.C is an FTA-approved Tax Agent in the UAE, helping businesses stay compliant with tax regulations. We provide VAT registration, VAT return filing, tax advisory, compliance reviews, and corporate tax services across all seven Emirates.
DubaiAbu DhabiSharjahAjmanAll UAE
FTA Registered Tax Agent
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Most UAE businesses — mainland companies, qualifying Free Zone entities, and foreign companies with a permanent establishment — must register, even those that ultimately pay 0%.
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it. A 15% rate may apply to large multinationals under the global minimum tax rules.
Corporate Tax returns are filed within 9 months from the end of your financial year. For a year ending 31 December 2025, the deadline is 30 September 2026.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons can still benefit from 0% on qualifying income, but they must register and meet substance and transfer-pricing requirements.
Late registration can trigger administrative penalties starting from AED 10,000, so registering within the required timeline is important.
Testimonials
What clients say about Capella.
Capella has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and always ensures we stay compliant.
SME
SME ownerDubai
Professional, proactive, and always available when we need them. They handle our accounting, VAT, and corporate tax with complete accuracy.
TC
Trading companySharjah
Their insights go beyond compliance. Capella helps us understand our numbers better and make smarter financial decisions.