Corporate Tax Registration in the UAE — Registered, Assessed, Filed

Most UAE businesses must register for corporate tax with the FTA — even those below the 9% threshold. Qafeel assesses your position, registers you, and files your returns correctly and on time.

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Standard rate9% above AED 375,000 taxable income
Below threshold0% — but registration still required for most
RegistrationTypically 3–5 working days
FilingAnnual return to the FTA

Who needs to register (almost everyone)

A common and expensive misconception is that small businesses below the AED 375,000 profit threshold don't need to register. In most cases, registration is still mandatory — the threshold affects how much you pay, not whether you register. Free zone entities have their own qualifying rules. Late registration attracts penalties, so if your business hasn't registered, that's the first conversation to have.

Small business relief and free zone status

Small business relief can treat eligible businesses with revenue below the prescribed limit as having no taxable income for the period — but it must be elected correctly, and it isn't automatic. Free zone companies may qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, subject to substance and income conditions. Both assessments are exactly the kind of professional judgement Qafeel's qualified tax specialists provide.

The process with Qafeel

1. Applicability and taxable-income assessment. 2. FTA registration and TRN issuance. 3. Election of any reliefs you qualify for. 4. Record review so your accounts support your filing. 5. Annual return preparation and filing, with deadline tracking so nothing slips. All professional tax work is completed or reviewed by appropriately qualified professionals.

Documents generally required

Trade licence, Memorandum of Association, financial records, and the owner's passport and Emirates ID. Groups, multi-licence structures and free zone entities may need more — confirmed at consultation, subject to authority confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

My profit is below AED 375,000 — do I still register?
In most cases yes. The threshold determines the rate applied to taxable income, not the registration obligation. We confirm your specific position in a free consultation.
What is the corporate tax rate in the UAE?
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it, with separate rules for qualifying free zone persons and certain sectors.
What records do I need to keep?
Financial statements and supporting records adequate to substantiate your return. If your bookkeeping isn't there yet, our accounting team brings it up to standard first.
Can you respond to FTA notices?
Yes — clarification requests, reconsiderations and penalty reviews are handled by our tax professionals on your behalf.

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