The introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE marks a significant shift in the region's fiscal landscape. As businesses prepare for 2025, understanding compliance requirements and strategic planning opportunities has never been more critical.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about UAE Corporate Tax, from registration to filing, ensuring your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

9%

Standard Tax Rate

Above AED 375,000

0%

Free Zone Rate

With conditions

3M

Small Business Relief

Revenue threshold (AED)

Key Takeaways

Corporate tax rate of 9% applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000

Free zone businesses may qualify for 0% rate under specific conditions

Small business relief available for businesses under AED 3 million revenue

Registration deadline varies based on business establishment date

Understanding the UAE Corporate Tax Framework

The UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 introduced a federal corporate tax on business profits. This legislative framework represents a carefully balanced approach to taxation that maintains the UAE's competitive advantage while aligning with international standards.

The tax applies to all businesses and commercial activities in the UAE mainland and free zones, with specific exemptions for certain entities and activities. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurate tax planning and compliance.

Who is Subject to Corporate Tax?

Corporate tax applies to UAE companies and other juridical persons, non-resident juridical persons with a permanent establishment or nexus in the UAE, and natural persons (individuals) conducting business activities in the UAE under a commercial license.

Tax Rates and Thresholds

The UAE has adopted a progressive approach to corporate taxation with three distinct tax brackets designed to support small businesses while ensuring larger enterprises contribute appropriately.

Taxable Income

Tax Rate

Up to AED 375,000

0%

Above AED 375,000

9%

Qualifying Free Zone Persons

0% (under conditions)

This tiered structure ensures that small businesses and startups are not unduly burdened while maintaining a competitive rate for larger enterprises compared to global standards.

Registration Requirements and Deadlines

Timely registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is crucial for compliance. The registration timeline depends on when your business was established and when your financial year begins.

Critical Registration Deadlines

1

Existing businesses

Must register within nine months from the start of the first tax period

2

New businesses

Must register within three months from the date of incorporation

3

Free zone businesses

Follow the same registration requirements but may elect special tax treatment

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The UAE Corporate Tax law includes several exemptions designed to support specific sectors and maintain the country's position as a regional hub for certain activities.

Entities Exempt from Corporate Tax

Government Entities

UAE government entities and wholly government-owned companies

Extractive Businesses

Natural resource extraction businesses subject to emirate-level taxation

Investment Funds

Qualifying investment funds meeting specific conditions

Public Benefit Entities

Registered charities and public benefit organizations

How PRF Can Help

Navigating the complexities of UAE Corporate Tax requires expert guidance and strategic planning. PRF Management Consultancy offers comprehensive tax advisory services to ensure your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

Our Corporate Tax Services Include:

Tax registration and compliance management

Strategic tax planning and optimization

Transfer pricing documentation and compliance

Free zone tax treatment advisory

Tax return preparation and filing

Schedule a Consultation

Conclusion

The UAE Corporate Tax regime represents a new era for businesses operating in the Emirates. While it introduces new compliance obligations, it also offers opportunities for strategic tax planning and optimization.

Early preparation and expert guidance are key to ensuring smooth compliance and maximizing the benefits available under the new framework. Contact PRF Management Consultancy today to discuss how we can support your corporate tax journey.

"Proactive tax planning and early preparation are essential for businesses to navigate the new corporate tax landscape successfully. The key is understanding not just compliance requirements, but strategic opportunities within the framework."

— PRF Tax Advisory Team

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Corporate Tax

UAE Corporate Tax 2025: Your Complete Compliance Guide

PRF Experts

5:54 PM PST

November 3, 2025

About the Authors

PRF

PRF Experts

Tax & Compliance Team

Our team of tax professionals brings decades of combined experience in UAE corporate tax and business advisory.

Need Expert Guidance?

Our tax specialists are ready to help you navigate UAE Corporate Tax compliance.

Contact Us

Home

Insights

Article

Corporate Tax

UAE Corporate Tax 2025: Your Complete Compliance Guide

PRF Experts

Nov 3

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about UAE Corporate Tax, from registration to filing, ensuring your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

9%

Standard Tax Rate

Above AED 375,000

0%

Free Zone Rate

With conditions

3M

Small Business Relief

Revenue threshold (AED)

Key Takeaways

Corporate tax rate of 9% applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000

Free zone businesses may qualify for 0% rate under specific conditions

Small business relief available for businesses under AED 3 million revenue

Registration deadline varies based on business establishment date

Understanding the UAE Corporate Tax Framework

The UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 introduced a federal corporate tax on business profits. This legislative framework represents a carefully balanced approach to taxation that maintains the UAE's competitive advantage while aligning with international standards.

The tax applies to all businesses and commercial activities in the UAE mainland and free zones, with specific exemptions for certain entities and activities. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurate tax planning and compliance.

Who is Subject to Corporate Tax?

Corporate tax applies to UAE companies and other juridical persons, non-resident juridical persons with a permanent establishment or nexus in the UAE, and natural persons (individuals) conducting business activities in the UAE under a commercial license.

Tax Rates and Thresholds

The UAE has adopted a progressive approach to corporate taxation with three distinct tax brackets designed to support small businesses while ensuring larger enterprises contribute appropriately.

Taxable Income

Tax Rate

Up to AED 375,000

0%

Above AED 375,000

9%

Qualifying Free Zone Persons

0% (conditions)

This tiered structure ensures that small businesses and startups are not unduly burdened while maintaining a competitive rate for larger enterprises compared to global standards.

Registration Requirements and Deadlines

Timely registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is crucial for compliance. The registration timeline depends on when your business was established and when your financial year begins.

Critical Registration Deadlines

1

Existing businesses

Must register within nine months from the start of the first tax period

2

New businesses

Must register within three months from the date of incorporation

3

Free zone businesses

Follow the same registration requirements but may elect special tax treatment

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The UAE Corporate Tax law includes several exemptions designed to support specific sectors and maintain the country's position as a regional hub for certain activities.

Entities Exempt from Corporate Tax

Extractive Businesses

Natural resource extraction businesses subject to emirate-level taxation

Government Entities

UAE government entities and wholly government-owned companies

Investment Funds

Qualifying investment funds meeting specific conditions

Public Benefit Entities

Registered charities and public benefit organizations

How PRF Can Help

Navigating the complexities of UAE Corporate Tax requires expert guidance and strategic planning. PRF Management Consultancy offers comprehensive tax advisory services to ensure your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

Our Corporate Tax Services Include:

Tax registration and compliance management

Strategic tax planning and optimization

Transfer pricing documentation and compliance

Free zone tax treatment advisory

Tax return preparation and filing

Schedule a Consultation

Conclusion

The UAE Corporate Tax regime represents a new era for businesses operating in the Emirates. While it introduces new compliance obligations, it also offers opportunities for strategic tax planning and optimization.

Early preparation and expert guidance are key to ensuring smooth compliance and maximizing the benefits available under the new framework. Contact PRF Management Consultancy today to discuss how we can support your corporate tax journey.

Table of Contents

1

Understanding the Framework

2

Tax Rates & Thresholds

3

Registration Requirements

4

Exemptions & Provisions

5

How PRF Can Help

"Proactive tax planning and early preparation are essential for businesses to navigate the new corporate tax landscape successfully. The key is understanding not just compliance requirements, but strategic opportunities within the framework."

— PRF Tax Advisory Team

The introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE marks a significant shift in the region's fiscal landscape. As businesses prepare for 2025, understanding compliance requirements and strategic planning opportunities has never been more critical.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about UAE Corporate Tax, from registration to filing, ensuring your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

9%

Standard Tax Rate

Above AED 375,000

0%

Free Zone Rate

With conditions

3M

Small Business Relief

Revenue threshold (AED)

Key Takeaways

Corporate tax rate of 9% applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000

Free zone businesses may qualify for 0% rate under specific conditions

Small business relief available for businesses under AED 3 million revenue

Registration deadline varies based on business establishment date

Understanding the UAE Corporate Tax Framework

The UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 introduced a federal corporate tax on business profits. This legislative framework represents a carefully balanced approach to taxation that maintains the UAE's competitive advantage while aligning with international standards.

The tax applies to all businesses and commercial activities in the UAE mainland and free zones, with specific exemptions for certain entities and activities. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurate tax planning and compliance.

Who is Subject to Corporate Tax?

Corporate tax applies to UAE companies and other juridical persons, non-resident juridical persons with a permanent establishment or nexus in the UAE, and natural persons (individuals) conducting business activities in the UAE under a commercial license.

Tax Rates and Thresholds

The UAE has adopted a progressive approach to corporate taxation with three distinct tax brackets designed to support small businesses while ensuring larger enterprises contribute appropriately.

Taxable Income

Tax Rate

Up to AED 375,000

0%

Above AED 375,000

9%

Qualifying Free Zone Persons

0% (under conditions)

This tiered structure ensures that small businesses and startups are not unduly burdened while maintaining a competitive rate for larger enterprises compared to global standards.

Registration Requirements and Deadlines

Timely registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is crucial for compliance. The registration timeline depends on when your business was established and when your financial year begins.

Critical Registration Deadlines

1

Existing businesses

Must register within nine months from the start of the first tax period

2

New businesses

Must register within three months from the date of incorporation

3

Free zone businesses

Follow the same registration requirements but may elect special tax treatment

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The UAE Corporate Tax law includes several exemptions designed to support specific sectors and maintain the country's position as a regional hub for certain activities.

Entities Exempt from Corporate Tax

Government Entities

UAE government entities and wholly government-owned companies

Extractive Businesses

Natural resource extraction businesses subject to emirate-level taxation

Investment Funds

Qualifying investment funds meeting specific conditions

Public Benefit Entities

Registered charities and public benefit organizations

How PRF Can Help

Navigating the complexities of UAE Corporate Tax requires expert guidance and strategic planning. PRF Management Consultancy offers comprehensive tax advisory services to ensure your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.

Our Corporate Tax Services Include:

Tax registration and compliance management

Strategic tax planning and optimization

Transfer pricing documentation and compliance

Free zone tax treatment advisory

Tax return preparation and filing

Schedule a Consultation

Conclusion

The UAE Corporate Tax regime represents a new era for businesses operating in the Emirates. While it introduces new compliance obligations, it also offers opportunities for strategic tax planning and optimization.

Early preparation and expert guidance are key to ensuring smooth compliance and maximizing the benefits available under the new framework. Contact PRF Management Consultancy today to discuss how we can support your corporate tax journey.

"Proactive tax planning and early preparation are essential for businesses to navigate the new corporate tax landscape successfully. The key is understanding not just compliance requirements, but strategic opportunities within the framework."

— PRF Tax Advisory Team

Home

Insights

Article

Corporate Tax

UAE Corporate Tax 2025: Your Complete Compliance Guide

PRF Experts

5:54 PM PST

November 3, 2025

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Don’t Missed Subscribed!

Contact Us

2801, Aspin Commercial Tower Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai


Office no 402 , LMS Finswell sakore Nagar Viman nagar road, pune 411014

+971-56-459-3907

support@prfmc.com

Copyright © 2025 PRF Management Consultancy

Don’t Missed Subscribed!

Contact Us

2801, Aspin Commercial Tower Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai


Office no 402 , LMS Finswell sakore Nagar Viman nagar road, pune 411014

+971-56-459-3907

support@prfmc.com

Copyright © 2025 PRF Management Consultancy