Corporate Tax in UAE for New Companies Explained After 640,000 Registrations
The UAE has officially entered a new business era. More than 640,000 companies have now registered for corporate tax, according to the Federal Tax Authority, and this number is still rising every month. Whether you are planning to launch a business in Dubai or already own a UAE company, you can no longer ignore the impact of tax on setup, structure and long-term profitability. For years, entrepreneurs chose the UAE because it had zero tax on company profits. That benefit still exists in some cases, but it is no longer automatic. Corporate tax is now part of the business environment, and every new investor, startup founder, consultant, holding company owner or global entrepreneur needs to understand how it works. If you are planning to start a business in 2025, here is the reality. Corporate tax is not a barrier. It is a rule. And if you understand the rules early, you can still legally reduce or avoid tax depending on your business model. Let us break down what has changed and what it means for anyone planning business setup in the UAE. Why Corporate Tax Was Introduced in the UAE Corporate tax was introduced to align the UAE with international standards, increase government revenue from major corporations and prevent the country from being seen as a pure tax haven. However, the tax system was not designed to punish small businesses or foreign investors. It was designed to regulate profits at scale, encourage real economic presence and create fairness between free zone and mainland companies. That is why understanding corporate tax in UAE for new companies is now essential before you register any business activity. What Is the Corporate Tax Rate in the UAE The UAE corporate tax rate is very simple: 0% on taxable profits up to AED 375,000 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000 This means a small business earning AED 300,000 in profit pays zero tax. A business earning AED 900,000 pays 9% only on the amount above the threshold, not the total. Example If Profit is 900,000 then your taxable income above threshold 525,000 will be 9% This is still one of the most competitive tax structures in the world. You can also calculate your corporate tax by using the below calculator: Corporate Tax Calculator Does Corporate Tax Apply to Free Zone Companies This is the most misunderstood part of the law. Free zone companies can still qualify for 0% corporate tax, but only if they meet the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person. That includes Having a real physical presence or shared office in the free zone Earning only qualifying income, not mainland income Not doing business directly with the UAE mainland Submitting proper audited financial statements Many entrepreneurs think a free zone equals no tax, but that is no longer automatic. A free zone business can lose its 0% benefit if structured incorrectly. That is why corporate tax in UAE for new companies is now part of every setup discussion. Who Must Register for Corporate Tax The following must register Mainland companies Free zone companies Foreign companies earning UAE sourced income Freelancers and individuals earning business income above the threshold Holding companies in the UAE if they earn profit Even if your company qualifies for 0% tax, registration is still mandatory. Not registering means penalties. Penalties for Not Registering or Filing Common penalties include 10,000 AED fine for not registering 500 AED per month for late filing Higher fines for repeated violations Possible freezing of bank accounts in severe cases Business owners need to understand that tax compliance in the UAE is now linked with banking, residency and licensing. How Corporate Tax Will Affect New Business Setup in 2025 Here are the five biggest impacts for new investors Business setup is no longer just about licence type, it is about tax status Choosing between free zone and mainland now depends on tax goals Companies must plan profit structure before registration, not after Accounting and bookkeeping are now mandatory, not optional Corporate tax affects how you move money, pay salaries and distribute profit The most important shift is this, starting a company in the UAE now requires tax planning from day one. How to Legally Reduce or Pay Zero Corporate Tax Businesses can still benefit from 0% tax if they are structured correctly. Here are common strategies Qualifying free zone entity Holding company structures Offshore ownership of profit generating assets Splitting qualifying and non qualifying income Multi entity tax planning Operating below the profit threshold This is why seeking advice before registering a licence is more valuable than trying to fix structure later. Why New Companies Are Still Choosing the UAE Even with corporate tax, the UAE offers No personal income tax No tax on dividends No tax on capital gains No currency restriction Global credibility Residency options for investors Strong banking and investment laws One of the lowest corporate tax rates worldwide Corporate tax did not remove the benefits of doing business in the UAE. It simply added compliance to a market that was previously tax free. How AB Capital Helps New Companies Structure Tax Smart Business Setup Most mistakes happen at the beginning. People choose a licence before choosing a tax strategy. They pick the wrong free zone. They register the wrong activity. Then they discover they are not exempt. AB Capital Services FZE helps entrepreneurs and investors register the right company type based on their tax goals, market goals and long term business plan. From tax registration to free zone selection to banking and structuring, the advisory is designed to protect profit, not just create a licence. FAQs 1. Do all new companies have to register for corporate tax Yes, every company must register, even if it qualifies for 0%. 2. Can a free zone company still pay zero corporate tax Yes, but only if it meets qualifying criteria and files correctly. 3. Does a freelancer need to pay corporate tax Only if their net profit is above AED 375,000
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