maatsca

corporate tax

corporate tax for natural persons
Corporate Tax

When Do Natural Persons Need to Register for Corporate Tax in the UAE?

The launch of the UAE’s Corporate Tax (CT) regime in June 2023 has raised important questions for individuals about their tax obligations. While it is clear that corporate entities are subject to the tax, natural persons—such as freelancers, sole proprietors, and investors—may also be required to register, depending on their income and activities. This article explains the specific conditions under which a natural person must register for Corporate Tax in the UAE, with a focus on key income thresholds, exemptions, and compliance obligations. Who Is Considered a Taxable Natural Person? According to the UAE Corporate Tax Law, a natural person (i.e., an individual) may be subject to Corporate Tax if they: Exempt Income for Natural Persons Includes: When Does a Natural Person Need to Register? A natural person is required to register for Corporate Tax in the UAE only if their total annual business turnover exceeds AED 1 million within a calendar year. This threshold applies exclusively to income earned from business or commercial activities, not from exempt sources such as salaries or personal investments. For example, freelancers and sole proprietors who generate over AED 1 million annually through services like consulting, content creation, or design must register for Corporate Tax. Similarly, licensed business owners—such as individuals operating a retail shop, café, or online business—are also required to register if their turnover surpasses the threshold. In cases where an individual has mixed sources of income, such as a combination of a salaried job and freelance work, only the income from the business activity is considered when determining whether registration is necessary. If the business portion alone exceeds AED 1 million in a year, the individual must register, even though their salary remains exempt from Corporate Tax. When Is Registration Not Required? Registration for Corporate Tax is not required for natural persons in several common situations. Salaried employees are fully exempt, as employment income does not fall within the scope of Corporate Tax. Likewise, individuals who earn income from passive real estate investments—such as renting or selling property without holding a business license—are not required to register. Additionally, small-scale traders or freelancers whose total annual business income remains below the AED 1 million threshold are exempt from registration requirements. Special Consideration: Real Estate Income Real estate income is generally exempt from Corporate Tax for natural persons when it arises from passive activities, such as renting out property for personal investment purposes. This means that individuals who own and lease out residential or commercial properties without engaging in a licensed real estate business are not required to register for Corporate Tax, even if their rental income exceeds AED 1 million annually. However, the exemption does not apply if the individual holds a business license related to real estate—such as a broker, developer, or property manager—or if the income stems from a commercial real estate activity. In such cases, the person is considered to be conducting a business, which brings the income within the scope of Corporate Tax. For example, renting out a personal villa would typically remain tax-exempt, unless it forms part of a licensed real estate business. How to Register for Corporate Tax If you meet the criteria, registration should be completed through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)’s EmaraTax portal. Steps include: Important: Registration must be completed before the end of the relevant tax period to avoid penalties. Do You Need to Register? Natural persons are not required to register for Corporate Tax if their income comes solely from wages, passive investments, or exempt real estate activities. However, registration becomes mandatory if an individual earns business income exceeding AED 1 million per year, excluding any exempt income categories. If there is any uncertainty about your tax status or whether registration is necessary, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified tax advisor to ensure compliance with UAE tax laws. Need Help Navigating Corporate Tax? Whether you’re a freelancer, investor, or property owner in the UAE, Maats Auditors & Consultants can help you understand your obligations and ensure full compliance with the Corporate Tax law. Contact us today for expert guidance on registration, filing, and staying tax-efficient in the UAE.

corporate tax in UAE for natural persons
Corporate Tax

Corporate Tax In UAE For Natural Persons

The provisions of the Corporate Tax Law shall apply to Tax Periods commencing on or after 1 June 2023.  Where a juridical person has more than one License, the License with the earliest issuance date shall be used. Resident Person • Non-Resident Person with a Permanent Establishment in the UAE • Business Activity deriving a total Turnover in excess of AED 1 million ( Excludes turnover derived from Wage, Personal Investment, Real Estate Investment ) Scope of Tax A natural person can be either a Resident Person or a Non-Resident Person. natural person residing in the UAE and conducts Business  in the UAE, is considered to be a Resident Person and, therefore, a Taxable Person for Corporate Tax purposes. When a natural person resides outside the UAE, that is having a home in another country, becomes a Resident Person for Corporate Tax purposes if conducts Business or Business Activities in the UAE On the other hand, in general terms, where a natural person is considered a Non- Resident Person, such natural person would only be subject to tax from their Business or Business Activities conducted within the UAE Residence for Corporate Tax purposes is not determined by physical residence in the UAE, whether by virtue of citizenship or a residency visa. Implication of Double Taxation Agreement If the natural person has not invoked the application of a Double Taxation Agreement, any natural person conducting Business in the UAE will be a Resident Person for purposes of the Corporate Tax Law. By implication, in the absence of a Double Taxation Agreement, a natural person who has a Permanent Establishment in the UAE by virtue of a fixed place through which carries on Business in the UAE, will be treated as a Resident Person for UAE Corporate Tax purposes. Where a natural person resides in a country that has an applicable Double Taxation Agreement with the UAE, and as a result of the application of that Double Taxation Agreement the natural person is not resident in the UAE but has a Permanent Establishment in the UAE, he/she will be a Non-Resident Person and taxable in the UAE in relation to his/her Permanent Establishment. Where no Double Taxation Agreement is applicable to the position of the natural person, a natural person cannot be a Non- Resident with a Permanent Establishment in the UAE. Instead, he/she would be considered as a Resident Person Turnover Business or Business Activities conducted by a natural person in the UAE are subject to Corporate Tax if the total Turnover from such Business exceeds AED 1 million within a calendar year. Total Turnover is the sum of all the income before any costs are deducted. Exclusions from Corporate Tax For a natural person, income from the following categories is not considered as arising from Business and is disregarded when determining the total Turnover and not subject to Corporate Tax, regardless of the amount: 1.Wage  Wage, received from the employer is not subject to Corporate Tax. Thus, salary or other form of remuneration received by a natural person as an employee from employer would not fall within the scope of Corporate Tax. 2.Personal Investment income Personal Investment income is not subject to Corporate Tax when derived by a natural person from investment activity conducted in personal capacity that is neither conducted through a Licence or requiring a Licence from a Licensing Authority, nor considered as a commercial business 3.Real Estate Investment income Real Estate Investment income is not subject to Corporate Tax when derived by a natural person if it is related to the selling, leasing, sub-leasing, and renting of land or real estate property in the UAE that is not conducted through a Licence nor requiring a Licence from a Licensing Authority.  Calculation of Turnover  A natural person’s registration obligations for Corporate Tax start as soon as the total Turnover exceeds the AED 1 million threshold. The natural person can subsequently elect to apply Small Business Relief in the relevant Tax Period, where the relevant conditions are met.  Tax Period  The Tax Period of a natural person who conducts a Business or Business Activity that is subject to Corporate Tax, shall be from 1 January until 31 December. The first potential Tax Period for a natural person is the 2024 Gregorian calendar year.  The Tax Registration process for Corporate Tax An application to register for Corporate Tax can be made on the EmaraTax portal. A natural person who is already registered for Value Added Tax or Excise Tax can use their existing login details. A natural person that has not previously registered with the FTA will be required to create new login credentials the first time he/she accesses the EmaraTax portal. Key information and documentation requirements for Tax Registration purposes A natural person who is required to register for Corporate Tax must submit a registration application along with the relevant supporting documentation to the FTA. Contact details – telephone number, physical address and email address Passport (a copy of the photo page to be uploaded with the application) Emirates ID (a copy of the front and back of the Emirates ID to be uploaded with the application) Sole establishment details and Licence details in relation to the Business and Business Activities conducted, if any (a copy of each to be uploaded with the application) Value Added Tax, or Excise Tax registration details ( Not Mandatory) Bank account details (Not Mandatory) Once registered, he/she will be issued with a separate Tax Registration Number for Corporate Tax purposes. This Tax Registration Number will be similar to their existing Tax Registration Number for Value Added Tax and/or Excise Tax, but the last digit will be different from their Tax Registration Number(s) for Value Added Tax and/or Excise Tax. Persons not registered for Value Added Tax and Excise Tax Natural persons who are not subject to Value Added Tax or Excise Tax but are within the scope of the Corporate Tax will be required to register for Corporate Tax purposes. Obligations after

Corporate tax in UAE
Corporate Tax

Impact of UAE Corporate tax on Mainland Vs Freezone businesses

The UAE is known to be an extremely favourable place for investors worldwide due to the supporting policies and business environment. The UAE is a leading international financial, commercial space and tourism spot in the Middle East region. The nation has introduced a federal corporate income tax (CIT) which is to be in effect from June 1st, 2023. The introduction of corporate income tax could directly influence Mainland as well as Freezone businesses. The Corporate tax in UAE The UAE corporate tax is a direct form of tax levied on the profit of business entities. UAE Corporate Tax will apply to all businesses in the UAE, except for the extraction of natural resources, which will remain subject to Emirate-level corporate taxation. Foreign entities, individuals and businesses will be subject to Corporate Tax only if they conduct a trade or business in the UAE in an ongoing or regular manner. Mainland vs. Freezone businesses in the UAE There are the 3 jurisdictions- Mainland, Freezone and Offshore with evident differences with respect to several criteria. Mainland, Freezone and Offshore businesses have differences in terms of ownership, the scope of business, office space, visa eligibility, company audit and others. Mainland companies and corporate tax in UAE A mainland company is nothing but an onshore company that is registered under the administrative authority of the concerned Emirate. A UAE mainland company is mainly characterized by free trading opportunities. The company’s trade license is issued by the Department of Economic Development of the particular Emirate. A registered mainland company in the UAE is authorized to trade in the UAE local market as well as outside the UAE. Corporate Tax will be charged on the annual taxable income of a Mainland business as follows: For small businesses with taxable profits not exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,100) the CIT rate is set at 0% in order to facilitate the development of start-ups, for taxable income exceeding AED 375,000; and a different tax rate (not yet specified) for large multinationals that meet specific criteria sets. Freezone companies and corporate tax in UAE In the UAE, there are many Free Zones. A free zone company is formed within a special jurisdiction that comes under the specific Emirate. Free zone jurisdictions have their own guidelines and have a government regulatory body, the Free Zone Authority. A free zone company is characterized by the benefits of 100% foreign ownership and tax concessions. It can only trade within the free zone and outside the UAE. In the context of Corporate Tax Planning Freezones will be subjected to the new Corporate Income Tax. The tax incentives offered by the Free Zones will be considered by the regime for the businesses there that meet the tax requirements and do not engage in business domestically with the UAE mainland business enterprises or individuals. The now free zones interest the foreign investors with a zero corporate tax regime. At present, the companies functioning in the free zones are subjected to this zero per cent corporate tax and also zero per cent personal income tax. Free zone companies are permitted to trade within the zone limits and they can also trade internationally as re-exports. These companies will profit from the corporate tax incentives. Free zone companies are permitted to carry trade in the mainland area as per the agreement with the local distributors. It helps free zone businesses widen their mainland market and build a large customer base for their products and services. Some free zone areas also offer a dual license that allows the companies to extend their activities to the mainland. These free zone companies can carry on business on the mainland from their offices in the free zone. There are also chances that these companies may affect by the new CT law. Choose the best corporate tax consultancy in the UAE Investors and entrepreneurs are very much confused about the new corporate tax. As they are eager to know how the UAE corporate tax will affect their businesses, the mainland, as well as the free zone companies, are advised to wait for more clarity from the Ministry of Finance—but consulting an established tax consultancy with the necessary experience in the field as MAATS can help you with adequate information regarding corporate tax advisory. MAATS is a reliable accounting, auditing and VAT and Corporate tax consultancy service provider, that guides the clients with relevant and updated information to keep in compliance with government rules.

corporate tax, UAE corporate tax, maats consultants uae
Business & Strategy

UAE Corporate Tax and the Essentials You Need to Understand

Several businesses throughout the Emirates have and still enjoy no income tax being levied from their profits. However, the present tax scenario is all set to change completely and this privilege will soon conclude as the Ministry of Finance announced on 31 January 2022 that a federal Corporate Income Tax system will be introduced in UAE. Corporate Income Tax is a relatively new concept in UAE, which therefore makes it very important for businesses to completely comprehend the idea. Therefore, we Maats Accountants and consultants have put together all of the essential things you should understand about the UAE Corporate Tax: What is Corporate Tax? Corporate Tax, also officially known as “Business Profits Tax” or “Company Tax” is a direct tax imposed on the net income or profit of corporations and other businesses. Who all should pay for it? All the businesses and corporations in UAE, whose total comprehensive income (net profit) is more than 375,000 AED fall under the extent of corporate tax and are therefore required to pay a percentage calculated from their total income as corporate tax. Why is Corporate Tax being introduced? By putting into effect a new system of Corporate Tax, UAE aims to: Transform the Emirates into a leading global hub for future business and investments. Stimulate the progress and transformation of Emirates to attain its crucial objectives. Acknowledge Emirate’s commitment to meeting the international standards for tax transparency and preventing harmful tax practices. When UAE corporate tax will it be in place? The UAE Corporate Tax will be effective from the next financial year starting on or after June 1, 2023. This qualifies the business that has their financial year beginning on July 1, 2023, and ending on 30 June 30, 2024, to be conditioned to pay UAE Corporate Tax from July 1, 2023 (The beginning of their first financial year). Whereas, the business that observes a  calendar year; will have its financial year starting on 1 January 2023 and ending on 31 December 2023 which will make them conditioned to the Corporate Tax from 1 January 2024. Who will be the controlling authority of the UAE Corporate Tax system? The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) set up in 2016 by the Ministry of Finance will be the government body with the responsibility for the collection, administration, and enforcement of the corporate tax regime in the UAE. However, the Ministry of Finance shall remain the competent authority for certain purposes such as international tax agreements, treaties, and the tax-related exchange of information. How does the Corporate Tax apply? Once in effect, the UAE corporate tax will be levied on all business and commercial activities in the emirates, except for the commercial activity of extraction of natural resources (continued to be taxed following the specific Emirate taxation). Corporate Tax will concern the “taxable income” which constitutes the accounting net profit of a particular business in the Emirate, after adjusting certain items (deductibles), as specified under the UAE corporate tax law. How is the Corporate Tax in UAE calculated? Corporate tax in UAE is to be calculated at 9% of the total comprehensive income shown in the company’s financial statements.  9% for taxable income above AED 375,000; and a different tax rate for large multinationals that meet specific criteria (set with reference to certain projects). For deriving the exact taxable net profit for businesses as Corporate Tax in UAE, we might be required to wait until further guidelines from The Federal Tax Authority and The Ministry of Finance are released. What are the exemptions provided under the UAE Corporate Tax regime: Individual salaries and income of both public and private sector workers. Investments made by individuals in real estate Capital gains and dividends earned from particular investments With the new Corporate Tax system and subsequent regulations to be implemented in UAE, things could get complicated for you if you have any business in the Emirates. Don’t worry; Maats Accountants and consultants, a UAE-registered accounting firm that offers a wide spectrum of accounting, consulting, and related services are ready to solve the tax implications for your business. We can efficiently assess your business and help you understand the impact of Corporate Tax. For more information on the different professional accounting, auditing, and tax services that we provide, please visit: https://maatsca.com/

Scroll to Top