Corporate tax
Since June 2023 UAE companies pay 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000 and 0% below it. Every company must register with the Federal Tax Authority and file a return within nine months of its financial year end. Qualifying free zone companies can keep a 0% rate on qualifying income.
VAT
VAT is 5%. Registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 annual taxable turnover and voluntary above AED 187,500. Returns are quarterly for most small companies.
Keep it simple
Use an accountant from day one; penalties for late registration start at AED 10,000.