How to Register for Corporate Tax in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Starting June 2023, the UAE introduced federal corporate tax on business profits exceeding AED 375,000. If you’re running a business in the UAE—whether Mainland, Freezone, or Offshore—understanding the corporate tax registration process is now crucial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to register for corporate tax in the UAE, the documents required, timelines, and how BooksByTaxpire can make it easier for you.
✅ Who Needs to Register for Corporate Tax in the UAE?
You must register if:
You’re a UAE mainland or freezone company
You’re a foreign business with a UAE branch or PE (permanent establishment)
Exempt entities: government entities, certain investment funds, and qualifying public benefit organizations.
📝 Documents Required for Corporate Tax Registration
To register, keep the following ready:
Trade License (PDF copy)
MOA or AOA (Memorandum/Articles of Association)
Owner’s Passport, Emirates ID, and Visa Copy
Contact details (mobile and email of authorized signatory)
Registered business address
Financial year selection (normally Jan–Dec)
📍How to Register for Corporate Tax in the UAE (Step-by-Step)
Log in to EmaraTax Portal
➤ Go to https://eservices.tax.gov.ae
Create/Access FTA Account
➤ Use your existing TRN login or create a new account.
Fill the Corporate Tax Registration Form
➤ Input business license, entity details, and financial year.
Upload Required Documents
➤ Attach trade license, passport/Emirates ID, and MOA/AOA.
Review & Submit
➤ Double-check all info before submission.
Get Corporate Tax Registration Number
➤ Once approved, you’ll receive a CT number (usually within 1–5 working days).
📅 Corporate Tax Registration Deadlines
FTA has different deadlines based on license issuance year.
For most companies:
Registered before March 2023: Deadline is May 2024
New companies: Register within 3 months of incorporation
Late registration may attract penalties of up to AED 10,000.
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes
Using wrong financial year
Missing or outdated documents
Not checking FTA communication regularly
Forgetting to update contact info post-submission
💼 Need Help? We Can Register Your Company in 24 Hours!
At BooksByTaxpire, we handle:
Corporate Tax registration
CT Filing & compliance
VAT filings & bookkeeping
Custom tax structuring advice
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✅ FAQs
Q1: Is corporate tax registration mandatory for Freezone companies?
Yes. All companies must register—even if they are zero-tax entities.
Q2: What happens after registration?
You must file annual corporate tax returns, even if your net income is below AED 375,000.
Q3: Can I register multiple licenses under one TRN?
Yes, but each entity must be registered individually for corporate tax.
📌 Conclusion
Registering for corporate tax in the UAE is mandatory and now a standard part of doing business. By staying compliant, you avoid fines and ensure your company remains in good standing.
Let BooksByTaxpire handle your tax journey—from registration to filing—while you focus on growing your business.
Article by
Rahul Taneja
CEO and Founder
Published on
Jun 4, 2025