Corporate Tax Registration in Dubai
UAE – Al Zarooni & Associates
Since the introduction of UAE Corporate Tax in June 2023, many businesses are still uncertain about who must register, when registration is due, and what happens after registration. Missing the deadline or submitting incomplete details through EmaraTax can result in penalties and future compliance issues.
Al Zarooni & Associates, a trusted accounting and audit firm in Dubai, supports businesses with accurate corporate tax registration and ongoing compliance. Our role is to clarify obligations, manage the registration process correctly, and help businesses stay prepared for FTA reviews from day one.
Why businesses in Dubai need professional corporate tax registration
Corporate tax registration is mandatory for most UAE entities, including mainland companies, free zone businesses, and foreign entities with a UAE presence. Even where 0% small business relief applies, registration is still required.
Common challenges we see include:
- Confusion around registration deadlines (especially for newly incorporated companies)
- Incorrect EmaraTax submissions leading to delays or rejections
- Misunderstanding free zone qualifying income rules
- Overlooking post-registration obligations such as annual returns and documentation
The consequences of errors can include:
- Late registration penalty: AED 10,000
- Late filing penalties: AED 1,000–2,000
- Underpayment penalties: 5%–50% depending on circumstances
- Increased audit scrutiny during FTA reviews
Professional oversight helps reduce these risks and sets up compliance correctly from the start.
Who this service is designed for
This corporate tax registration service is relevant for:
SMEs crossing the AED 375,000 taxable profit threshold
Newly incorporated companies (with a 3-month registration deadline)
Free zone entities assessing Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status
Groups with multiple UAE entities or branches
International investors with a UAE permanent establishment
How our corporate tax registration service works – a practical, compliant approach
Initial eligibility assessment
We review your business structure, activities, and financial position to confirm registration requirements and deadlines.
Documentation preparation
Trade license, MOA, shareholder details, authorized signatory information, and financial year declarations are reviewed for accuracy.
EmaraTax submission
We complete the CT-1 registration form section by section and submit through the FTA portal.
Approval monitoring
Registration is typically approved within 10–15 working days, subject to FTA review.
Post-registration guidance
We outline filing timelines, record-keeping expectations, and next compliance steps so nothing is missed.
What this means for your business: fewer errors, clearer timelines, and confidence that registration has been handled correctly.
How corporate tax registration actually helps your business (at a glance)
| Business Challenge | What Usually Goes Wrong | How Our VAT Registration Service Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Registration deadlines | Missed or misunderstood timelines | Structured deadline tracking |
| EmaraTax filings | Incomplete or rejected forms | Accurate CT-1 submission |
| Penalty exposure | Issues found after filing | Pre-submission review |
| Ongoing compliance | No clear post-registration plan | Annual compliance roadmap |
| Financial clarity | Tax impact unclear | Early tax visibility |
Types of corporate tax services we provide under this engagement
Corporate tax registration (mandatory & voluntary cases)
Free zone corporate tax assessment (QFZP eligibility review)
Branch and group registrations
Post-registration compliance planning
Annual corporate tax return support
Transfer pricing documentation guidance (where applicable)
What businesses gain from outsourcing corporate tax registration
Reduced risk of registration penalties
Clear understanding of future filing obligations
Lower internal administrative burden
Better readiness for FTA reviews or audits
Alignment between accounting records and tax filings
UAE-specific considerations businesses often overlook
Registration is required even if 0% tax applies
Free zone benefits depend on meeting qualifying income conditions
Annual returns are due within 9 months of financial year-end
Transfer pricing documentation may be required for related-party transactions
FTA reviews focus on consistency between financials and tax filings
These areas often become relevant only when a query or audit arises.
Cost structure & pricing approach
Corporate tax registration fees vary based on complexity and group structure:
Fixed registration fee
typically AED 1,000–3,000
Annual compliance support
around AED 3,000–7,000
Transfer pricing documentation
project-based, depending on scope
Costs are framed around risk reduction and compliance clarity, not volume-based pricing.
Why choose Al Zarooni & Associates for corporate tax registration in Dubai
Practical experience since the 2023 corporate tax rollout
Strong understanding of EmaraTax and FTA processes
Integrated accounting, audit, and tax perspective
Clear communication without technical overload
You can learn more about our corporate tax compliance services through the experienced team at Al Zarooni & Associates.
Frequently asked questions about corporate tax registration in Dubai
Yes. Most UAE businesses must register, even if they qualify for small business relief or free zone benefits.
New companies generally must register within 3 months of incorporation. Existing entities follow FTA-announced timelines.
In most cases, approval takes 10–15 working days, subject to FTA review.
Trade license, MOA, passport details, authorized signatory information, and financial year declarations.
Businesses must prepare for annual returns, maintain records, and assess transfer pricing or free zone requirements.
Trade license, shareholder info, accounting records, contracts, prior filings, and TP-related documents if applicable.
Contact Al Zarooni & Associates for expert guidance
If you are unsure how corporate tax registration applies to your business, a short consultation can help clarify your position.