Table of Contents
- Corporate tax registration deadlines in the UAE
- Consequences of missing the registration deadline
- Penalties for late registration
- Penalty waiver in 2025
- Steps to ensure timely registration
- Who should comply with the registration deadlines
- Why timely corporate tax registration in the UAE is crucial
- Get registered with expert support — keep your business safe and compliant.
Corporate tax registration deadlines in the UAE
For entities established after March 1, 2024, the deadline is three months from the date of establishment.
If an entity holds multiple licenses, the registration obligation is determined according to the license with the earliest date of issuance.
Foreign companies that are effectively managed and controlled from the UAE must register within 3 months from the end of their respective financial year.
Consequences of missing the registration deadline
Failing to meet the registration deadlines results in significant penalties. Companies may face fines and further legal implications. The FTA emphasizes strict adherence to the deadlines to avoid unnecessary financial and legal burdens.
Penalties for late registration
Penalties for late registration can include:
Financial fines: Companies may incur fines. The Ministry of Finance imposed a 10,000 AED fine that comes into effect in the case of late registration.
Operational disruptions: Delays in registration can lead to complications in business operations and potential legal challenges.
Penalty waiver in 2025
In 2025, the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and the Cabinet introduced a one-time penalty waiver for late corporate tax registration. Normally, a company that misses its registration deadline faces a fixed penalty of AED 10,000. Under the waiver program, this penalty can be fully cancelled if the company, even though it registered late, files its first corporate tax return no later than 7 months after the end of its first tax period.
Steps to ensure timely registration
- Document preparation: Gather all necessary documents early, including commercial licenses and identification documents.
- Consultation with experts: Engage with tax and business consultants to ensure compliance with FTA regulations.
- Regular monitoring: Keep track of deadlines and ensure all submissions are completed well before the final date.
You can complete the registration process through the EmaraTax portal. You can either seek help from experts or register on your own using our comprehensive guide.
Who should comply with the registration deadlines
All taxable persons subject to UAE corporate tax are required to submit a tax registration application. This applies to both legal entities and individuals, whether resident or non-resident for corporate tax purposes. Read more for detailed information on who falls under the FTA's corporate tax registration obligation.
Corporate tax registration is mandatory for:
- All companies registered in the UAE, including those whose income falls below the threshold of AED 375,000.
- Freelancers carrying on a business in the UAE.
- Resident individuals whose annual revenue exceeds AED 1 million (registration deadline is March 31 of the following year).
- Non-resident individuals – within 3 months after the individual becomes a taxpayer.
- Late registration penalties and deadlines for UAE corporate tax
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- A Comprehensive Guide to the Top Audit Firms in Dubai
Aidina K.
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Why timely corporate tax registration in the UAE is crucial
Meeting the corporate tax registration deadlines in the UAE is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations. Companies should prioritize timely registration to comply with FTA requirements and avoid potential financial and legal repercussions.
Elena O.
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