What is the purpose of the recent updates to tax rules in the UAE?

The updates are meant to make the UAE's investment climate better and follow international best practices. This helps the economy grow in a sustainable way and attracts more investment from both local and international sources.

Which rules have been changed for limited partnerships and investment funds in the UAE?

The tax rules for Qualifying Investment Funds (QIFs) and Qualifying Limited Partnerships have been updated under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. These changes are also explained in Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025.

When does a non-resident investor in a QIF have to pay taxes in the UAE?

A non-resident investor in a QIF has to pay taxes if the QIF gives out 80% or more of its income within nine months after the end of its fiscal year. They also have to pay taxes if the QIF doesn't give out at least 80% of its income in that time, and the ownership interest is bought.

What happens if a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) gives out 80% or more of its income?

If a REIT gives out 80% or more of its income within nine months after the end of its fiscal year, a connection is created for a non-resident investor. This means they will have to pay taxes in the UAE.

How does the UAE's new rule affect international investors and their tax rules?

The new rule makes it easier for international investors. Non-resident investors who only invest in QIFs and/or REITs do not have to pay taxes in the UAE, except in certain situations.

UAE issues latest Corporate Tax rules to Boost Investments in UAE

According to the Ministry of Finance, the United Arab Emirates has revised the tax treatment of limited partnerships and investment funds as part of its continuous efforts to improve the nation’s investment climate and bring it into line with international best practices.

Updated regulations for Qualifying Investment Funds (QIFs) and Qualifying Limited Partnerships under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses are outlined in Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025, which supersedes the previous Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023.

The action is to encourage sustainable economic growth in the United Arab Emirates and draw in more international and local investment.

Corporate Tax rules to Boost Investments

The new ruling outlines the circumstances in which a non-resident legal investor in a

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) or Qualifying Investment Fund (QIF) is deemed to have a connection to the United Arab Emirates and is thus liable to pay taxes.

For the purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, this comes after Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025 on Qualifying Investment Funds and Qualifying Limited Partnerships was issued.

If the QIF distributes 80 percent or more of its income within nine months of the end of its fiscal year, a nexus will be created for a non-resident juridical investor in the QIF that violates the real estate threshold. If the QIF does not distribute at least 80 percent of its income within nine months of the end of its fiscal year, a nexus will be created on the date the ownership interest is acquired. For a non-resident juridical investor in a QIF that does not satisfy the diversity of ownership requirements during the tax period in which the failure takes place, a nexus will also be established.

The date of the dividend distribution, if the REIT distributes 80% or more of its income within nine months of the end of its fiscal year, or the date the ownership interest is acquired, if the REIT does not distribute at least 80% of its income within nine months of the end of its fiscal year, will be the nexus for a non-resident juridical investor in the REIT.

Non-resident juridical investors that make just QIF and/or REIT investments shall not be regarded as having a taxable presence in the UAE, with the exception of the aforementioned situations.

This ruling lessens the compliance requirements for international investors and demonstrates the UAE government’s dedication to creating an alluring investment climate for them.

Frequently Asked Questions on UAE issues latest Corporate Tax rules to Boost Investments

Do individuals pay corporate tax on salary?

No. Salary stays outside CT. A person pays CT only on business income when the person runs a licensed business and crosses the turnover threshold.

Can a free zone company sell to the mainland and keep 0%?

It depends on the activity, the role in the supply chain, and the de-minimis rules. Non-qualifying mainland income generally faces 9%.

Do small firms need audited accounts?

Some firms may use IFRS for SMEs, but certain categories, including many free zone persons seeking QFZP status or entities above revenue thresholds, need audited statements.

What records must a taxpayer keep?

Keep ledgers, invoices, contracts, bank statements, TP files, and working papers for the statutory period. Keep scans and hard copies when needed.

When is the CT return due?

The return and payment are due within nine months after the end of the tax period. Add the date to your calendar with early reminders.