Who is a non-resident for UAE corporate tax?

A non-resident is someone or a company not based in the UAE, but earning money or owning property here.

When does a non-resident have to register for tax?

If they have a UAE business place, make state-sourced income, or own UAE property, they must register with the FTA.

What is state-sourced income?

State-sourced income means any money earned from sales, services, or property in the UAE.

Can a non-resident avoid tax if they only get small payments?

No. Any income above the threshold (like AED 1 million from a permanent establishment) is taxable.

Who can help with UAE corporate tax rules?

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing offers expert advice and helps with all tax compliance steps.

Non-Resident Corporate Tax UAE | Criteria & Guide

Non-Resident Corporate Tax in UAE: Key Criteria & Process

Who Counts as a Non-Resident for Corporate Tax in UAE?

The UAE started corporate tax for businesses on June 1, 2023. Non-residents who do business in the UAE must follow some rules. Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing always explains to clients what the law says and how to follow it. Many people and companies have questions about non-resident tax.

You may be a non-resident if you:

Don’t live in the UAE, but do business here.
Have a company outside the UAE but make money inside the country.
Own property or get money from real estate in the UAE.

Let’s look at the main ways non-residents can be taxed.

Main Ways Non-Residents Become Liable for Corporate Tax

You need to pay corporate tax in the UAE as a non-resident in three main cases:

Permanent Establishment:
If you have a fixed business place, like an office or branch in the UAE, you must pay tax on money from that place.
State-Sourced Income:
If you earn money from inside the UAE, you may be taxed, even if you don’t have an office. This includes sales, rentals, or services provided in the UAE.
UAE Real Estate Nexus:
If you own land or buildings in the UAE and get money from them, you must pay corporate tax, even if you don’t have an office or company here.

Steps to Register and File Tax as a Non-Resident

If you meet any of the above, you must:

Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Get a Tax Registration Number (TRN) from the FTA.
File annual tax returns with the FTA.
Pay the corporate tax you owe.

If you don’t register, you may get penalties. Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing always tells clients to keep registration and filings on time.

How to Calculate Taxable Income as a Non-Resident

Non-residents must pay tax on income connected to the UAE. Here’s what to include:

Gross Income:
All money earned from a business in the UAE, from property, or from sales or services inside the country.
Deductible Expenses:
You can subtract costs like employee salaries, rent, and business expenses from your gross income.

This helps you find the taxable income. If you have questions, Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing can review your records and guide you.

Key Rules and Guidelines for Non-Residents

The FTA has made rules simple for everyone to follow. Here are main points:

If you have a permanent establishment and get more than AED 1 million yearly from it, you must pay tax.
If you get money from property or business inside the UAE, you must pay tax, even if your company is outside the UAE.
If you only get state-sourced income, but have no office or property in the UAE, you may not need to register. Check with experts to be sure.
You must keep clear financial records for all UAE-related income.
Failure to register can mean fines or trouble with the FTA.

Example Case for Better Understanding

Let’s say a company in India opens a branch in Dubai. That branch counts as a permanent establishment. Any money made from the Dubai office is taxable in the UAE. The company must register with the FTA and file tax every year.

If a company in the UK owns an apartment in Abu Dhabi and gets rent, it must pay UAE corporate tax on that rent, even if there’s no office in the UAE.

Tips for Staying Compliant with UAE Corporate Tax

If you want to stay safe from penalties and problems, always:

Check your business for UAE connections every year.
Register for corporate tax as soon as you qualify.
Keep records of all income and expenses from UAE activities.
File your tax returns on time every year.
Ask Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing for support.

How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help Non-Residents

When you deal with UAE tax, sometimes you feel like you’re walking on thin ice! Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing gives you a steady hand and clear direction.

We can help you by: