UAE Corporate Tax Registration Timeline: Key Dates & Process

UAE Corporate Tax Registration Timeline Key Dates & Process

UAE Corporate Tax Registration Timeline: Essential Guide

Many people start businesses in the UAE because the country gives many benefits for companies. The UAE used to be known as a tax-free place, but now the government has changed the rules. Now, you must follow new laws about Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax (CT) in the UAE. These rules help make the market fair for everyone.

The authorities in the UAE want every business to know about the UAE Corporate Tax registration timeline. If a company does not register on time, it can get a penalty of AED 10,000. You must follow the right dates for registration. If you don’t follow these dates, your business may face trouble and lose its good reputation.

Let’s look at the main points about the new registration timeline, who needs to register, and how Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing can help you with the process.

Key Highlights of the UAE Corporate Tax Timeline

The UAE issued a new notification that gives different registration dates for different companies. The rules apply from March 1, 2024. You must check which type of business you have and register before the deadline.

Timeline for Resident Juridical Persons

A resident juridical person is a company set up, registered, or recognized in the UAE. This includes free zone companies. If your company got its license before March 1, 2024, you must follow the deadlines below:

License Issue MonthRegistration Deadline
January & February31 May 2024
March & April30 June 2024
May31 July 2024
June31 August 2024
July30 September 2024
August & September31 October 2024
October & November30 November 2024
December31 December 2024
  • If your company does not have a license by March 1, 2024, you must register within 3 months from that date.
  • If your company has more than one license, you should use the oldest license date to find the registration deadline.

For new companies set up after March 1, 2024:

  • If the company is managed or controlled in the UAE but was set up abroad, register within 3 months after the end of your financial year.
  • If the company is registered in the UAE, register within 3 months after your company is set up.

Timeline for Non-Resident Juridical Persons

Some companies are not based in the UAE, but they still have a Permanent Establishment (PE) or Nexus in the country.

  • If the non-resident company has a PE before March 1, 2024, it must register within 9 months from the date the PE was created.
  • If the non-resident company has a Nexus before March 1, 2024, register within 3 months from March 1, 2024.
  • If the company creates a PE after March 1, 2024, register within 6 months from the date the PE was created.
  • If the company creates a Nexus after March 1, 2024, register within 3 months from the Nexus creation.

Timeline for Natural Persons

Natural persons include people doing business or commercial activities in the UAE.

  • If your turnover is above AED 1 million, you must register for CT.
  • If you live in the UAE, register by March 31 of the next year.
  • If you are not a resident, register within 3 months from the date you meet the requirements.

Important Points to Remember

  • Every business must know the right timeline for registration.
  • You must keep all documents ready before the deadline.
  • Delayed registration will cause a fine of AED 10,000.
  • If you delay, you can lose your company’s trust and privacy.

Here are a few reminders for quick reference:

  • Always check your license date.
  • Mark your calendar for deadlines.
  • Keep all registration papers and documents safe.
  • Talk with professionals if you are confused about any step.

How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help with CT Registration

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps businesses in the UAE follow all tax rules. Our experts work with many clients every year and know every step for CT registration. Our team helps you register, file tax returns, pay taxes, and keep records. We also help you avoid penalties.

MAK Auditing helps your business by:

  • Giving step-by-step guidance for CT registration
  • Helping you collect and prepare all needed documents
  • Making sure you follow every deadline
  • Assisting with tax return filing and payments
  • Giving ongoing support for any questions about tax laws

We believe that “a stitch in time saves nine”—when you act early, you avoid problems later!

For more information, contact Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing:

  • Visit our office: Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
  • Contact/WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132

FAQs on UAE Corporate Tax Registration Timeline: Key Dates & Process

When must digital marketing firms in Dubai register for VAT?
They must register when their yearly turnover goes over AED 375,000.
Are all digital marketing services taxed at 5% VAT in Dubai?
Most services are taxed at 5%, but services for clients or audiences outside the UAE are not.
What’s the VAT rate for export of digital services?
Exports of services from Dubai to clients with no UAE office are taxed at 0% VAT.
What if the client and target audience are in different countries?
VAT is based on where the audience is. If the audience is outside the UAE, the service may not be taxed.
Who can help with VAT compliance for digital marketing in Dubai?
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps digital marketing firms follow VAT rules, file returns, and avoid penalties.

Know more Our Related Services

Transfer Pricing Services in Dubai, Sharjah UAE | Consulting Service

Transfer pricing Transfer Pricing Services Dubai is the practice of establishing the price at which goods,

Company Liquidation in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Approved Auditors in DIAC Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone that is

UAE Introduces Top-Up Tax for Multinational Enterprises: Key Takeaways from Ministerial Decision No. 88 of 2025

In keeping with international norms, the UAE keeps fortifying its tax system. In a major

How to Prepare for an External Financial Audit?

How can you prepare for a financial external audit? A smooth audit process is dependent on

Free Zone Tax Rules in UAE for 2025

What is the Basic Tax Information That the Freezone Persons Should Be Aware Of? The

How Can I Make Changes to Taxable Person Details UAE

How Can I Make Changes to the Taxable Person Details Under CT on the Emaratax