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 Month | Registration Deadline |
| January & February | 31 May 2024 |
| March & April | 30 June 2024 |
| May | 31 July 2024 |
| June | 31 August 2024 |
| July | 30 September 2024 |
| August & September | 31 October 2024 |
| October & November | 30 November 2024 |
| December | 31 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
