United Arab Emirates

Advisory, tax and business setup in the UAE

From our UAE office we help founders, free zone companies and regional groups set up, stay compliant with Corporate Tax and VAT, report under IFRS and plan their next stage of growth.

• UAE Corporate Tax applies at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, with 0% on income up to that threshold (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022).
• A Qualifying Free Zone Person can apply 0% to qualifying income, but only if it meets every condition, including adequate substance and audited financial statements.
• The standard VAT rate is 5%, administered by the Federal Tax Authority.
• The Corporate Tax return is due within nine months of the end of the tax period.

Do free zone companies pay UAE Corporate Tax?

Every free zone company must register for Corporate Tax and file a return. A free zone company that meets all the conditions to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income; income that does not qualify, or a company that fails a condition, is taxed at 9%.

Does a UAE company need audited financial statements?

Many do. Qualifying Free Zone Persons must prepare audited financial statements to keep the 0% rate, and many free zone authorities and regulators require an annual audit as a licensing condition. We prepare IFRS financial statements and audit files so the audit itself runs smoothly.

Can you help a foreign company set up in the UAE?

Yes. We compare free zone and mainland options against your activity, visa needs and customers, then handle the licence application, documents and post-setup tax registrations.