2026-03-10

UAE Corporate Tax and VAT — a founder’s brief

Plain-language pointers on corporate tax and VAT for new UAE companies.

Corporate Tax

The UAE applies corporate tax. Many companies face a 9% rate above a taxable income threshold, with 0% below it. Qualifying free zone persons may follow different rules.

VAT

The standard VAT rate is 5%. Zero-rating or exemptions depend on the nature of supplies.

At launch

  • Confirm whether VAT registration is required
  • Set bookkeeping from day one
  • Keep personal and corporate flows separate

Exact conclusions depend on structure — we can review on a consultation.

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