Corporate Tax Registration: the mandatory first step

Who Must Register?

Registration for Corporate Tax (CT) is mandatory for:

• Every UAE resident legal person, whether Mainland or Free Zone.
• Every individual carrying on a business activity in the UAE with annual turnover exceeding AED 1 million.
• Every foreign legal person carrying on its activity in the UAE through a permanent establishment.

Registration is mandatory even if the entity qualifies for the 0% rate (QFZP, small business relief, exempt persons). Failure to register is penalized regardless of the tax result.

Registration Deadlines

The FTA has set a staggered registration calendar based on the entity's licence issuance date, codified in FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024 (effective 1 March 2024):

For entities incorporated after March 1, 2024, registration must take place within 3 months of incorporation.

Procedure via EmaraTax

1. Create an EmaraTax account — for entities already registered for UAE VAT, the existing account is used. For new entities, an account is created via the representative's Emirates ID.
2. Select the CT Registration form — accessible from the EmaraTax dashboard.
3. Enter the legal information — name, date of incorporation, entity type, activity, free zone where applicable, and financial year.
4. Upload the supporting documents — see the list below.
5. Submission — an immediate acknowledgment of receipt is issued.
6. Review by the FTA — an indicative processing time of 20 business days.
7. Issuance of the Tax Registration Number (TRN) — a TRN dedicated to Corporate Tax, separate from the VAT TRN.

Documents to Provide

• A valid Trade License (DET or Free Zone authority).
• Certificate of incorporation and Memorandum & Articles of Association.
• Copies of the passports and Emirates IDs of the shareholders and directors.
• Proof of address (Ejari lease or title deed, DEWA bills).
• Contact details of the authorized signatories.
• Financial year details (closing date).
• For groups: the group structure and identification of the ultimate parent.

Choosing the Financial Year

The financial year must be declared at the time of registration. There are three options:

• Calendar year (January 1 — December 31) — the most common.
• Alternative statutory year — if the articles of association provide for a different closing date, that date applies.
• Short financial year for the first year — permitted for new entities.

A subsequent change of financial year is possible but requires formal FTA approval and is generally not advisable.

Registration for Groups

Groups may elect for the Tax Group regime (tax consolidation) if the parent holds at least 95% of the share capital, voting rights, and profits (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, art. 40). This option allows a single consolidated return to be filed. The application must be made to the FTA under the conditions it prescribes.

Common Mistakes

• Believing that a QFZP entity does not have to register (false: registration is mandatory).
• Confusing the VAT TRN with the Corporate Tax TRN (two separate numbers).
• Missing the registration deadline and incurring the AED 10,000 fine (unless the FTA waiver applies).
• Declaring a financial year inconsistent with the articles of association.
• Underestimating the required documents and having the application rejected.