Corporate tax registration has become part of doing business in the UAE. Not just for big corporations. SMEs and start-ups have also become part of this, whether they acknowledge it or not.

Since the rules are all different across the region for each country, the whole process and paperwork may seem very confusing. Tax regulations can also change over time, so always check the latest official guidance before you register.

If you’re new, it’s very easy to miss something important in the process that can cause you big problems later on. Simpla.ai can help simplify the registration and filing process so you don’t waste time figuring out country-specific rules.

Here’s how to get it done, step by step:

1. Latest Corporate Tax Rules in UAE 2025

The UAE now has a federal corporate tax system, but since it’s pretty straightforward for most small businesses, you don’t need to worry much:

• 0% tax if your taxable income is up to AED 375,000.

• 9% tax if your taxable income is above AED 375,000.

That’s the basic structure most SMEs will deal with.

For bigger players, things get stricter. From 2025, the UAE is introducing a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) of 15% for multinational groups making more than €750 million worldwide. This is part of the OECD’s global tax framework (Pillar Two), but if you’re an SME, this won’t apply to you.

There are also special cases and exemptions:

• Free zone companies can still benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income.

• Natural resource businesses (like oil and gas) are taxed at the Emirate level, not under federal corporate tax.

• Public benefit organizations and certain investment funds don’t pay corporate tax either.

Here’s the catch: even if you fall into a 0% bracket or qualify for an exemption, you still need to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA )to stay aligned with corporate tax compliance in UAE. Many small businesses trip up here, thinking “no tax” means “no registration.” Missing this step can lead to penalties later, which is where Simpla.ai can step in to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

2. What Are the Required Documents for Corporate Tax Registration in the UAE

To register for corporate tax with the FTA, you’ll need a few key documents:

• Your trade license or commercial registration

• Memorandum or Articles of Association

• Passports of owners and shareholders

• Emirates ID or national ID (if relevant)

• Recent financial statements

• Any existing tax ID documents

It’s easier if you have everything ready in one folder before you log in to the portal, though SME tax automation solutions like Simpla.ai can help track and organize these documents for you.

3. How to Register Your Business on UAE Tax Authority Portal

In the UAE, all corporate tax and VAT registrations are handled through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal, known as EmaraTax which is vital to achieving UAE VAT digital compliance. To get started, you’ll need:

• A valid business email

• A secure password

• ID verification, such as Emirates ID or passport details

Once you set up your account, you can upload the required business documents and complete the registration process directly online.

4. How to Complete the UAE Corporate Tax Registration Form

Expect questions about:

• Business legal name and trade name

• Business address and contact details

• Trade license info

• Who owns what percentage of the business

• Expected taxable income

Before submitting it, do give it a quick read. It’s much faster to fix a typo before you submit than to wait for them to reject your application and also ensures that you meet requirements for VAT compliance UAE.

5. What to Do After Submitting UAE Corporate Tax Registration

Once all is done and submitted, all that’s left for you is to wait patiently. Some get approved in a few days. Others take weeks.

When your registration is approved, you’ll get a Corporate Tax Registration Number (or similar, depending on the country). Keep it safe. You’ll need it every time you file.

6. Post-Registration Corporate Tax Compliance Tips for UAE Businesses

This is where people slip up. Registration is only the start. You still have to:

• Keep proper accounts

• File tax returns on time

• Pay what you owe before the deadline

• Watch for any changes to tax laws in your country

You could handle all this manually and risk missing a deadline, or you could let VAT automation software like Simpla.ai track rules, keep your documents ready, and file in the exact required format. Simpla automates reminders, updates formats to match new regulations, and ensures deadlines are never missed. 

Get your corporate tax registration right the first time. Try Simpla.ai free for 14 days.

FAQs

Do All SMEs Need to Register?

Yes, in most cases. In the UAE if your profits are below AED 375,000 you may not owe tax but you might still be legally obliged to register to stay compliant.

Can I Register Without a Consultant ?

Yes, as long as you understand the process and have your documents ready. If not, an AI accounting software like Simpla.ai can make it less of a headache.

What If I Miss the Deadline?

Penalties. Sometimes big ones. In some cases, it can also stop you from operating to do business legally until it's fixed.