Tax Services in Dubai:
VAT, Corporate Tax
& Compliance
Whether you are a startup, an SME, or an established enterprise operating in Dubai, managing your tax obligations is no longer optional. Since the UAE introduced VAT in 2018 and corporate tax in 2023, businesses of every size face real compliance requirements — and real penalties if they fall short.
Overview of the UAE Tax System
The UAE has one of the most business-friendly tax frameworks in the world — no personal income tax, and a low overall tax burden compared to most global jurisdictions. Since 2018, the UAE has progressively expanded its framework to include three key taxes.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Introduced in January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%. Applies to most goods and services supplied by VAT-registered businesses across the UAE.
Excise Tax
Levied on specific goods harmful to health or the environment — including tobacco, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages. Rates vary by product category.
Corporate Tax
Applies a 9% rate on business profits above AED 375,000. All UAE-registered businesses must register with the FTA, even if taxable income is below the threshold.
Still one of the world’s most tax-friendly jurisdictions
Despite the introduction of VAT and corporate tax, Dubai remains highly competitive globally. Many advantages remain firmly in place for businesses and individuals.
Administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
All UAE taxes — VAT, Excise, and Corporate Tax — are administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Compliance is mandatory for qualifying businesses registered across all UAE emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Types of Tax in the UAE:
VAT, Corporate Tax & Excise
A practical breakdown of every tax that applies to businesses operating in Dubai and the UAE — rates, thresholds, obligations, and exemptions.
VAT is applied at 5% on most goods and services in the UAE. Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 per year are required to register with the FTA. Voluntary registration is available for businesses with supplies above AED 187,500.
UAE Corporate Tax came into force for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. It applies to all juridical persons — companies, partnerships, and other entities registered in the UAE — and to foreign entities with a permanent establishment in the UAE.
| Taxable Income | Corporate Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| AED 0 – AED 375,000 | 0% |
| Above AED 375,000 | 9% |
| Qualifying Free Zone Persons (subject to conditions) | 0% on qualifying income |
Excise Tax applies to specific categories of goods in the UAE. Businesses that import, produce, or stockpile excisable goods must register with the FTA. The tax is designed to reduce consumption of goods harmful to health or the environment.
Our Tax Services in Dubai
Our team of FTA-registered tax agents and certified accountants delivers a full spectrum of tax services to businesses across Dubai and the wider UAE.
under one roof
Corporate Tax Registration
Ensuring your business is registered with the FTA within the required timeframe and correctly categorised for your activity type.
Corporate Tax Return Filing
Accurate, timely preparation and submission of corporate tax returns, including Small Business Relief applications where eligible.
VAT Registration & Deregistration
Assessment of eligibility, full application management, and ongoing FTA correspondence for VAT registration and deregistration.
VAT Return Filing & Advisory
Regular preparation of VAT returns, reconciliations, and strategic advisory on input tax recovery to optimise your VAT position.
Tax Impact Assessment
Evaluating how corporate tax, VAT, and excise obligations affect your specific business model, margins, and cash flow.
Transfer Pricing Advisory
Supporting businesses with related-party transactions to ensure compliance with OECD-aligned transfer pricing rules under UAE Corporate Tax law.
FTA Audit Representation
Expert representation and preparation if your business is selected for an FTA tax audit — protecting your interests throughout the process.
Tax Residency Certificate Assistance
Helping businesses and individuals obtain UAE Tax Residency Certificates for double-taxation treaty purposes and international compliance.
Excise Tax Compliance
Registration, return filing, and advisory for businesses importing, producing, or dealing in excisable goods subject to UAE Excise Tax.
Tax Planning & Structuring
Proactive strategies to legally minimise your tax liability while maintaining full FTA compliance — tailored to your business structure.
Delivered by FTA-Registered Tax Agents & Certified Accountants
All Navira Corporate tax services are delivered by FTA-registered tax agents with proven UAE compliance expertise. We serve mainland, free zone, and offshore entities across all emirates.
Need expert tax support in Dubai? Speak to a Navira Corporate tax specialist today — free initial consultation, no obligation.
📅 Book Free ConsultationUAE Corporate Tax: Deadlines
and Filing Obligations
Failure to meet corporate tax and VAT deadlines is one of the most common causes of FTA penalties for Dubai businesses. Know your key dates — and what missing them will cost.
Key Tax Deadlines
FTA filing & payment schedule
FTA Penalties for Non-Compliance
Current penalty schedule — AED amounts
Don’t risk FTA penalties. Navira Corporate’s registered tax advisors manage your deadlines, filings, and FTA correspondence — so you never miss a date or face an avoidable fine.
📅 Book Free ConsultationFTA penalties are subject to change. Always consult a registered tax agent for the current penalty schedule applicable to your business.
Tax Obligations: Freezone vs
Mainland Companies in Dubai
A common source of confusion for business owners is how tax rules differ between mainland and freezone companies. Here is a clear side-by-side breakdown.
Mainland Company
DET LicensedFreezone Company
DMCC, DIFC, RAKEZ & othersRequired if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000/yr
Required if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000/yr
0% on qualifying income — subject to conditions
Must meet ‘Qualifying Free Zone Person’ criteria
9% on non-qualifying income — including mainland transactions
Mandatory — minimum 5 years
Mandatory — minimum 5 years
Mandatory for all mainland entities
Mandatory for all freezone entities
Freezone companies with mainland exposure: Freezone companies that engage in transactions with mainland UAE businesses may lose their qualifying status for the 0% corporate tax rate and face the standard 9% on those revenues. Professional tax advice is strongly recommended for any freezone entity with mainland trading activity.
Unsure whether mainland or freezone is better for your tax position? Our tax specialists will assess your specific structure and provide a clear recommendation.
📅 Get Tax AdviceWhy You Need a Registered
Tax Agent in Dubai
Not all accountants or consultants in Dubai are authorised to act as your formal representative before the FTA. A Registered Tax Agent is an individual or firm officially accredited by the FTA to represent taxpayers and manage their tax affairs directly with the authority.
Authorised FTA representation — file returns, respond to FTA queries, and represent you in assessments and objections directly with the authority.
Agent portal access — direct access to the FTA’s registered agent portal for faster processing and real-time status updates on your filings.
Legal accountability — registered tax agents carry professional indemnity insurance, providing you with formal protection for your tax affairs.
Current FTA knowledge — up-to-date expertise on FTA policy changes, which are frequent and material to your compliance position.
Navira Corporate is an FTA-Registered Tax Agent
Our firm is officially accredited by the Federal Tax Authority and has represented clients across multiple industries in Dubai and all UAE emirates — from initial registration through to audit defence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Tax Services in Dubai
Expert answers to the most commonly asked questions about VAT, Corporate Tax, and FTA compliance in the UAE.
Have a tax question not covered here? Speak directly with an FTA-registered tax specialist — free initial consultation, no obligation.
📅 Book Free Consultation