Business
Comprehensive Guide to Corporate Tax Registration and Filing in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a federal corporate tax law which came to effect on 1st June 2023. It applies to all businesses operating in the country, with some exceptions. The corporate tax rate is 9 per cent on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. However, some businesses in the free zones may benefit from a 0 per cent tax rate on qualifying income. This guide will provide you with the essential information on how to register, file, and pay corporate tax (CT) in the UAE, as well as the exemptions and penalties that may apply.
What is Corporate Tax (CT)?
UAE Corporate tax is a direct tax levied on the profit or net income earned by corporations and other entities from their business activities. Corporate tax is also known as corporate income tax or business profits tax.
The UAE corporate tax law, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, was issued by the Ministry of Finance on 9th December 2022 and establishes a Federal Corporate Tax in the UAE. The law covers all individuals and businesses that have a commercial-license and operate in the UAE, unless they are exempted.
What is the corporate tax rate in the UAE?
The corporate tax rate in the UAE is 9 per cent on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000, effective from the start of the financial year commencing on or after 1st June 2023. Taxable income is the net income or profit reported in the financial statements, adjusted for certain additions and deductions as per the corporate tax law and its executive regulations.
The below table summarizes the corporate tax rates in the UAE:
Who is subject to corporate tax in the UAE?
The CT will apply to a taxable person, who can be either a resident or a non-resident person, on whom the provisions of the UAE CT law are applicable and who is liable to pay CT under the law. The corporate tax applies on both residence and source basis.
Residence basis means that a resident’s income derived from domestic and foreign sources is taxable under UAE corporate tax. Source basis means that the corporate tax applies to a non-resident person’s income earned using the sources within the UAE.
1. A resident person can be:
* a juridical person (such as corporations) that is incorporated in the UAE or
* a foreign juridical person that is effectively managed and controlled in the UAE, or
* a natural person who conducts business or business activities in the UAE and has a turnover of over AED 1,000,000 per Gregorian calendar year from such business or business activities.
2. A non-resident person can be:
* Non-resident juridical persons (foreign juridical entities) that have a Permanent Establishment in the UAE
* Non-Resident Persons deriving State Sourced Income
* Non-resident juridical persons that have a ‘nexus’ in the UAE by virtue of earning income from Immovable Property in the UAE
There are some exemptions and incentives for certain categories of businesses and income under the UAE CT law.
Exempt Persons from Corporate Tax in the UAE
Article 4(1) of the UAE Corporate Tax Law provides exemptions from corporate tax (CT) for particular persons who have strong public interest and policy justifications for not being taxed. These persons are known as exempt persons. They fall into one of four categories:
1. Automatically exempt persons such as Government Entities which include the Federal Government, Local Governments, government departments, government agencies, authorities and public institutions of the Federal Government or Local Governments.
2. Exempt if they notify the Ministry of Finance and meet relevant conditions: This category includes businesses that are involved in either extraction or non-extraction of natural resources can qualify for corporate tax exemption if they satisfy the required criteria.
3. Exempt if listed in a Cabinet Decision and meet relevant conditions: It includes government controlled entities and qualifying public benefit entities.
4. Exempt upon application to and approval by the FTA: Following persons can get an exemption from corporate tax (CT) if they apply to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA ) and show that they fulfill the necessary criteria:
* A public or private pension fund or social security fund that is under the supervision of the relevant authority in the UAE and complies with certain conditions;
* A qualifying investment fund; and
* A juridical person incorporated in the UAE that is fully owned (directly or indirectly) and controlled by one of these exempt persons:
* A government entity,
* A government controlled entity,
* A qualifying investment fund that satisfies the relevant conditions set out in Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023;
* A public pension fund or social security fund; or
* A private pension fund or social security fund that meets the relevant conditions laid down in Ministerial Decision No. 115 of 2023.
Corporate Tax Registration in the UAE- Who need to Register?
All Taxable Persons should register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority also know as ‘FTA‘ and obtain a Tax Registration Number for Corporate Tax. This needs to be done before a deadline to be determined by the FTA. All Taxable Persons are encouraged to register for Corporate Tax as soon as they become aware that they will be within the scope of Corporate Tax.
Non-Resident Persons that do not have a Permanent Establishment in the UAE and only earn State Sourced Income can choose not to register for Corporate Tax purposes. However, Non-Resident Persons that have a nexus in the UAE (arising from earning income from Immovable Property in the UAE) are required to register.
The FTA can, at its discretion, register a Person for Corporate Tax if, on the basis of information available to it, the FTA believes the Person is a Taxable Person. If a Corporate Tax registered Person ceases to be a Taxable Person for any reason, they should file a Tax Deregistration application with the FTA.
How to register for corporate tax in the UAE?
To register for corporate tax in the UAE, you need to access the EmaraTax portal, which is the official e-service platform of the FTA. The following steps are required for corporate tax registration in the UAE:
1. Gather the required documents: The following documents are required for corporate tax registration.
a. In case of applicant is a Natural person:
* Trade license, where applicable
* Emirates ID / Passport of the applicant
b. In case of application is a Legal Persons:
* Trade license
* Emirates ID / Passport of authorized signatory
* Proof of authorization for the authorized signatory.
2. Create an account on Emaratax portal: To register for corporate tax with Emaratax portal, a taxable person need to follow these steps:
* Step 1: Register or log in to Emaratax portal with your email ID and phone number.
* Step 2: Create or choose the taxable person that you want to register for corporate tax.
* Step 3: Select the corporate tax registration option and fill in the required information.
3. Submit the application and wait for approval: The confirmation email and SMS will be sent to the applicant upon successful submission of the application. The corporate tax ID or number will be issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within 20 business days of approving the application. A Corporate Tax Registration Number (CTRN) and a tax certificate are issued once the application is approved.
What are the benefits of registering for corporate tax in the UAE?
Registering for corporate tax in the UAE has several benefits for businesses, such as:
* Compliance with the UAE tax laws and regulations, and avoidance of penalties and fines for non-compliance
* Access to the EmaraTax portal, which allows businesses to file their corporate tax returns, pay their corporate tax liabilities, request tax certificates, apply for tax refunds, and communicate with the FTA
* Eligibility for tax treaties and tax incentives that the UAE has with other countries, which can reduce the tax burden and enhance the competitiveness of businesses
* Contribution to the economic development and diversification of the UAE, and support for the government’s strategic objectives and initiatives.
UAE Corporate Tax Return Filing Deadlines
According to Article 51 of the UAE Corporate Tax Law, a person who is liable to pay tax must submit his tax returns to the authorities following their instructions. The taxable person must file such a return within nine months from the end of the applicable tax period or on the date specified by the authority.
All businesses will have different due dates for filing their corporate tax returns depending on their financial year end. For ex. A Taxable Person whose Financial Year ends on 31 December must file and pay their Corporate Tax by 30 September of the next year. If they fail to do so, they will face a penalty.
The Taxable Person or someone who is authorized to act on their behalf, such as a tax agent or a legal representative, can submit the Tax Return.
If a Tax Group is established, the Parent Company is responsible for filing Tax Returns for the entire Tax Group. There is no requirement for each Tax Group member to file a separate return.
The following table shows the deadlines for filing and paying corporate tax in the UAE, based on different financial year start and end dates:
Conclusion
Corporate tax is a new and important development in the UAE tax system that affects all businesses operating in the country. It is essential to understand the corporate tax law and its implications and comply with the corporate tax obligations to avoid penalties and risks. By following this comprehensive guide, you can register and file for corporate tax in the UAE with ease and confidence.
How Farahat & Co. Can Help You with Corporate Tax Compliance in the UAE
Are you looking for a reliable and professional corporate tax consultant in the UAE? Do you want to comply with the new corporate tax law and avoid penalties and fines? If yes, then you need Farahat & Co., the leading tax consultancy firm in the UAE. Farahat & Co. has a team of qualified and experienced tax consultants who can help you with all aspects of corporate tax registration, filing, and payment. They can also advise you on the best tax strategies and solutions for your business, whether you operate in the mainland, offshore, or free zone. Farahat & Co. offers transparent and cost-effective services, and guarantees your satisfaction and peace of mind. Don’t wait, contact Farahat & Co. today. Farahat & Co. is your trusted partner for corporate tax compliance in the UAE.
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Nikhil Kapoor Leads AGRANA Fruit India’s 100% Acquisition via Management Buyout with Strategic Investment from Danish Equbal
Fruit Formulations Private Limited Set to Revolutionize India’s Fruit Processing Industry
New Delhi, India – In a transformative move set to reshape the fruit processing landscape across the Indian subcontinent, Nikhil Kapoor, former Head of Sales at AGRANA Fruit India, has successfully completed the 100% acquisition of AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited. This strategic Management Buyout (MBO), backed by significant financial support from Danish Equbal, has led to the rebranding and formation of Fruit Formulations Private Limited (formerly known as AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited). The new entity is set to become a market leader in the fruit-based products sector, driven by innovation, quality, and strategic expansion.
Nikhil Kapoor: A Leader with Vision and Proven Success
With over 20 years of experience in the food, ingredients and fruit processing industries, Nikhil Kapoor has a strong background in business development, sales strategy, key account management, and customer relationship building. His career includes leadership roles at companies such as Cargill Foods and Givaudan Flavours, where he consistently drove business growth and expanded market share.
A key entrepreneurial achievement for Kapoor was founding Blue Ingredients Private Limited, which he successfully led from 2018 to 2021. Although Blue Ingredients is no longer operational, the experience of building and scaling a company has shaped Kapoor’s leadership approach and strategic thinking.
At AGRANA Fruit India, Kapoor excelled in key account management, particularly with large dairy clients, driving new product development and customer service improvements. His leadership resulted in several breakthrough solutions and a strengthened relationship with key accounts, significantly enhancing delivery efficiencies.
Kapoor also led the launch of innovative products for the Bakery and HoReCa sectors, including Fruit Crushes, Fillings, and Syrups. These innovations helped position AGRANA as a leader in India in specialized fruit-based solutions. Additionally, Kapoor spearheaded the company’s geographic expansion into North India, South India, and Nepal, contributing to significant business growth.
As the CEO of Fruit Formulations Private Limited, Kapoor is focused on taking the company to new heights. Commenting on the acquisition, he said:
“This 100% acquisition is not just about ownership—it’s about building a platform for innovation and redefining the fruit processing industry. Our goal is to set new standards for quality and customization and become the preferred partner for our clients. Through market expansion and continuous innovation, we aim to reshape the industry and create lasting impact.”
Danish Equbal: A Strategic Investor with a Vision for Growth
The success of this acquisition was made possible by the strategic financial backing of Danish Equbal, a seasoned investor with a strong record of driving growth in various industries. Danish is also the Founder and Director of Brickfolio Pvt. Ltd., a prominent real estate and investment firm based in Pune. Under his leadership, Brickfolio has transformed property investment through technology, market insights, and client- centric solutions.
Danish’s decision to invest in Fruit Formulations Private Limited reflects his confidence in the company’s potential to become a leader in the fruit processing sector. His investment will help the company scale operations, explore new growth opportunities, and drive product innovation.
Commenting on the venture, Danish Equbal said:
“Nikhil Kapoor is a proven leader with an exceptional track record. His vision for Fruit Formulations aligns perfectly with my investment philosophy, which focuses on supporting high-potential businesses. Together, we are laying the foundation for long-term success.”
A Strategic Focus on Customisation, Innovation, and Strategic Growth
As Fruit Formulations Private Limited embarks on its growth journey, the company will leverage Kapoor’s expertise in product innovation, market expansion, and customer service. With consumer demand increasingly shifting toward natural, health-conscious, and customized products, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
Building on the momentum from AGRANA, Kapoor plans to diversify the product portfolio with clean-label ingredients and customized formulations for both B2B and B2C markets. The company will also prioritize key sectors, such as Bakery, HoReCa, and dairy and ice cream clients, while deepening partnerships and delivering value-added solutions to the food industry.
Geographic expansion across India and South Asia will be central to the company’s growth strategy, focusing on new markets and strengthening its presence in established regions. Customization will remain at the heart of operations, aligning with global trends toward personalization, convenience, and health-conscious consumption.
Kapoor added:
“Our mission is to stay ahead of market trends by delivering innovative, customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. With Danish’s support, we are poised for rapid growth while maintaining our focus on quality and sustainability.”
A New Chapter for India’s Fruit Processing Industry
The formation of Fruit Formulations Private Limited marks the beginning of a new era of growth, innovation, and leadership in India’s fruit processing industry. With Nikhil Kapoor’s extensive experience and Danish Equbal’s strategic and financial backing, the company is set to push the boundaries of innovation and expand its footprint across the Indian subcontinent market.
As CEO, Kapoor will lead Fruit Formulations Private Limited toward becoming a driving force in the transformation of the industry—centred on quality-driven innovation, tailored solutions, and ambitious market expansion.
About Fruit Formulations Private Limited
Fruit Formulations Private Limited, founded following the 100% acquisition of AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited, specializes in developing innovative and high-quality fruit-based solutions for industries including dairy, ice-cream, bakery, and foodservice. With a focus on customization, innovation, and strategic market growth, the company is positioned to lead the fruit processing sector across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Backed by strategic investor Danish Equbal, the company is committed to delivering the next generation of fruit-based products through quality-driven innovation and sustainable practices.
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Japan India Industry Promotion Association ( JIIPA ) and INFOEYE Partner to Further Promote Business between India and Japan
The Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Chairman: Prashant Godgate) and INFOEYE (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Takayuki Sedodoi) have formed a partnership to further promote business between Japan and India. This partnership aims to strengthen business support systems and streamline exhibition operations through the provision of various solutions and online services.
Overview
As part of this partnership, the initial focus will be on providing solutions for the 15th India Trend Fair Tokyo 2025, which will be held in January 2025. This exhibition, organized by JIIPA, will utilize INFOEYEʼs technology to enhance interaction between exhibitors and visitors.
Additionally, INFOEYE will provide operational support for other exhibitions and events through the introduction of Kirikom Plusʼs exhibition functions. These functions will improve efficiency and facilitate seamless information sharing between exhibitors. Visitors will also be able to use their smartphones to select products, access detailed product information, and create pick-up lists, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience across languages.
All services under this partnership, including exhibition solutions and members-only websites, will support Japanese, English, and Hindi, creating an accessible environment for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Unlocking New Business Opportunities through Collaboration
This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of exhibitions and events involving companies from both Japan and India. With the introduction of Kirikom Plusʼs exhibition functions, exhibitors will be able to track visitorsʼ product picks and other activities in real time, reducing operational burdens. This will allow exhibitors to respond promptly to visitor interests and needs, maximizing opportunities for business negotiations. Additionally, the creation of a members-only website will facilitate networking and information sharing, fostering long-term collaboration.
The partnership also opens doors for expanding these solutions to other exhibitions and events, accelerating efforts to promote business between Japan and India.
References
Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA)
JIIPA is an NPO based in Tokyo, promoting economic exchange between Japan and India. It collaborates closely with embassies, government agencies, industry organizations, chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations to maximize business opportunities between the two countries.
- Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Chairman: Prashant Godgate
- Official Website: https://npo-jiipa.org/
INFOEYE Co., Ltd.
Since its founding in 2002, INFOEYE has been providing solutions for the textile industry and image clipping services to support businesses in both Japan and India. Its expertise in apparel-related solutions and image clipping services has been widely adopted, helping facilitate smooth business operations between the two countries.
- Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- CEO: Takayuki Sedodoi
- Official Website: https://infoeye.com/
Contact Information for this Partnership
INFOEYE
Contact Form: https://infoeye.com/contact
JIIPA
Contact Form: https://npo-jiipa.org/contact-us
A new wind of business is blowing between Japan and India̶look forward to the future created by the collaboration between JIIPA and INFOEYE.
*1 Kirikom Plus is available to start using for free.
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