UAE (Dubai) Corporate Tax Regime - An Overview



Quick Summary
Dubai has historically been a tax haven, offering a favourable tax environment for investors and businesses. Currently, corporate tax is primarily levied on oil companies (up to 55%) and branches of foreign banks (20%) on their UAE-sourced income. Free trade zones operate under their own regulations with no corporate tax. VAT was introduced in 2018 at a 5% rate on specific goods and services, with some items zero-rated, and excise tax applies to non-essential goods.

Dubai, a major business center in the Middle East has been treated as a tax haven for the Investors / Businessmen. The Taxation system is very satisfactory for the Businessmen and Investors. The corporate tax is set at a maximum rate in the oil and bank sectors in the Emirates.

Taxation aspects for Companies in Dubai

Corporate Tax

  1. Corporate taxation in Dubai is limited only to banks and oil companies.
  2. Oil companies in Dubai are subject to a maximum amount of 55% corporate income tax on the UAE-sourced income.
  3. Branches of foreign banks in Dubai, subject to 20% tax rate on their Dubai source income.
  4. Calculation method for the taxable income:
Dubai Corporate Tax: An Overview for Investors

For Banks

For Oil Companies

According to their audited financial statements

According to their concession agreements

  1. Free trade zones (FTZs) have their own rules and regulations and there is no corporate tax.

VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX) In DUBAI

In the year 2018, the VAT was introduced in the UAE to provide a new source of income. VAT is a tax on the consumption or use of goods and services levied at each point of sale.

Registration Criteria

Mandatory Registration

Optional Registration

  • If its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per annum.or
  • Expected turnover to be more than AED 375,000 in the next 30 days.
  • Turnover or expenses (which were subject to VAT) were more than AED 187,500 in the last 12 months or
  • Expect either your turnover or expenses (which were subject to VAT) to be more than AED 187,500 in the next 30 days.

Kindly note that: If you fail to register for VAT on time, a late registration administrative penalty of 20,000 AED will apply.

VAT Rate

  • UAE Authorities implemented the VAT rate of 5% on jewelry, tobacco, luxury cars, and alcohol industry etc. (low rate as compared to other countries worldwide) for particular goods and services.
  • VAT charged at 0% also on few services:
  • investments in precious materials;
  • the supply or residential properties;
  • education services;
  • healthcare services.

Excise tax in Dubai

UAE have implemented an excise tax, generally ranging from 50% to 100%, non-essential goods which includes tobacco products and carbonated drinks / energy drinks, luxury cars etc.

Dividend tax in Dubai

Companies established in UAE can get benefit from the double taxation treaties signed by UAE and there is no tax on dividends / no withholding tax imposed for foreign or local investments. dividend payments are not tax-deductible from the paying company.

Indirect taxes REGIME in Dubai

Hotels and entertainment activities

10% municipal tax

Import of alcoholic beverages;

50% tax

Purchase of alcohol

30% tax

 
 

Individual Taxation Aspects

UAE has been treated as a tax haven country for businessmen and investors. And No Income Tax Provisions / Compliance Obligations are applicable to individuals in UAE (DUBAI).

Disclaimer:Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this material. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. In no event the author shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.

FAQ :

Corporate tax in Dubai is limited to oil companies, which face a maximum rate of 55% on UAE-sourced income, and branches of foreign banks, subject to a 20% tax rate on their Dubai source income.

No, free trade zones (FTZs) in Dubai have their own specific rules and regulations, and they do not impose corporate tax.

VAT was introduced in the UAE in 2018 as a new source of government income.

The standard VAT rate implemented by UAE Authorities is 5% on specific goods and services, such as jewellery, tobacco, luxury cars, and alcohol.

No, individuals in UAE (Dubai) do not have any income tax provisions or compliance obligations applicable to them.

Excise tax in Dubai generally ranges from 50% to 100% and is applied to non-essential goods such as tobacco products, carbonated and energy drinks, and luxury cars.




About the Author

Company Secretary

Company Secretary having 8+ years of post qualification experience in the Compliance Management Services industry by serving Corporates including Listed Companies, Corporate Secretarial Firms and LLP. Have a keen interest in the Corporate Governance and Compliance Management and the soaring craving to learn everyday. A ... Read more

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