Freshness tracker · AEUnited Arab Emirates

Federal Corporate Tax introduced at 9%

In force Taxation

The UAE introduced a federal corporate income tax of 9% on taxable business profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Free-zone entities meeting "Qualifying Free Zone Person" criteria can retain 0% on qualifying income. Personal income tax remains zero. A material structural change for the cost calculus of UAE-based founders and consultants.

Who it affects

Mainland and free-zone businesses; founders, freelancers operating through UAE entities.

Sources

Primary: UAE Ministry of Finance ↗

Corroborating: UAE Government Portal ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction