Businesses in the UAE generally adopt a corporate form, with limited liability companies (LLCs) being the most common. However, it is also very common for foreign businesses to operate through branches or as a permanent establishment (PE), especially in sectors requiring direct market access. The key difference is that while LLCs are separate legal entities with limited liability, branches and PEs are extensions of the parent company and do not have separate legal personality. LLCs are taxed as separate entities for tax purposes, whereas branches and PEs are subject to UAE corporate tax on their locally sourced income.
Transparent entities like partnerships and trusts are commonly used in the UAE, particularly in the investment and financial sectors. Limited partnerships (LPs) and general partnerships (GPs) are popular for private equity and hedge funds due to their tax transparency and flexibility. Family foundations, especially in ADGM and DIFC, are widely adopted for wealth management, estate planning, and investment holding, offering structured governance while maintaining tax efficiency. Also, while real estate investment trusts (REITs) are not transparent by nature, they may qualify for exemption from UAE CT, making this vehicle prevalent in real estate and asset management.
UAE determines the tax residence of incorporated businesses based on the place of incorporation or effective management and control. A company incorporated in the UAE is typically considered a UAE tax resident. However, even if incorporated elsewhere, a company may be deemed a UAE tax resident if its place of effective management and control is in the UAE. For transparent entities like partnerships and foundations, tax residence depends on where key management decisions are made or where the entity is effectively controlled. Double taxation treaties (DTTs) may override domestic rules, often applying the tie-breaker test, which considers factors like the place of incorporation, effective management, and economic substance.
Incorporated businesses in the UAE are subject to a 9% corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED375,000, with income below this threshold taxed at 0%. Certain businesses, such as those in free zones, may benefit from tax exemptions if they meet qualifying criteria.
For businesses owned by individuals directly or through transparent entities (such as partnerships or sole proprietorships), taxation depends on whether the entity is considered a separate legal entity. If not, profits may be taxed at the owner’s level, with corporate tax applying if the income arises from a business or commercial activity conducted in the UAE. However, personal income from employment, dividends, and capital gains remains tax-free for individuals.
Taxable profits in the UAE are primarily calculated by assessing the accounting net profit or loss for the relevant tax period, based on the financial statements prepared in compliance with Article 20 of the UAE Corporate Tax Law. This calculation may involve specific tax adjustments. Profits are recognised on an accrual basis, meaning income and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, rather than when cash is received or paid.
Key tax adjustments include:
Losses can be carried forward and offset against future taxable income, subject to conditions.
The UAE offers special tax incentives for technology investments, including full deductibility of R&D expenses and a planned R&D tax credit (30%-50%) from 2026 to encourage innovation. Qualifying Intellectual Property (IP) income, such as royalties from patents and copyrighted software, can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate if the IP is developed or managed in the UAE, acting as a patent box regime. Additionally, technology companies in Free Zones can enjoy a 0% tax rate on qualifying income, which includes revenue from IP licensing, certain software sales, and transactions with Free Zone or foreign clients but excludes trademarks as income from trademarks is taxable at the standard corporate tax rate and does not qualify for preferential treatment under Free Zone or IP regimes, as trademarks are excluded from the definition of Qualifying Intellectual Property.
However, income not meeting the qualifying criteria may be subject to the standard 9% corporate tax. In the UAE, trademarks are excluded from the definition of Qualifying Intellectual Property, so income from trademarks does not benefit from the 0% Free Zone tax rate – but importantly, it is not treated as non-qualifying income, meaning it will not, by itself, disqualify a Free Zone entity from receiving the 0% rate on other qualifying income.
The UAE offers industry-specific tax incentives across Free Zones, financing, holding companies, investment funds, and innovation-driven businesses.
Free Zones & Industry-Specific Benefits
Financing & Holding Companies
Investment Funds & Restructuring
R&D & IP Incentives
Energy & General Investment Benefits
In the UAE, tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely and used to offset up to 75% of taxable income in future tax periods, provided that at least 50% ownership continuity is maintained, or the business continues to operate in a similar manner following a change in ownership exceeding 50%. Tax loss carryback is not allowed, meaning losses cannot be applied to prior tax periods. Losses can generally be used to offset taxable income, but capital and ordinary business losses may be subject to specific restrictions depending on their nature. Additionally, losses can be transferred within a group under conditions outlined below.
In the UAE, businesses can deduct the greater of AED12 million or 30% of adjusted EBITDA for net interest expenses. Any disallowed interest expenses can be carried forward for up to 10 tax periods for future deductions. Interest on related party loans used for dividends, share buybacks, capital contributions, or acquiring related businesses is not deductible unless the taxpayer proves there was no tax avoidance intent. Banks, insurers, and certain infrastructure projects that meet government criteria are exempt from these interest deduction limits.
Companies under common ownership can form a tax group, allowing them to be treated as a single taxable entity if they meet the conditions outlined below.
Groups can still benefit from tax loss transfers if tax consolidation is not chosen. One entity can transfer losses to another if there is at least 75% common ownership, provided that both entities are UAE resident juridical persons, they meet the same financial year and accounting standards requirements, and neither should be an exempt person or QFZP. This allows separate companies within a group to utilise losses while maintaining their individual tax filings.
In the UAE, capital gains from selling shares in another corporation are taxed differently depending on whether the investment is domestic or foreign.
If these conditions are not met for foreign investments, the capital gains are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate.
Aside from corporate tax, an incorporated business in the UAE may also be liable for value-added tax (VAT) at 5% on most goods and services it supplies. Customs duties can apply to imported goods, while excise tax is levied on specific products such as tobacco, carbonated beverages, and energy drinks. Additionally, certain transactions, like property or share transfers, might incur registration fees or stamp duties depending on the emirate and nature of the transaction. Although withholding tax exists, its rate is generally 0%, so it typically (at this stage) does not add to the tax burden on transactions.
In the UAE, incorporated businesses are generally subject to corporate tax at 9% but may also face additional taxes depending on their activities and location. Branches of foreign banks are subject to Emirate-level corporate taxes, which range from 20% to 55% depending on the emirate. This applies separately from federal corporate tax. Similarly, oil and gas companies are taxed at up to 55% under Emirate-specific rules.
Most closely held local businesses in the UAE are structured as corporate entities, typically as limited liability companies or free zone companies, rather than as non-corporate businesses like sole proprietorships. This preference is driven by the benefits of limited liability and a formal, stable legal framework that facilitates access to financing and investment.
Currently, the UAE does not impose personal income tax on individuals, so professionals such as architects, engineers, consultants, and accountants do not pay income tax on their earnings. The newly introduced corporate tax, effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023, applies a 9% tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000. No specific rules prevent individuals from incorporating to benefit from potential tax efficiencies, as the primary tax burden relates to corporate earnings above the threshold. However, with the corporate tax regime just beginning, additional compliance requirements and anti-avoidance regulations may be introduced in the future to address such practices.
No specific rules in the UAE prevent closely held corporations from retaining earnings for investment purposes. Unlike some other jurisdictions, the UAE does not impose an accumulated earnings tax or similar penalty on undistributed profits. The corporate tax law focuses on taxing profits above certain thresholds rather than regulating how earnings are used. This approach is designed to encourage reinvestment and support business growth.
Individuals are not taxed on dividend income because there is no personal income tax in the UAE. Similarly, any capital gains realised from the sale of shares in closely held corporations are not subject to tax. Consequently, individuals receive dividends and realise gains on share sales without incurring additional personal tax liabilities.
Individuals in the UAE are not taxed on dividends from publicly traded corporations, as there is no personal income tax. Likewise, any gains realised by the individual from the sale of shares, including capital gains, are not subject to tax.
In the UAE, withholding taxes on interest, dividends, and royalties are levied at a statutory rate of 0% in the absence of income tax treaties. This 0% rate means that, in practice, these payments are not subject to any tax. Consequently, no additional reliefs are available since the effective rate is already zero.
The UAE has an extensive network of tax treaties with over 90 jurisdictions, which helps provide certainty and favourable tax treatment for foreign investors. Key treaty countries often include major financial centres such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Singapore, along with other developed economies like Germany, France, etc.
While the UAE tax authorities generally accept the use of treaty country entities, they scrutinise arrangements that appear artificial or solely aimed at securing treaty benefits. Authorities focus on ensuring that these entities have genuine tax residency and meet economic substance requirements in the treaty jurisdiction. In practice, properly structured entities that comply with local and treaty rules are not typically challenged.
For inbound investors operating through a local UAE corporation, the primary transfer pricing issues include establishing robust arm’s-length pricing for related party transactions, such as intercompany financing, service fees, and royalty arrangements, in the absence of extensive local guidance. Valuation challenges can arise due to the UAE’s unique economic environment, making comparability analyses and the selection of appropriate transfer pricing methods critical. In addition, comprehensive documentation is essential to support pricing decisions and comply with evolving international standards and local economic substance requirements. Finally, ensuring consistency with both UAE and home jurisdiction transfer pricing rules is vital to minimise the risk of adjustments or penalties.
In the UAE, local authorities typically accept related-party limited risk distribution arrangements if they are well-documented and reflect genuine business functions at arm’s length. However, if these arrangements appear primarily structured to shift profits or fail to meet substance requirements, they may be scrutinised. Robust transfer pricing documentation and clear functional analyses are key to mitigating potential challenges. Overall, while the UAE has a relatively liberal tax regime, compliance with both international transfer pricing principles and local substance rules is essential.
Based on the latest available information, the UAE’s transfer pricing approach remains broadly aligned with the OECD arm’s length principle, though the regime is still maturing and less detailed than many OECD jurisdictions. Enforcement tends to rely more on economic substance and general anti-avoidance measures rather than on exhaustive transfer pricing documentation requirements. While this may seem less rigorous, it also means that the UAE authorities focus on ensuring that transactions reflect genuine business activities and are not solely structured for tax avoidance. However, given that tax policies can evolve, it is advisable to consult current local guidance or a UAE tax professional for the most up-to-date details.
UAE tax authorities are increasingly focused on transfer pricing compliance, but since the first tax exercise begins in 2024, there are no prior years to re-open using new information. International transfer pricing disputes resolved through double tax treaties and the MAP process remain relatively infrequent. While there has been a modest increase in enquiries, MAP cases are still relatively limited compared to jurisdictions with more established transfer pricing regimes. Overall, the emphasis is on ensuring robust compliance going forward rather than revisiting historical periods.
Under the current UAE regime, compensating adjustments, as typically seen in other jurisdictions, are not explicitly provided when settling transfer pricing claims.
Under the UAE corporate tax regime, both a local branch of a non-local corporation and a local subsidiary (a separate UAE-incorporated company) of a non-local corporation are generally subject to the same 9% corporate tax rate on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. The key difference lies in how profits are recognised and allocated:
However, the statutory tax rate itself does not differ solely because one entity is structured as a branch and the other as a subsidiary. The compliance and filing obligations can vary somewhat (for example, a subsidiary files its own return, while a branch may file as the permanent establishment of its foreign parent), but both face the same basic corporate tax regime.
Under the current UAE tax framework, capital gains on the sale of shares in local corporations are generally not taxed for non-residents. This applies even when the gain is derived from selling shares of a non-local holding company that directly owns local corporate stock. Applicable tax treaties should also typically be consulted to confirm this treatment. Consequently, both direct and indirect capital gains are not taxed in the UAE for gains earned by non-resident investors under the current UAE corporate tax law.
Under the current UAE tax regime, no specific change-of-control provisions trigger tax or duty charges solely because of a change in ownership, even for the disposal of an indirect holding high up in an overseas group. Transactions are generally only taxed based on UAE-sourced income rather than the mere fact of a change in control. No additional stamp duties or reassessments are triggered by such disposals under federal tax law.
Under the current UAE corporate tax framework, there is no statutory requirement to use specific formulas to determine the income of foreign-owned local affiliates selling goods or providing services. Instead, taxable income is determined on an arm’s-length basis, with affiliates expected to substantiate their income and expenses in accordance with general tax principles and transfer pricing guidelines.
The arm’s length principle is applied, meaning the expense must reflect what independent parties would pay for similar services. The local affiliate must demonstrate that the management or administrative expense was incurred wholly and exclusively to generate UAE-sourced income and provide a commensurate benefit. Adequate documentation supporting the nature, amount, and necessity of the services rendered is essential. Essentially, the deduction is only allowed if the expense is justified and aligned with market conditions, ensuring no artificial profit shifting.
Foreign-owned local affiliates borrowing from non-local affiliates must follow the arm’s length principle, meaning that interest rates and terms should match those agreed upon by independent parties. Adequate documentation is required to demonstrate the loan’s commercial substance and genuine business purpose. No fixed statutory ceilings or prescribed rates exist, but transactions must reflect market conditions. UAE authorities may adjust the terms if they deviate from arm’s length standards, ensuring that interest deductions are justified. In addition, in the UAE, net interest expense is generally deductible up to 30% of the taxable EBITDA, with a safe harbour threshold of AED12 million of net interest expense per tax period.
Local corporations in the UAE are taxed on their worldwide income, including foreign-sourced income. This foreign income is not exempt but is subject to the same corporate tax rate, with potential relief through foreign tax credits or treaty benefits to avoid double taxation. If the conditions are met, any taxes paid abroad may be credited against the UAE tax liability. The exact application depends on the nature of the foreign income and the provisions of applicable double tax treaties.
Since foreign income is fully taxable under the UAE corporate tax regime, there is no specific disallowance of expenses attributable to foreign income. All expenses incurred in generating taxable income, whether domestic or foreign, are generally deductible if they meet standard requirements and are properly documented. When expenses relate to both domestic and foreign income, they must be reasonably allocated between the two sources. In effect, no additional non-deductibility rules are triggered by foreign income because it is taxed along with domestic income.
Dividends received by local corporations from foreign subsidiaries are included in the local income for UAE corporate tax purposes. However, foreign tax credits may be available to mitigate double taxation if the income was already taxed in the foreign jurisdiction. Some dividends might benefit from preferential tax treatment or exemptions if specific conditions and documentation requirements are met in certain circumstances. Under the UAE corporate tax regime, the participation exemption allows local corporations to receive dividends from foreign subsidiaries free from additional UAE taxation, provided that specific criteria such as minimum ownership thresholds and holding period requirements are met and the dividend has been subject to tax abroad.
Intangibles developed by local corporations and used by non-local subsidiaries must be transferred at arm’s length, and any income derived from such transfers (eg, royalty payments) is subject to UAE corporate tax (unless it constitutes qualifying income and meets all QFZP requirements). If the pricing does not reflect market conditions, transfer pricing adjustments can be made to ensure that the income is appropriately taxed.
Local corporations in the UAE are not subject to CFC-type rules, meaning they are not taxed on the income of their non-local subsidiaries; the foreign subsidiary’s income is taxed only in its own jurisdiction, and dividends repatriated to the local parent may benefit from participation exemptions. In contrast, non-local branches of local corporations are not separate legal entities, so their income is consolidated with the parent’s worldwide income and taxed accordingly under the UAE corporate tax regime.
Tax rules in the UAE do not impose direct substance requirements on non-local affiliates; however, if a non-local affiliate operates through a UAE permanent establishment or otherwise engages in UAE-based activities, that entity must comply with applicable economic substance regulations. For non-local affiliates that remain entirely abroad, local substance rules generally do not apply.
Local corporations are generally taxed on the capital gain from the sale of shares in non-local affiliates, although they may be eligible for a participation exemption if specific conditions are met, such as minimum ownership thresholds, holding periods, and the non-local affiliate being subject to an adequate level of tax. If these conditions are not satisfied, the gain is included in the taxable income and is subject to the standard UAE corporate tax rate of 9%.
The corporate tax framework in the UAE incorporates overarching anti-avoidance provisions, including general anti-avoidance rules and economic substance requirements, to counter arrangements that lack genuine commercial substance and are primarily designed to secure tax benefits. Additionally, transfer pricing rules and specific measures targeting certain transactions enable authorities to scrutinise and adjust artificial arrangements to ensure they reflect true economic activity.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority uses a risk-based approach rather than a fixed routine audit cycle, meaning audits are not scheduled at regular intervals for all taxpayers. Risk indicators, discrepancies in filings, or random sampling typically trigger audits. Companies are required to maintain detailed records and documentation to support their tax positions, and the FTA may request additional information if needed. Overall, while there is no fixed cycle, maintaining robust compliance is essential to navigate potential reviews.
As is clear from the above, the UAE has implemented several BEPS-recommended changes, including the introduction of a comprehensive corporate tax framework that aligns with OECD and international standards. New economic substance rules and updated transfer pricing guidelines have been introduced to ensure that profits are taxed where economic activities take place.
Additionally, the UAE has adopted Pillar Two (effective FY2025) measures and country-by-country reporting requirements for larger multinational groups to mitigate profit shifting and enhance tax transparency. These initiatives collectively reinforce the UAE’s commitment to a fair and robust tax system that aligns with global best practices.
The UAE government has taken a proactive stance on BEPS, integrating measures like economic substance rules and a new corporate tax framework to balance international compliance with its investment-friendly environment. Its goal is to curb profit shifting and ensure taxation occurs where genuine economic activity occurs, while maintaining competitive tax rates to attract business.
Pillar Two is expected to be implemented, likely in tandem with the new corporate tax regime, ensuring a global minimum tax for multinationals, whereas Pillar One may have a more limited immediate impact given the UAE’s current tax structure. These changes will most affect large multinationals that must enhance their reporting and compliance efforts to meet global standards.
International tax matters generally have a lower public profile in the UAE compared to other jurisdictions, allowing policymakers to implement BEPS recommendations without significant domestic political pressure. The government is focused on maintaining its reputation as a global business hub while meeting international standards and ensuring transparency. As a result, BEPS measures are being integrated primarily through technical and regulatory reforms rather than public debate, ensuring smooth compliance with global expectations. This pragmatic approach helps balance international obligations with the UAE’s goal of remaining an attractive investment destination.
Government is committed to maintaining a competitive tax environment in the UAE while adopting BEPS recommendations in a calibrated manner. By integrating measures such as economic substance rules and the new corporate tax framework alongside targeted exemptions and a low effective rate, the government aims to meet international standards without undermining its appeal as a global business hub.
The UAE is not subject to EU state aid rules, and its frameworks are designed to align with international standards, mitigating such risks. There have been no significant disputes or challenges in this area, with the system largely praised for its balance between competitiveness and compliance. The government is expected to continuously review and adjust its policies in light of BEPS pressures to ensure the regime remains attractive and robust.
Currently, the UAE tax regime does not have dedicated provisions specifically targeting hybrid instruments, but there is awareness of international trends and proposals emerging from the BEPS process. Future changes will likely be implemented through targeted amendments to the corporate tax framework designed to address hybrid mismatches while preserving the UAE’s competitive tax environment and aligning with global anti-abuse standards.
While the corporate tax regime is not strictly territorial, the UAE has implemented interest deductibility limitations aligning with OECD BEPS Action 4. Net interest expense is generally deductible up to 30% of the taxable EBITDA, with a safe harbour threshold of AED12 million of net interest expense per tax period. Under certain conditions, disallowed interest can be carried forward for up to 10 years.
Additionally, interest paid to related parties may be further restricted unless a valid business purpose test and arm’s length conditions are met, as per Article 30 of the law and relevant transfer pricing guidelines. Consequently, investors and companies might need to adjust their financing structures once these proposals are implemented, although any changes will likely seek a balance between curbing tax avoidance and maintaining market attractiveness.
The UAE’s corporate tax regime is not strictly territorial. However, the need for traditional CFC rules is less pressing, as foreign income is generally only taxed if and when repatriated or connected to UAE economic activity. While the general intent behind CFC proposals (to curb profit shifting) is sound, any measures adopted in the UAE must be carefully calibrated to avoid inadvertently penalising genuine cross-border business activities and undermining the jurisdiction’s competitive tax advantages.
DTC limitation on benefits and anti-avoidance rules are designed to ensure that tax treaty benefits are granted only to genuine investors and may impact transactions structured primarily for tax avoidance. However, given the UAE’s favourable tax environment, including a 0% withholding rate on many cross-border payments, the practical impact for bona fide inbound and outbound investors is generally limited. Investors should ensure that their structures meet substance requirements and align with arm’s-length standards to fully benefit from treaty provisions.
The BEPS-driven changes have increased the emphasis on robust transfer pricing documentation and economic substance, but they have not radically altered the UAE’s competitive and business-friendly tax regime. Likewise, the taxation of profits from intellectual property is managed through standard arm’s length principles and substance principles, and has not emerged as a significant source of controversy, provided that transactions are properly structured and documented.
The UAE fully supports transparency measures, including country-by-country reporting for larger multinational enterprises. The jurisdiction has implemented CBCR as part of its commitment to international tax standards and information exchange. This approach helps maintain its reputation as a responsible tax jurisdiction while preserving its competitive environment. Overall, the UAE balances transparency with its attractive, business-friendly tax framework.
Presently, no specific measures targeting the taxation of transactions or profits from digital economy businesses operating largely from outside the UAE's jurisdiction are in effect. The focus remains on ensuring that taxation applies only when there is a substantial economic presence in the UAE. While international discussions under BEPS, Pillar One, and Pillar Two are ongoing, no significant changes have been proposed in this area to date.
The UAE has maintained a balanced stance on digital taxation, emphasising that its tax regime applies only to businesses with a genuine economic presence in the country. To date, no specific digital taxation proposals have been introduced, with the jurisdiction opting to align with international frameworks such as BEPS and monitoring the developments under Pillar One and Pillar Two.
The UAE has not implemented separate provisions specifically for the taxation of offshore intellectual property deployed within the country. Instead, any income derived from such IP is taxed as part of a local corporation’s overall income under the standard corporate tax framework, without a distinct withholding tax or direct assessment imposed on the IP owner.
The regime does not differentiate between IP owners based on whether they are in tax havens or countries with a double tax treaty, so long as the income is attributable to UAE-based activities. The focus remains on applying the arm’s length principle and standard corporate taxation rules to all income.
The Offices 5 3rd Floor
One Central
DWTC
P.O. Box 10152
Dubai
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Hourani & Partners
BD@houranipartners.com https://houranipartners.com/Navigating a New Tax Landscape: Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been recognised globally as a business-friendly jurisdiction due to its minimal taxation and regulatory simplicity, historically imposing no federal corporate or personal income tax. However, global pressures from the OECD’s efforts against tax avoidance, coupled with the UAE’s strategic goals of economic diversification and fiscal transparency, have prompted transformative reforms in its taxation landscape.
A landmark development was the introduction of the UAE’s first federal corporate tax regime effective June 1, 2023. Established through Federal Decree-Law No 47 of 2022, it introduced a corporate tax rate of 9% on profits exceeding AED375,000 annually, preserving tax exemptions for smaller enterprises and startups. This significant reform aligns the UAE with international standards, enhancing its attractiveness as a transparent, compliant global economic hub.
In line with international tax reform, the UAE has implemented the OECD’s Pillar Two framework from January 2025. Pillar Two introduces a global minimum corporate tax of 15% for multinational enterprises with consolidated annual revenues exceeding EUR750 million.
Clarification has also been provided on the taxation of unincorporated partnerships, foreign partnerships, and family foundations. These entities can now benefit from transparent tax treatment, where income passes directly to individual beneficiaries, bypassing taxation at the entity level.
Furthermore, the UAE has strengthened its network of over 100 Double Tax Agreements (DTAs), further ensuring clarity and predictability by reducing double taxation risks and maintaining its attractive zero percent withholding tax rates on dividends, royalties, and interest.
Collectively, these comprehensive tax reforms significantly reshape the UAE’s fiscal environment. Businesses and investors must adapt proactively to these changes, balancing increased complexity with greater regulatory certainty and international compliance. Ultimately, these strategic reforms position the UAE as an increasingly sophisticated and attractive global investment destination.
In the lead-up to and following the implementation of the UAE Federal Corporate Tax regime, the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have issued several detailed guides to assist businesses in understanding and complying with the new tax framework. These guides cover specific technical areas of the regime and are designed to clarify the law’s application to various sectors, structures, and transactions.
Among the most notable resources published to date are outlined below.
Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) guide
This guide outlines the conditions that Free Zone businesses must meet to be considered QFZPs and thereby benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. It provides a practical interpretation of substance requirements, the definition of qualifying income, and the implications of earning non-qualifying income.
Participation exemption guide
This guide clarifies the tax exemption available for income derived from qualifying holdings in other legal entities, both domestic and foreign. It includes detailed conditions related to ownership thresholds, subject-to-tax requirements, and anti-avoidance rules.
Investment funds and wealth management guide
This guide explains the treatment of investment funds under the UAE CT regime, particularly focusing on the availability of exemptions for regulated funds and the treatment of income at both the fund and investor levels. It includes criteria for qualifying as an exempt investment fund and guides the tax treatment of fund managers and investors.
These guides, alongside the published legislation and Cabinet/Ministerial Decisions, form the cornerstone of current interpretive material and are instrumental in informing compliance, structuring, and reporting considerations for businesses operating in the UAE.
A Major Shift: The Introduction of Corporate Tax
Effective June 1, 2023, the UAE implemented its first-ever federal corporate tax regime under Federal Decree-Law No 47 of 2022. This significant policy change introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED375,000 annually. Profits below this threshold remain tax-exempt, maintaining the UAE’s commitment to fostering growth among startups and small businesses.
The corporate tax regime reflects the UAE’s commitment to aligning domestic tax practices with global transparency standards. Companies are now required to demonstrate genuine economic substance within the UAE and to maintain robust documentation for transfer pricing and related-party transactions. These requirements aim to combat harmful tax practices and to reinforce international confidence in the UAE’s tax administration, positioning the country favourably in the evolving global economy.
OECD Pillar Two and Its Impact from 2025
In alignment with international trends and the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, the UAE implemented the Pillar Two framework effective January 1, 2025. Pillar Two establishes a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for multinational enterprises with consolidated annual revenues exceeding EUR750 million. Although the UAE’s domestic corporate tax rate remains competitive at 9%, Pillar Two introduces a mandatory Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) to ensure large multinational corporations pay a minimum effective tax rate of 15%.
This development significantly impacts multinational enterprises operating through the UAE, necessitating a thorough reassessment of their global and regional tax structures, and consequently, some historically beneficial tax strategies involving low-tax jurisdictions must now be reconsidered and potentially restructured. Pillar Two compliance, therefore, highlights the UAE’s proactive stance on international tax cooperation. It ensures continued global economic competitiveness alongside increased regulatory rigour, significantly reshaping international corporate tax planning strategies.
Ministerial Decision No 261 of 2024: Clarifying Tax Treatment for Partnerships and Family Foundations
Ministerial Decision No 261 of 2024 (the “Decision”) provides a critical recent clarification in UAE tax law. The Decision addresses three distinct yet related matters: the treatment of unincorporated partnerships, foreign partnerships, and family foundations.
Treatment of an unincorporated partnership as a taxable person
According to Article 3 of the Decision, an unincorporated partnership is considered transparent for corporate tax purposes. As a result, it is not deemed a separate taxable entity; instead, its income and expenses are passed directly to its individual partners, and therefore, tax obligations are assigned to said partners, aligning with internationally recognised principles of pass-through taxation.
Treatment of a foreign partnership as an unincorporated partnership
Article 4 of the Decision further stipulates the conditions under which foreign partnerships may be treated as unincorporated partnerships within the UAE. Foreign partnerships that meet specific criteria – such as not being taxed as separate entities in their home jurisdictions and attributing profits to individual partners – can similarly benefit from pass-through taxation. This treatment significantly simplifies tax compliance for multinational entities operating through partnerships, enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a base for global investment activities.
Treatment of a family foundation as an unincorporated partnership
Most notably, Article 5 of the Decision addresses the tax treatment of family foundations, permitting qualifying family foundations to be treated explicitly as unincorporated partnerships. According to this provision, the family foundation is not subject to corporate tax on its own. Instead, the income generated by the foundation is directly linked to its beneficiaries. This means that any tax liability is incurred by the beneficiaries, not the foundation itself.
This treatment explicitly extends to Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) wholly owned and controlled by qualifying Family Foundations. Provided certain conditions specified in the Decision are met, such as clearly identifying all beneficiaries and properly attributing income, the SPVs also benefit from tax-transparent treatment. Consequently, income from SPVs flows directly through the foundation to its beneficiaries, enabling streamlined wealth management, succession planning, and tax efficiency for high-net-worth UAE families.
By clearly defining the conditions and benefits associated with tax transparency for Family Foundations and associated SPVs, this decision significantly enhances the UAE’s attractiveness as a jurisdiction for sophisticated family wealth structuring. It balances the need for tax transparency with practical considerations of efficient wealth preservation and succession planning. This explicit guidance significantly enhances the UAE’s appeal as a jurisdiction for family wealth management, succession planning, and international partnership structures.
Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) and Their Strategic Role
The UAE maintains an extensive network of over 100 DTAs to complement these domestic developments. These agreements eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of double taxation, clarify international tax rights, and provide increased certainty to multinational businesses operating across borders. Additionally, DTAs affirm the UAE’s domestic 0% withholding tax rate on dividends, royalties, and interest, further strengthening its position as a globally competitive investment destination.
These DTAs also incorporate robust dispute resolution mechanisms through Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs), emphasising the UAE’s commitment to stable and predictable international tax relationships. The continued expansion of the UAE’s treaty network highlights its strategic goal of enhancing global economic integration.
Sector-Specific Tax Developments: Investment Funds, Pension Funds, and Banks
Under the new corporate tax regime, specific sectors receive tailored regulatory treatments to sustain their competitiveness and stability. Investment funds structured according to UAE regulations retain explicit corporate tax exemptions, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a premier destination for asset management. Similarly, pension and social security funds remain exempt, ensuring the long-term financial stability and protecting residents’ retirement savings.
Conversely, banks face significant regulatory adjustments. While UAE banks now pay the standard 9% corporate tax rate on profits exceeding AED 375,000, foreign bank branches operating at the emirate level, such as in Dubai, are subject to a higher % annual tax rate of 20% on their taxable income under Law No (1) of 2024. However, this new Law allows foreign banks paying corporate tax under the UAE CT Law to deduct the federal corporate tax amount from their total tax liability. In practical terms, if a foreign bank branch is subject to the 20% emirate-level tax, a tax credit for the 9% federal corporate tax effectively reduces the emirate tax rate to 11%. This New Law annuls and replaces Regulation No. (2) of 1996 previously governing the taxation of foreign banks operating in the Emirate of Dubai, ensuring clarity and alignment with federal standards.
Impact on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
The advent of UAE corporate tax has fundamentally altered the UAE’s landscape for mergers and acquisitions. M&A transactions now require careful planning, meticulous due diligence, and consideration of capital gains and transaction-related taxes previously not applicable. Parties must proactively manage these tax implications, increasing demand for expert tax advisory services to maintain transaction efficiency and compliance.
Practical Considerations: Tax Returns and Compliance
Finally, these tax reforms accompany increased compliance obligations. UAE companies must now submit comprehensive annual tax returns electronically within nine months after the fiscal year-end. The FTA oversees compliance, exercising authority to audit company records to verify adherence to economic substance rules and transfer pricing guidelines.
The introduction of digital filing systems streamlines processes, yet it simultaneously requires businesses to invest significantly in compliance capabilities, comprehensive record-keeping, and rigorous documentation to effectively withstand regulatory scrutiny.
Conclusion
The UAE’s recent tax developments, notably the introduction of federal corporate tax, the forthcoming implementation of OECD Pillar Two, the critical Ministerial Decision No 261 of 2024, and the expansion of its DTA network, reflect its strategic commitment to aligning with global tax standards and enhancing fiscal transparency.
Collectively, these comprehensive tax reforms significantly reshape the UAE’s fiscal landscape. Businesses, investors, and families must proactively adapt, embracing increased complexity in exchange for enhanced regulatory certainty, predictability, and compliance with global tax standards. By doing so, stakeholders can fully leverage the UAE’s continued attractiveness, economic stability, and positioning as a transparent and sophisticated international investment destination.
The Offices 5 3rd Floor
One Central
DWTC
P.O. Box 10152
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
+971 4 205 2000
BD@houranipartners.com www.houranipartners.com