The Introduction of Corporate tax in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marks a significant shift in the country’s fiscal geography. Businesses operating within the UAE will now be subject to CT, and is required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). To ensure a smooth registration process, having a clear understanding of the requisite documents is pivotal. This article helps you understand the essential documentation demanded for CT registration in the UAE, with insights for both mainland and free zone businesses.

Documents Needed for Mandatory Corporate Tax Registration in the UAE:

The core set of documents needed for CT registration applies to all businesses in the UAE, irrespective of the location. These documents serve as the foundation for the FTA to corroborate your company’s legality and tax residency.

1. Trade License Copy – Should be valid and not expired. This is the primary document, acting as evidence that your business is fairly authorized to operate in the UAE. Ensure that the trade license is up- to- date and reflects your current business activities.
2. Owner/ Partner Passport copies – For businesses with individual ownership or partnerships, copies of passports for all owners or partners holding a stake in the company are mandatory. The passports need to be valid and not expired.
3. Emirates ID copies of owners/partners – If the Owners or partners are UAE residents, copies of their valid Emirates IDs are needed alongside passport copies. This provides additional identification verification for the FTA. Also, note that such Emirate ID copies should not be expired.
4. Company Contact Information – The registration process necessitates furnishing the company’s complete physical address, including the building number, Street name, and PO Box details (if applicable). This ensures clear communication channels between the FTA and your business.
5. Authorized Contact Details (Email & Phone)- During the registration process, a designated person within the company will be assigned as the authorized contact. Their email address and phone number must be provided to facilitate communication regarding the registration and for the future correspondence.
6. Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Power of Attorney (POA) – The MOA is a critical document outlining your company’s objects, legal structure, and internal governance rules. Submitting a copy of the MOA allows the FTA to understand the company’s framework. A properly authorized Power of Attorney (POA) is mandatory, if someone other than a company’s owner or partner is registering on behalf of the business. The POA should define the scope of the authorized representative’s power to handle CT registration on the company’s behalf.
7. Ejari Certificate – It serves as a proof that a rental or lease agreement for a property has been registered with the Ejari system. A certified copy of the tenancy agreement is required. Such tenancy contract should be valid and not expired.

Key points to remember to facilitate seamless registration process:

1. Ensure Document Validity: Double- check that all submitted documents, including passports, Emirates IDs, and the trade license, are valid and not expired.
2. Maintain Clarity: When submitting copies, ensure they’re clear, comprehendible, and rather scanned in colour for optimal document processing.
3. Prepare in Advance: Gather all the necessary documents well before initiating the registration process to avoid delays.
4. Seek Professional Guidance: If you encounter any complexities during document preparation or the registration process itself, consider consulting a tax advisor specializing in UAE CT regulations.

A successful registration ensures your business is compliant with the new tax regime and paves the way for smooth future interactions with the FTA.

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Conclusion

By understanding the mandatory documents and potential additional requirements for free zone businesses, you can ensure a smooth and effective registration process. Maintaining accurate and up- to- date records is essential, and seeking professional guidance can be invaluable if you require further assistance. Feel free to reach out to us at BCL Globiz for any support related to registration, tax-return filing and any other advisory or book keeping service.

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