Unified UAE Legislation Database

FAQ: Will foreign companies and other juridical persons be subject to UAE Corporate tax?

Status

In force

Issuing Authority

Effective date

XX.XX.XXXX

Official Link

https://

Answer:

Yes. Foreign juridical persons will be subject to UAE Corporate Tax if they either:

1. Operate through a Permanent Establishment (PE) in the UAE; or

2. Are considered Resident Persons by being effectively managed and controlled in the UAE. Merely earning UAE-sourced income without a PE or fulfilling residency criteria does not trigger UAE CT registration or liability. 

 

Key Requirements & Rules:

• Permanent Establishment: Defined under Article 14 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 as having a fixed place or representative in the UAE carrying core business activities beyond preparatory or auxiliary roles. 

• Resident Person: As per Article 11 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, a foreign juridical entity is treated as a resident if its place of effective management and control is in the UAE — typically where strategic decisions are made. 

• Tax Base:

- A Non-Resident with a PE is taxed on income attributed to that PE and any UAE-sourced income. 

- A Foreign resident juridical person recognized as resident is taxed on worldwide income. 

 

Examples:

• A foreign company with a UAE offi...