Mainland or Free Zone: Which Is Right for Your UAE Business?
How the two options differ, who each one suits, and the mistakes that lead to costly restructuring.
Read the GuideFrom your first FTA registration to every return after it, we keep Mainland and Free Zone companies compliant, organised and free of penalties.
KAA Tax Consultant LLC, a licensed tax consultancy in Dubai Mainland
One team for tax, books and compliance, with a partner overseeing your file.
UAE tax rules have changed quickly since VAT arrived in 2018 and Corporate Tax followed in 2023. Many owners now spend more time worrying about deadlines than running their business. That's where we come in.
Our team of accountants and tax specialists brings more than 20 years of practice to startups, SMEs and established groups. We register you correctly, keep your records in order and file on time, so you can focus on growth.
Registration, relief elections and annual returns.
Filings, corrections and FTA audits.
Up-to-date accounts every month.
Licences, UBO, ESR and bank KYC.
Choose a single service, or let us handle your complete finance and compliance function.
We hold a Dubai Mainland licence for tax consultancy and accounting.
Straight answers that keep you on the right side of the FTA.
You know the cost before we begin. No surprise invoices.
Senior people review your work, not just junior staff.
We understand how the rules differ for each type of entity.
Our clients range from first-time founders to owner-managed groups with several entities. What they share is a wish to get compliance right without it taking over their week.
Book a free, no-obligation review with one of our consultants, or send us a quick question on WhatsApp.
Quick answers to the questions business owners ask us most often.
Yes. Every company incorporated in the UAE, whether on the Mainland or in a Free Zone, must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and obtain a Corporate Tax registration number. This applies even if you expect to pay no tax or plan to claim a relief. Individuals running a business may also need to register once their turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a year.
Taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%, and income above that is taxed at 9%. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on its qualifying income if it meets the required conditions.
The return, and any tax payable, is due within nine months of the end of your financial year. For a company with a 31 December year-end, that means by 30 September of the following year.
Small Business Relief allows resident businesses with revenue of AED 3 million or less in a tax period to be treated as having no taxable income, for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. You must still register, choose the relief in your return and file on time. We check whether you qualify and file the election for you.
Registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or are expected to exceed it in the next 30 days. You can register voluntarily from AED 187,500. VAT returns are normally filed quarterly and are due by the 28th day after the end of each period.
It can, but only if it qualifies. A Qualifying Free Zone Person must keep adequate substance in the Free Zone, earn qualifying income, maintain audited financial statements and meet the other FTA conditions. We review your activities and transactions to confirm whether 0% applies and what you need to keep it.
Book a free consultation by phone, WhatsApp or the enquiry form. We'll review where you stand, explain what you need to do, and give you a fixed quote before any work begins.
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How the two options differ, who each one suits, and the mistakes that lead to costly restructuring.
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