“Is Dubai really tax free?” is a common question foreigners ask whenever you tell them that Dubai is tax free. This incredulity is because every industrialized and developing nation has a tax system, so learning that you don’t pay tax in Dubai is difficult to accept. Prospr has chosen to address this situation by giving you a thorough answer to all your tax questions, including:

• Is tax-free Dubai a real thing?
• Why is Tax-Free in Dubai?
• In Dubai, how much tax do you pay?

Now, let’s explore all the answers related to taxes in Dubai below, but first, let’s address the big issue.

Is Dubai Tax Free?

Yes, it is the answer. The city of Dubai is tax free.

• No income tax is levied.
• The withholding tax is absent.
• The inheritance tax does not exist.

If you run a small or medium-sized company in Dubai, you are eligible for 100% corporate tax exemptions. However, if you own a significant company with a 1 million annual turnover, you should prepare to pay 9% corporate tax.

In Dubai, do you have to pay income tax?

The short answer is no; regardless of how you make money, you don’t pay income tax.

The Dubai government claims they did not intend to apply any income tax or similar private tax. You will not pay any income tax to the government, regardless of whether you work for a living or profit from stock trading.

In Dubai, your private income is entirely tax-free if you possess a UAE Residence visa and do not have an official residence outside the country.

Is VAT applicable in Dubai?

Indeed, Dubai has a five percent VAT rate. The final customer purchasing any goods or services sold in Dubai must pay 5% VAT.

Businesses with annual revenue greater than 90,000 euros are required to register for VAT. After registering, your invoices must include VAT. Another thing to remember is that while foreign transactions in Dubai are 100% tax-free, this VAT only applies to domestic transactions.

Does Dubai have corporate taxation?

Starting in August 2023, companies with revenue exceeding 3 million AED and an annual profit surpassing 375,000 AED would be subject to a 9% corporate tax in Dubai.

If you investigate this case, you will discover that there is no corporate tax if your company’s annual sales remain at 3 million AED, or your profit is less than 375,000 AED.

You should know some things regarding Dubai’s corporate tax.

Corporate tax registration in Dubai is required whether you set up a company on the mainland or in a free zone.

If you run a small business with an annual revenue of more than AED 3 million, you may be eligible to apply for slight business relief. Consequently, you are exempt from corporate taxes. But until 2026, small companies can take advantage of this rebate. You must still file a tax return with the appropriate authorities, even if your business is tax-exempt.

What taxes do free zone companies have to pay in Dubai?

A list of acceptable activities in the free zone with no corporate tax is available. However, you must contact your FZA—free Zone authority—if you need to find out if your free zone qualifies for tax exemptions. The Ministry has granted FZA complete discretion over setting tax exemption requirements for free zone developments.

Recognizing the free zone tax system

To set up a company in the Dubai corporate free zone solely to take advantage of the 0% corporate tax rate, you must fully understand the free zone tax system.

What tax system is a free zone?

This UAE corporate tax relief form allows branches and free zone companies to benefit from preferential treatment of 0% corporate tax on eligible transactions and operations and relief from corporate tax.

People living in the free zone can now receive this privileged treatment. You must, therefore, understand the following thing.

Who is a freezone person in Dubai?

A legal entity registered in a free zone is a free zone person. The entity in question may be a foreign legal entity registered in a free zone area or a company based in the UAE mainland. A foreign organization incorporated in a free zone could also be the source. The free zone tax regime is exclusive to those who are residents of free zones.

Does Dubai have a property tax?

Yes, you must pay the Dubai Land Department a 4 percent land register fee at the time of property transfer. As a property owner, you must pay a 5% tax on the annual rental value of any commercial property you rent out. Renters must pay a housing charge, equivalent to a 5% tax on homes.

Why is Dubai tax free?

After carefully examining its corporate and income taxes, you’ve discovered that Dubai is tax-free. The UAE is now a tax-free zone because of the question at hand. The answer is here, please.

Regarding personal income tax, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are renowned for being essentially “tax-free.” This policy is a component of a larger economic plan to draw highly skilled workers, capital, and enterprises to the area. The following are the primary explanations for why Dubai keeps its environment tax-free:

Diversification of the Economy

Most of the Dubai’s economy comes from oil sales. The governments of the UAE intended to implement a zero-income tax policy by reducing their reliance on oil revenue. Multinational companies, foreigners, and highly qualified workers are drawn to this policy, which increases their interest in moving to Dubai to avoid paying income taxes in their home nations.

An edge over competitors

Every nation aspires to attract prospective investors and entrepreneurs, and it is customary to enact laws that support invention. Dubai’s tax-free policy gives it a competitive advantage over other nations, but it has also attracted a lot of foreign talent and investors.

Income from Additional Sources

Dubai does not impose personal income taxes, although it does impose a 9% corporate tax, 5% VAT, and real estate taxes. Although Dubai generates little money from entrepreneurs, it has a sizable income from other sources.

Encouragement of Greater Income for Spending

Despite not paying income tax, individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs use their savings for gasoline consumption, real estate investment, and other economic activity within the emirates. This tax free strategy is highly beneficial in turning Dubai into a global village where individuals from all over the world come to set up a company, invest, and take advantage of other business opportunities. Therefore, the UAE will significantly benefit from not charging income taxes in the long run.

In Dubai, how much tax do you pay?

Lastly, you understand that you do not have to pay corporate tax or income tax in Dubai unless you own a company with more than AED 3 million in revenue or AED 375,000 in earnings. Every customer in Dubai will pay 5% VAT, 4% housing charge (if they are tenants), and 5% property fee (if they are property owners) each year.

Do you still have any questions regarding taxes in Dubai? Feel free to get in touch with Prospr if the answer is affirmative. All your questions are answered. Our business consultants are always available to guide you if you want to maximize the benefits of the free zone tax regime.

Schedule a consultation right now.