One of the main advantages of doing business in the United Arab Emirates is the preferential tax treatment that businesses get. The UAE has a 0% corporate income tax for individuals and legal entities, which is ideal for anyone wanting to own their own business. But, in order to not pay taxes on profits earned here in another country, you will have to apply for a UAE Tax Resident Certificate. This certificate was created because of the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) the UAE and other countries have signed to avoid double taxation. There’s a long list of countries, so you’ll want to make sure you aren’t missing out on these benefits. Keep reading to find out what this certificate is and how your company can get one.

What is a UAE Tax Domicile Certificate?

A Tax Residency Certificate, which is also referred to as a domicile certificate, is an official document that is used by the UAE Ministry of Finance. The certificate confirms that a company or person has a tax resident status in the UAE. Why is this important to have? Authorities and banking institutions around the world consider the UAE Tax Residence Certificates as proof of tax residency in the UAE. This will help ensure that business owners aren’t paying taxes for the same income twice. The certificate helps investors claim the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement benefits in over 75 countries that have signed the treaty.

This isn’t just for companies. Individuals who are a fiscal resident in the UAE for more than 180 days can provide all the required documents to the Federal Tax Authority to also take advantage of the treaty.

Why Do I Need to Get a UAE Tax Residency?

Investors in the UAE can enjoy the best business experience and access to the international market. Having a UAE Tax Resident Certificate is one of those added benefits to the business in the UAE. If you don’t have a Tax Residency UAE Certificate, then you may be subject to double taxes and have to pay taxes in your native country. Here are some other reasons why you may want to look into getting your certificate:

Confirmed tax residency in UAE imposes no income or corporate tax rate
There’s a big network of companies that have signed the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement with the UAE
You earn the right to move freely in the Gulf States
An individual can avoid income tax
It can help promote international business

How Do I Get a UAE Tax Residence Certificate?

The requirements for this certificate will depend on which type you will need. Both companies and individuals can apply for this certificate. Here is what you will need:

Required Documents for Tax Residency Certificate for Companies

Copy of Company Trade License
Establishment contract certified by official authorities
Copies of Shareholder’s and Manager’s passports, residence visas, and Emirates ID
Certified copy of the latest audited financial Statement/Audit Report
Bank statement from the last 6 months
Certified copy of Company lease agreement or Tenancy Contract
If you have any tax forms from the country in which the certificate is to be submitted, you will have to turn those in

Required Documents for Tax Residency Certificate for Individuals

Passport Copy
UAE Residence Visa Copy
Emirates ID Copy
A certified copy of residential lease agreement or Tenancy Contract Copy
Latest Salary certificate
Bank statement from the last 6 months
A report from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs specifying the number of days the resident has stayed in the UAE
Tax forms, if there are any, from the country in which the certificate is to be submitted

This certificate is valid for one year after the date that it is issued.

How Can I Get Tax Residency in the UAE?

There are three ways you can get a UAE residence certificate:

Through an employment contract
By purchasing property
By registering a Free Zone company

Registering a company in the Free Zone is the most popular option. One reason it’s the top choice because it allows expatriate shareholders and employees of a company to apply for residency status. Registering a Free Zone company is quick and easy, and you’ll get to enjoy several business bonuses like full exemption from income and corporate tax in UAE, 100% foreign ownership, no exchange restrictions, and more.

Here are the steps you need to take to form your company in the Free Zone:

Registration of a Free Zone (FZ) Company

Submit an application for approval for your company name
Submit your business plan along with any other necessary documents to the Free Zone Authority
Visit UAE to complete the incorporation formalities
Apply for visas for the owners, company executives, and family members
As soon as the application for the visa is submitted, you will have to leave the company and re-enter under the residence permit
After the visa is issued, you will have to return to UAE to complete visa formalities. The UAE resident has to visit the UAE every six months for 1-2 days. The visa is valid for two years.

Advantages of Free Zones

0% corporate income tax
If you operate a business like consulting, management, communications, design, etc., then you won’t need to have a physical office
You can easily open a personal and corporate bank account in the UAE
There’s no minimum share capital requirement
No local partner is needed
You can get visas for family and employees
The formation is quick: license within 72 hours, visas within 30 days

The Tax Residency Certificate is not applicable to Offshore companies.

Let MSZ Consultancy Help You Get a UAE Tax Residency

At MSZ Consultancy, we specialize in the business set up in the UAE, and we are familiar with all the formalities that come along with forming a business here. We can guide you through all the paperwork and make sure you have all of the required documents to get your UAE Tax Residency Certificate. We want to make sure you are getting the maximum benefits of doing business in the UAE. We offer company formation and tax consultancy services to help your company see the best results. Contact us today at +971 52 544 1248 for a free consultation on how to get your Tax Residency Certificate.

Getting Your Tax Resident Certificate in UAE