UAE businesses must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within specific deadlines outlined under law. These timelines vary depending on when your trade license was issued and whether your company is already established or newly incorporated.
This blog explains how to determine your Corporate Tax registration deadline based on your license issue date.
1. Trade Licenses Issued Before 1 March 2024
If your license was issued before 1 March 2024 (regardless of the year), you must follow a fixed registration schedule based on the month your license was issued. Use the earliest license date if multiple licenses exist.
| License Issued In | Final Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| January or February | 31 May 2024 |
| March or April | 30 June 2024 |
| May | 31 July 2024 |
| June | 31 August 2024 |
| July | 30 September 2024 |
| August or September | 31 October 2024 |
| October or November | 30 November 2024 |
| December | 31 December 2024 |
2. Licenses Issued On or After 1 March 2024
For companies licensed on or after 1 March 2024, you must register within 3 months of the license issue date.
For example:
- License issued on 10 April 2024 → Deadline is 10 July 2024
- License issued on 1 June 2024 → Deadline is 1 September 2024
This applies to both mainland and free zone entities.
Penalty for Late Registration
Failing to register within the applicable deadline will result in a penalty of AED 10,000, as per Cabinet Decision No. (75) of 2023, on administrative penalties.
Finzoryx Tip
Don't wait for reminders from FTA—they won't come. Your license issue date is your responsibility, and the countdown starts from there. Many businesses mistakenly believe the 3-month rule applies to everyone, but that’s only for licenses issued after 1 March 2024. If your license is older, your deadline could already be past. Stay proactive, check your dates, and seek help early to avoid penalties.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about your deadline or already missed it, Finzoryx can help. We review your license, structure, and financial period to determine your exact compliance requirements—and take care of the registration and filing process.
Contact us at:
📞 0503978121