The licence is the start. Registration, banking and compliance obligations follow, and a launch announcement is worth planning at the same time.
Registration and compliance
Register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. The regime applies to UAE businesses, including free zone companies, though qualifying free zone persons may benefit from a preferential rate on qualifying income.
Register for VAT once taxable supplies pass the mandatory threshold; voluntary registration is possible below it.
Keep proper accounting records from day one — they are required for tax filing and for bank compliance reviews.
Banking
Corporate account opening is a compliance process separate from licensing, covering shareholders, source of funds and expected transaction flows.
Prepare a clear business description, contracts or invoices where available, and shareholder documentation. Vague activity descriptions are the most common cause of delay.
Announcing your launch
A launch is a legitimate news event when it carries facts: what the company does, who founded it, where it is licensed, when it opened and what is verifiable.
Prepare a short factual summary, founder names and titles, the licence jurisdiction, the launch date and a photo you own or are licensed to use, with the credit.
The News Collective covers new UAE companies editorially at no cost. Send the details to hello@thenewscollective.ae.
Frequently asked questions
Do free zone companies pay corporate tax?
Free zone companies fall under the UAE corporate tax regime. A qualifying free zone person may apply a preferential rate to qualifying income, but registration and filing obligations still apply.
When must I register for VAT?
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed the threshold set by the Federal Tax Authority, with voluntary registration available at a lower level.
How do I get my new company covered in UAE business media?
Send a short, factual launch summary with founder names, licence jurisdiction, launch date and a credited photo. BusinessNews.ae publishes coverage produced by The News Collective; email hello@thenewscollective.ae.