The UAE has long been considered an attractive destination in which to work, live or set up a business.

One of the primary

reasons for this is the well-known statement that the UAE is 'tax free'.

The question that most often follows is, is that really true? The answer is yes...and no! The UAE is largely tax free, but there
are some instances where taxes are applied.

In this monthly insight, we break down the taxes that are applicable in the UAE, as well as which aspects of life in the UAE
really are tax free, and how to take advantage of them as an individual or business owner.

Contrary to popular belief, there are some taxes that exist in the UAE. For a start, the profits of international banks and
energy firms operating in the UAE are taxed at the federal level.  Further, there are several municipal taxes applicable in the
UAE: you may notice a 10% tax added to the bill on hotel and restaurant visits, and there is also a form of council tax
applied to utility bills. Alcohol is also heavily taxed upon import and purchase, and lastly, VAT was implemented in the UAE
in 2018, at a rate of 5%.

Whilst the above seems like a lengthy list, there is one key aspect that remains tax free in the UAE, and that is income tax
(both individual and corporate).  Furthermore, reporting on a broadcast last year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai stated that: "his country would never
adopt income tax as a way to relieve debt. 'My reply is: No income taxes.'"

This means that it is unlikely that tax will ever be levied on income in the UAE.

We discuss both corporate and personal income tax in the UAE in further detail below.

Corporate Tax

Each Emirate has its own laws on corporate taxes for companies operating within them, but in reality and as mentioned
above, taxes are imposed only on foreign gas or oil producing companies and branches of international banks operating
within the UAE.

Therefore, all other companies established in the UAE are not subject to corporate taxes. This is applicable across all UAE
jurisdictions (Onshore, Free Zone and Offshore).  Furthermore, there are no withholding taxes levied on companies who
remit income outwards whether it be dividends, royalties or interest.  Therefore, repatriation of profits is 100% tax free and
there are no limitations on the amounts repatriated.

The only form of taxation that may be encountered is VAT. However, this is only applicable to UAE businesses providing
goods or services to customers based in the UAE or GCC region.  Goods and services provided internationally are zero-
rated for VAT purposes.

Income Tax

The UAE Federal Government does not impose any form of tax on income earned by individuals in the UAE.  Therefore, if
you are a resident living and working in the UAE, this likely means that your UAE earnings are free from tax.

However, in this instance it is important to differentiate between physical or civil residency and tax or fiscal residency.  Civil
Residence is a casual term often used to define the country which you are currently living in, and/or the country which you
have the strongest affiliation with.  A Fiscal Residency is the country which you claim as your "fiscal home" and therefore are
called to pay taxes to, according to that country's tax laws.

Having your "fiscal home" in a favourable tax jurisdiction is where the benefit of the UAE residence comes in.  By first
obtaining residence status, and then ultimately fiscal residence status in the UAE, you can take full advantage of the tax-free
environment.

UAE residency is obtained either by being employed, setting up your own company or investing in property in the UAE.
Once you are resident, you then need to demonstrate adequate substance in the UAE in order to become a fiscal resident.

Substance is the collection of sufficient evidence required by both the tax authorities, as well as financial institutions to
demonstrate that the country you are claiming as your "fiscal home" (and thus your fiscal residency) is indeed where you
have substantial interests.  A proper employment (a double benefit if at your own UAE company), maintaining a personal
current account (on which salary payments are made and from which local expenses are deducted), a local phone number,
a local mailing address and of course a place of accommodation, would build a strong case of substance and legitimacy.

Finally, having the above in place gives you eligibility to apply for a UAE Personal Tax Certificate.  The tax certificate is proof
that you have met the UAE's criteria for fiscal residency and declares that you are a resident in the UAE for tax purposes.

Conclusion

Perhaps the more correct statement is that 'the UAE is free of personal and corporate taxes'. And whilst there are some
forms of tax that may be encountered, the UAE remains an exceedingly tax efficient jurisdiction.  This, coupled with the
recent relaxations surrounding company ownership, longer term residence visas and inheritance laws, have cemented the
region's status as an attractive base for the global citizens of today.