According to experts, both international companies and individual consultants will benefit from domestic tax residency rules. Arun Leslie John, Chief Market Analyst of Century Financial gave the example of a German-incorporated company with a trading branch in Dubai that has a taxable income of Dh100 million in the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2023.

According to him, the company is subject to a 15 percent corporate tax rate in Germany on its global income.

Under UAE corporate tax law, the company can choose between two options for its branch profits. They can either claim a foreign tax credit for taxes paid in Germany or elect to be taxed at the UAE corporate tax rate of 9 per cent and repatriate its branch profits to Germany without further taxation.”

The company can repatriate its branch profits of Dh1 million to Germany without incurring an additional tax if it chooses the second option, resulting in a corporate tax liability of Dh9 million in the UAE.

Because the company elects to pay tax in the UAE, it benefits from a lower effective tax rate than Germany's standard 15% rate. As a result, it saves Dh6 million in taxes compared to paying corporate tax at 15 per cent. Additionally, the company can repatriate its branch profits without facing any withholding tax or double taxation.

This month, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued Ministerial Decision No. 27 of 2023 implementing Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 on determining tax residency. The law regarding this was issued in September 2022 and stipulates the number of days that an individual is physically present in the UAE to be considered a tax resident among other things.

Individuals and companies will benefit

In June 2023, UAE mainland companies will be subject to a corporate tax (CT) of 9 percent. Given this scenario, it will be beneficial for individuals and companies to tax residents of the UAE, says Nazar Musa, CEO, PRO Partner Group. “Compared to other worldwide corporate tax averages, 9 per cent is still considerably low in comparison to say 25 per cent corporate tax in the UK,” he said. “So, it would remain in the company’s best interest to be a UAE tax resident and obtain a TRC. This also applies to individuals who may have income and profits from another jurisdiction."

Musa gave the example of a consultant who could benefit from tax residency. “An individual consultant earning income from another jurisdiction would choose to make the UAE their home base to benefit from zero-income tax in the UAE,” he said. “It would be in the individual’s best interest to become a UAE tax resident and obtain a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC). As the UAE has 0 per cent personal income tax, individuals can submit their TRC to other tax authorities to demonstrate that they are a UAE tax resident, so that relevant income is taxed based on their residency status in the UAE.”

According to Farhat Ali Khan, Managing Partner of Century Maxim International, the most significant benefit of the scheme would be to avoid double taxation. “Obtaining a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) showcases transparency and demonstrates accountability and commitment to operating legally while fulfilling tax obligations,” he said. “Under the scheme, people can benefit by paying taxes in only one country- either in their country of residence or the country where the income is generated. They can also gain exemption from certain taxes like personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. Also, subject to applicable laws and regulations, TRC holders involved in import-export activities may be able to take advantage of certain tax incentives or exemptions.

How does it work?

A UAE tax resident with a Domestic Tax Residency is exempt from double taxation in their home country and in the UAE. This will come into play when corporates and individuals will pay 9 per cent corporate tax when it comes into effect in June.

Who is eligible to apply?

Domestic Tax Residency regulation defines a UAE tax resident as either a natural or juridical person. A natural person is defined as an individual with a permanent place of residence in the UAE, or one that is employed in, or has a business in, the UAE. Individuals who fall under this category include:

- Have spent 183 days or more in the UAE over a consecutive 12-month period

- Primarily residing in the UAE

- Are based out of the UAE for financial and personal interest