{"id":7794,"date":"2022-04-13T07:22:33","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T07:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/?p=7794"},"modified":"2024-09-11T08:33:56","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:33:56","slug":"taxes-you-must-consider-when-setting-up-your-uae-saudi-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/news\/taxes-you-must-consider-when-setting-up-your-uae-saudi-company\/","title":{"rendered":"TAXES, YOU MUST CONSIDER WHEN SETTING UP YOUR UAE &#038; SAUDI COMPANY"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many things you ought to consider before setting up your company in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Tax is an important area to research and fully understand the implications on your business. Taxes and regulations will vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important to seek the correct advice from a <a href=\"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/tax-consultants\/\">tax consultant in Saudi Arabia<\/a> to safeguard your company and to have the best tax structure in place in compliance with the authorities. Our tax team has detailed a list of the applicable taxes and how this may apply to your company in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. See the below table for your quick reference.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION&#8221; style=&#8221;3d&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_type=&#8221;typicons&#8221; i_icon_typicons=&#8221;typcn typcn-chevron-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:%2Fcontact-us%2F&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto;\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/taxsummaries.pwc.com\/united-arab-emirates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNITED ARAB EMIRATES<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/taxsummaries.pwc.com\/saudi-arabia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SAUDI ARABIA<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">CORPORATE INCOME TAX (CIT)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>HEADLINE CIT RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HEADLINE CIT RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporate tax is a direct tax imposed on the income of companies.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 55% for upstream oil and gas activities,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20% for branches of foreign banks, and (in practice) 0% for most other companies and branches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With effect from 1 June 2023, corporate rate at standard tax rate of 9% will be applied to all business and commercial activities on taxable profits above AED 375,000 (approximately USD 100,000). Extractive industries will remain subject to the Emirates level corporate taxation.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporate income tax at 20% is applied to non-Saudi\/non-GCC share of the tax base (gross income less tax-deductible expenses) in a resident company.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">CORPORATE INCOME TAX (CIT) DUE DATES<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>CIT RETURN DUE DATE<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>CIT RETURN DUE DATE<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable for most industries\/companies (except upstream oil and gas and branches of foreign banks).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within 120 days after the taxpayer\u2019s year-end.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>CIT ESTIMATED PAYMENT DUE DATES<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>CIT ESTIMATED PAYMENT DUE DATES<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable for most industries\/companies (except upstream oil and gas and branches of foreign banks).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three equal advance tax payments are to be made on the last day of the 6th, 9th, and 12th months of the current tax year (based on last year income tax due and specific formula).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">ZAKAT<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zakat is applicable to ownership in a KSA company by KSA nationals or other GCC country nationals.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zakat is a religious levy and is assessed at 2.57% on the Saudi\/GCC shareholders\u2019-<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">share of the Saudi resident entity\u2019s &#8220;net assessable funds&#8221;, which include their share of adjusted profit for the year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.5% on the share of adjusted profit for the year, whichever is higher.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATES<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">VALUE-ADDED TAX (VAT)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>STANDARD VAT RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>STANDARD VAT RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VAT is levied on the price of a product or service at each stage of production, distribution, or sale to the end consumer.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% (5% prior to 1 July 2020).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">WITHHOLDING TAX (WHT) RATES<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>WHT RATES (%) (DIVIDENDS\/INTEREST\/ROYALTIES)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>WHT RATES (%) (DIVIDENDS\/INTEREST\/ROYALTIES)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHT is a tax deducted at source levied on payments made to a non-resident.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resident: Not applicable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-resident: The rates vary between 5% (dividend, interest, etc.), 15% (royalty, related party payments, etc.) and 20% (management fees) based on the type of service and whether <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the beneficiary is a related party.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The applicable WHT rate may be reduced where a relevant double tax treaty is in force.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">CAPITAL GAINS TAX (CGT)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>HEADLINE CORPORATE CAPITAL GAINS TAX RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HEADLINE CORPORATE CAPITAL GAINS TAX RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A non-resident shareholder selling shares in a KSA resident company will be subject to tax at the rate of 20% on the capital gains realized from the sale of shares.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not applicable.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capital gains are subject to the normal income tax rate applicable to the taxpayer. Non-resident capital gains tax rate is 20%.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">CUSTOM DUTIES<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customs duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard rate is 5%. Other rates (0%, 50%, and 100%) apply depending on the nature of the goods imported.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard rate is 5%. Other rates (0%, 50%, and 100%) apply depending on the nature of the goods imported.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">EXCISE TAX<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An excise tax is a legislated tax on specific goods such as tobacco and energy drinks.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobacco products and liquids used in electronic smoking devices (100%), soft drinks (50%), and energy drinks (100%) are subject to excise tax in the UAE.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tobacco products (100%), soft drinks (50%), and energy drinks (100%) are subject to excise tax in KSA.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION TAX (RETT)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>RATE (%)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RETT was introduced in KSA on 4 October 2020. It applies to all land and property sales, assignments, transfers and similar that take place in KSA unless specifically exempted.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most Emirates impose a fee on the transfer of freehold and long-term leasehold interests in real estate located within that Emirate. A land registration fee is levied in Dubai at a rate of 4% of the sale value of the property (shared between the buyer and seller).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RETT is imposed at a rate of 5% of the total real estate value.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">DISCLAIMER<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This table has been prepared for general guidance and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this table without obtaining specific professional advice from an expert.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #029c7e;\">TAKEAWAY<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is crucial for an organization to understand the tax structure of the country they are looking to expand to or currently operating in. It is recommended for organization to holistically look at their company and review the company group to ensure their tax structure is optimal. Not seeking the correct advice and designing a tax structure can be detrimental to your business. Re-designing tax structures can save an organization thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creation Business Consultants <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">helps clients solve their tax challenges allowing companies to focus on what matters to them. Our experienced tax consultants deliver bespoke tax solutions dedicated to your business.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information regarding how Creation can guide you in your tax requirements,\u00a0email\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@creationbcgroup.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">info@creationbcgroup.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or call the UAE <\/span><a href=\"tel:+971%204%20878%206240\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">+971 4 878 6240<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> KSA <a href=\"tel:+966545112494\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">+966 54 511 2494 <\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">today.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;12267&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_circle_2&#8243; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/scott-cairns\/&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][vc_column_text]<strong>Scott Cairns, <\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> Managing Director<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/scott-cairns\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6612\" src=\"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"37\" height=\"37\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/download.png 225w, https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/download-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/download-80x80.png 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 37px) 100vw, 37px\" \/><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_tta_accordion spacing=&#8221;1&#8243; active_section=&#8221;0&#8243; collapsible_all=&#8221;true&#8221;][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;ARTICLE UPDATES LOG&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1682511105393-b019fb54-a8b8a6dd-10ec&#8221;][vc_column_text]This Article was researched and written on Apr 13th, 2022 by Steven Ireland.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This Article was reviewed and updated on Oct 13th, 2023 by <a href=\"\/scott-cairns\/\">Scott Cairns<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]There are many things you ought to consider before setting up your company in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Tax is an important area to research and fully understand the implications on your business. Taxes and regulations will vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important to seek the correct advice from a tax [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7792,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[98,103,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sa-company-setup","category-sa-law","category-sa-taxes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7794"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7794\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19450,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7794\/revisions\/19450"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creationbcgroup.com\/en-sa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}