Double taxation occurs when the same income is taxed in two jurisdictions, such as when a UAE resident earns income in another country, and both jurisdictions seek to tax it. This situation commonly impacts businesses with cross-border revenue, expatriates, investors, and multinational operations.
Double taxation can reduce profit margins, increase operational costs, and create uncertainty in international tax planning. Professional advisory services help organisations understand their tax obligations and apply relief mechanisms under international tax treaties effectively.
Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is a provision under the UAE Corporate Tax Law that allows organisations to offset taxes paid in other jurisdictions against their UAE corporate tax liability on the same foreign-sourced income. This prevents economic double taxation and improves international tax efficiency.
Under UAE regulations, credits can be claimed for taxes paid abroad on income also taxable in the UAE. However, the credit is capped at the UAE corporate tax due on that foreign income. Any unutilised credit cannot be carried forward or back in time and will be forfeited.
A Foreign Tax Credit may be available to:
UAE resident companies and branches with foreign income
Non-resident entities with a permanent establishment in the UAE that earn foreign income
Resident natural persons conducting business whose turnover exceeds certain thresholds
To be eligible, foreign tax must be actually paid to a foreign jurisdiction and supported with required documentation.
The FTC amount is determined by the lower of:
The actual tax paid to the foreign government, or
The UAE corporate tax is due on the same foreign income.
This ensures that businesses do not claim more credit than the UAE tax liability on that income. If the foreign tax exceeds the UAE tax, the balance cannot be refunded or carried forward to another period.
For example, if a company pays AED 100,000 in tax abroad but UAE tax on that income is AED 50,000, the FTC claimable is AED 50,000.
To successfully claim a Foreign Tax Credit, companies must maintain:
Proof of tax paid to foreign authorities
Accurate financial records showing foreign income
Documentation supporting UAE Corporation Tax return submissions
Misstating or failing to provide proper evidence during an FTA review may result in the FTC being denied, increasing UAE tax liabilities.
The FTC is a key tool for cross-border tax planning because it prevents double taxation, where the same income is taxed both overseas and under UAE corporate tax regulations. This is especially important for businesses with:
International branches or subsidiaries
Cross-border revenue streams
Withholding tax on foreign royalties, interest, or dividends
Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) between the UAE and other countries also support FTC eligibility, making treaty positions and foreign tax conditions critical for optimal claims.
A Foreign Tax Credit is typically claimed in cases such as:
Withholding tax on dividends received from a foreign subsidiary.
Interest or royalty income taxed abroad.
Foreign corporate income that is subject to UAE corporate tax.
FTC is not available if:
Foreign tax paid exceeds the UAE tax on that income, and the excess cannot be carried forward.
Income is exempt in the UAE (e.g., qualifying free zone income is taxed at 0%).
The company has no UAE corporate tax liability due to losses or exemptions.
and documentation requirements.
based on your foreign income streams.
for Federal Tax Authority (FTA) compliance.
and ensure efficient corporate tax planning.
and treaty benefits that may impact your credit position.
Eligible claimants include UAE tax residents with foreign income and non-residents with a UAE permanent establishment.
Yes, Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) help define eligibility and reduce double taxation.
Eligible claimants include UAE tax residents with foreign income and non-residents with a UAE permanent establishment.
Yes, Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) help define eligibility and reduce double taxation.
AI Cost Calculator
Business Setup Guide
Refer & Earn