Running a company in Ajman used to mean you mostly thought about rent, staff, and customers. Now, with UAE corporate tax fully in place, you also need to think seriously about UAE corporate tax registration in Ajman. The good news: the process happens entirely online, and with the right guidance, it’s much easier than it looks.
Table of Contents
Below is a practical, business-owner friendly guide you can follow or hand over to your accountant.
1. Overview of UAE Corporate Tax for Ajman businesses
The UAE introduced 9 % corporate tax on business profits for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. The tax generally applies to:
Companies incorporated in any emirate (including Ajman)
- Free zone companies, including Ajman Free Zone entities
- Foreign companies effectively managed and controlled from the UAE
Natural persons (individuals) who run a business in the UAE must also register if their business income exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year. Salary and some other personal income types don’t count for this threshold.
So, whether you run a small Ajman mainland LLC, a free zone company, or a one-person consulting business, you likely need to register. Get details on Free Zone Accounting in Ajman.
Key term to remember : :Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN) your unique tax ID from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
2. Who must register for corporate tax in Ajman?
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires “taxable persons” and even certain exempt persons to register for corporate tax and obtain a TRN.
2.1 Ajman mainland companies
If your company holds a commercial licence from Ajman DED (Department of Economic Development), it falls under UAE corporate tax rules. You must:
- Register on the FTA’s EmaraTax portal
- Obtain a corporate tax TRN
- File annual corporate tax returns
2.2 Ajman Free Zone companies
Ajman Free Zone businesses, including those that qualify for special 0% tax treatment on certain free zone income, still need to register with the FTA. Registration is mandatory even if your effective tax rate later becomes 0% as a Qualifying Free Zone Person.
2.3 Individuals (sole proprietors / freelancers) in Ajman
If you operate as a sole proprietor or freelancer & your business revenues exceed AED 1 million in a year, you must register for corporate tax as a natural person. Looking to a Accounting Services for AMCFZ Companies?
3. Step 1: Collect the documents you need
Before you log in to Emara tax gather these items so you can complete your corporate tax registration in Ajman in one sitting.:
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (or similar constitutional documents)
- Trade licence (Ajman DED or free zone license)
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of shareholders / partners / authorised signatory
- Contact details: email, mobile number, business address in Ajman / UAE
- Your chosen financial year (for example, 1 Jan – 31 Dec)
- Existing VAT TRN (if your business already registered for VAT)
Having everything prepared upfront reduces the risk of delays and FTA queries.
4. Step 2 – Create or verify your EmaraTax account
All UAE corporate tax registration happens via the FTA’s online system EmaraTax, available through the e-services portal.
Go to the FTA e-services portal (EmaraTax).
- Log in using UAE PASS or your existing FTA credentials.
- If your company already uses the portal for VAT/excise, make sure the profile details (name, licence number, address) match your current licence.
Keeping your profile accurate matters because FTA cross-checks your data with licence authorities and free zones. Get details on Accounting Services for Al Zorah Companies.
5. Step 3 – Start the corporate tax registration application
Once you’re inside EmaraTax, you can start the FTA corporate tax registration process:
From the main dashboard, select “Corporate Tax”.
- Click “Register” to begin a new application.
- Choose whether you are registering as:
- A juridical person (company / LLC / free zone entity), or
- A natural person (individual conducting business)
Then you will see a multi-step online form.
6. Step 4 – Complete the registration form carefully
The form is detailed but quite manageable. You typically need to provide:
6.1 Legal entity details
- Legal name as per trade licence
- Trade name (if different)
- License number issuing authority (Ajman DED, Ajman Free Zone, etc.)
- Date of incorporation and licence start date
6.2 Business activities and locations
- Main business activity (for example, trading, consultancy, services, manufacturing)
- Business address in Ajman and any branches in other emirates.
6.3 Tax profile information
- Financial year start and end dates
- Whether you belong to a tax group (if applicable)
- Whether you claim to be an exempt person or a free zone person
6.4 Authorised signatory
- Details of the person who signs tax forms on behalf of the business
- Upload of passport/Emirates ID and proof of authority (POA or board resolution, if needed)
During this step, accuracy really matters. Inconsistent data can cause FTA clarification requests and slow down your corporate tax TRN issuance. Looking to a Accounting Services for AFZ Companies?
7. Step 5 – Submit the application and wait for approval
After you review the entire application, you can submit it electronically.
- Registration is currently free of charge.
- EmaraTax allows you to download or print a copy of your submission for your records.
The FTA then reviews your application. The official service card states that applications are processed in line with the Corporate Tax Law and related decisions; in many straightforward cases, approvals arrive quite quickly.
Once approved, you receive your Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN) in EmaraTax. This TRN becomes the reference for all your corporate tax returns, payments, and correspondence.
8. Important timelines and penalties to keep in mind
The FTA issued Decision number. 3 of 2024, which sets specific deadlines for corporate tax registration based on licence dates & the type of taxpayer (legal person, natural person, non-resident, etc.
Many of the early deadlines (for licences issued before 2024) have already passed, Ajman businesses should still:
- Make sure they have registered if they were required to, and
- Register promptly if newly incorporated or if they recently crossed the natural-person revenue threshold.
Failure to register on time can trigger administrative penalties, although the FTA has, at times, offered penalty waivers and relief measures for late registrants.
9. Special notes for Ajman Free Zone entities
If you operate in Ajman Free Zone, don’t assume corporate tax rules don’t apply. Current guidance confirms that:
- Free zone businesses must still register for corporate tax.
- You may qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and enjoy 0% tax on eligible income, but only if you meet several conditions (such as maintaining adequate substance and transacting mainly with foreign or other free zone persons).
- Mainland income of a free zone company can still face 9% tax.
In other words, registration is the first step; structuring and compliance come next. Get details on CFO Services in Ajman.
10. Common mistakes Ajman businesses should avoid
Even well-run companies make avoidable mistakes when they rush corporate tax registration in Ajman. Typical issues include:
- Using outdated licence information – not updating EmaraTax when your trade licence renewed or your address changed
- Wrong financial year – picking arbitrary dates that don’t match your accounting records
- Assuming “no profit = no need to register” – registration is still required even if you expect losses
- Ignoring the natural-person threshold – freelancers often cross AED 1 million in revenue and forget that the threshold looks at revenue, not profit
- Delaying registration until you receive a reminder – by then, penalties might already apply
Working with a corporate tax consultant in Ajman like Sharp Accounting helps you avoid these issues and keeps your file clean from day one.
Related Articles:
» Different Parts of Tax Returns Under UAE Corporate Tax
» UAE to Introduce 15% Minimum Tax for Large Multinationals — What It Means for Your Group?
» Tax Savings Strategies for UAE Businesses
» France and UAE Double Tax Treaty: All You Need to Know
» How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm in Ajman?
11. How Sharp Accounting supports your corporate tax registration
Because UAE tax rules keep evolving, many Ajman business owners prefer not to navigate everything alone. A specialist team can:
- Assess whether you must register (company vs. natural person, free zone vs. mainland)
- Prepare and review all documents for EmaraTax registration UAE
- Complete the online application on your behalf as an authorised representative
- Coordinate with Ajman Free Zone or Ajman DED where required
- Set up your accounting and tax calendar so you never miss a filing deadline
With proper support, corporate tax becomes a manageable compliance task.instead of an ongoing headache.
FAQs – UAE Corporate Tax Registration in Ajman
Yes. Most Ajman mainland & free zone companies must register with the FTA, even if they expect losses or fall under special free zone rules.
If your business income exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year, you must register as a natural person for corporate tax.
You register online via the FTA Emara Tax portal by logging into the e-services site and selecting Corporate Tax registration.
Sharp accounting can review your situation, advise whether you must register, complete the EmaraTax application & then handle ongoing compliance, filing & planning so you stay fully aligned with UAE corporate tax rules.
