UAE corporate tax at 9%: what it means for a crypto holding structure
The UAE now applies a 9% corporate tax on business profits, and crypto holding structures are squarely in scope. This guide explains how the rules affect holding companies, trading entities, and founders deciding where to base their digital asset operations. CRYPTO LICENSE GUIDE · 2026 UAE corporate tax at Crypto licensing across 15+ jurisdictions CONSULTING24.CO What the UAE corporate tax at 9% actually covers The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax regime with a standard rate of 9% on taxable income above a threshold of AED 375,000. Below that threshold, a 0% rate generally applies. The tax applies to UAE resident juridical persons and to non-resident persons with a permanent establishment or UAE-source income. Free zone entities can still qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income, but the conditions are strict and the qualifying activities list is narrow. Crypto businesses need to check whether their activity falls inside or outside the Qualifying Income definition. For...