Dubai Maritime City Authority Corporate Tax Registration

Expert UAE Corporate Tax Registration Services for DMCA Companies

The implementation of UAE Corporate Tax has introduced mandatory tax compliance requirements for businesses operating across all sectors in the UAE — including those established under the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA). While DMCA operates as a specialized maritime and shipping free zone, corporate tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is now a legal requirement for all licensed entities.

At uae-corporatetaxregistration.com, we provide specialized Corporate Tax Registration services for Dubai Maritime City Authority companies, ensuring your maritime business complies fully with UAE corporate tax laws, avoids penalties, and continues operating smoothly within the regulatory framework.

Whether your company is involved in shipping, ship management, marine services, offshore operations, or maritime consulting, our experienced UAE corporate tax professionals manage the entire registration process accurately and efficiently.

About Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is the governing body and regulatory free zone authority for maritime activities in Dubai. It oversees and regulates a wide range of marine, shipping, and offshore business activities, supporting Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub.

DMCA-licensed businesses typically include:

  • Shipping and ship-owning companies

  • Ship management and ship agency firms

  • Marine engineering and technical services

  • Offshore and onshore maritime service providers

  • Yacht management and marine leisure companies

  • Maritime consultancy and brokerage firms

  • Marine logistics and support services

DMCA offers strategic advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, specialized maritime regulation, and access to world-class port and marine infrastructure. However, these benefits do not exempt DMCA companies from UAE Corporate Tax obligations.

Overview of UAE Corporate Tax

The UAE Corporate Tax Law, effective from 1 June 2023, introduced a federal corporate tax regime applicable to businesses operating in both mainland UAE and free zones.

Key Features of UAE Corporate Tax:

  • 0% corporate tax on taxable income up to AED 375,000

  • 9% corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000

  • Applicable to mainland companies, free zone entities, and foreign businesses with UAE presence

  • Mandatory registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

  • Annual corporate tax return filing is required

Corporate tax compliance starts with proper and timely registration, regardless of whether tax is payable.

Is Corporate Tax Registration Mandatory for DMCA Companies?

Yes. All companies licensed under the Dubai Maritime City Authority must register for UAE Corporate Tax, regardless of:

  • Revenue or profit levels

  • Company size or maritime activity

  • Eligibility for free zone corporate tax incentives

Even companies that qualify for the 0% corporate tax rate as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) must still register for corporate tax and submit annual tax returns.

Failure to register within the FTA’s specified deadlines may result in financial penalties and regulatory enforcement actions..

Free Zone Status & Corporate Tax in Dubai Maritime City Authority

DMCA companies may benefit from the 0% corporate tax regime if they meet the conditions of a Qualifying Free Zone Person.

To qualify as a QFZP, a DMCA company must:

  • Carry out qualifying maritime or related activities

  • Maintain adequate economic substance in the UAE

  • Earn qualifying income

  • Comply with UAE transfer pricing regulations

  • File corporate tax returns annually

  • Avoid engaging in excluded activities

Even if all conditions are met, corporate tax registration remains mandatory.

At uae-corporatetaxregistration.com, we evaluate your maritime business model to ensure compliance while preserving your eligibility for free zone tax benefits.

Who Needs Corporate Tax Registration in Dubai Maritime City Authority?

Corporate tax registration is required for all DMCA-licensed entities, including:

  • Shipping and ship-owning companies

  • Ship management and ship agency firms

  • Marine engineering and technical service providers

  • Offshore and onshore maritime operators

  • Yacht management and marine leisure companies

  • Maritime consultancy and brokerage firms

  • Heavy and light industrial companies

  • Foreign maritime companies operating through DMCA licenses

If your business holds an active DMCA license, corporate tax registration with the FTA is compulsory.

Corporate Tax Registration Deadlines for DMCA Companies

The Federal Tax Authority has established specific corporate tax registration deadlines, based on:

  • Trade license issuance date

  • Legal structure of the entity

  • Business classification

Missing the registration deadline may result in penalties starting from AED 10,000, with additional fines for continued non-compliance.

Early registration ensures penalty-free compliance and uninterrupted maritime operations.

Our Corporate Tax Registration Services for Dubai Maritime City Authority

At uae-corporatetaxregistration.com, we provide end-to-end corporate tax registration services tailored specifically for Dubai Maritime City Authority companies.

1. Corporate Tax Assessment & Maritime-Focused Advisory

We begin with a detailed review of:

  • Your maritime or shipping activities

  • Eligibility for free zone corporate tax incentives

  • Corporate tax exposure and compliance obligations

  • Regulatory requirements under UAE tax law

This ensures your registration strategy is accurate, compliant, and aligned with maritime regulations.

2. Documentation Collection & Review

We assist with preparing and reviewing all required documents, including:

  • Dubai Maritime City Authority trade license

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • Shareholder and ownership structure

  • Passport and Emirates ID copies

  • Business activity and operational details

All documents are carefully reviewed to ensure FTA accuracy and completeness.

3. FTA Portal Registration & Application Submission

Our team manages the entire registration process, including:

  • Federal Tax Authority account creation

  • Accurate completion of corporate tax registration forms

  • Submission via the FTA online portal

This minimizes errors, delays, and rejection risks.

4. Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN) Issuance

Once approved, we ensure:

  • Timely issuance of your Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN)

  • Proper recordkeeping for audits, filings, and compliance reviews

5. Post-Registration Compliance Support

Our services continue beyond registration. We assist with:

  • Corporate tax return filing preparation

  • Accounting and industrial record-keeping guidance

  • Transfer pricing compliance (where applicable)

  • Ongoing corporate tax advisory and compliance monitoring

Corporate tax compliance for industrial free zone businesses requires specialized expertise, precision, and up-to-date regulatory knowledge.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • UAE corporate tax specialists

  • Strong free zone expertise (DMCA focused)

  • Fast, accurate, and fully compliant registration

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

  • Dedicated tax consultants

  • Long-term compliance and advisory support

We don’t just register your company — we help protect it from regulatory and financial risks.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Corporate Tax

Failure to comply with corporate tax regulations may result in:

  • AED 10,000 or higher penalties for late registration

  • Additional fines for incorrect or late filings

  • Increased scrutiny from the Federal Tax Authority

  • Risk to free zone benefits and operational continuity

Professional registration ensures peace of mind and penalty-free compliance.

Corporate Tax Filing Obligations After Registration

Once registered, Dubai Maritime City Authority companies must:

  • Maintain proper accounting and operational records

  • Prepare annual financial statements

  • File corporate tax returns with the FTA

  • Comply with UAE transfer pricing regulations (if applicable)

We provide ongoing corporate tax filing and compliance support to ensure long-term adherence to UAE tax laws.

Common Corporate Tax Mistakes Maritime Companies Make
  • Assuming maritime free zone status means no registration

  • Missing FTA registration deadlines

  • Incorrect classification of scientific or healthcare activities

  • Inaccurate income or cost reporting

  • Ignoring post-registration filing requirements

With expert guidance, these risks are fully avoidable.

Register Your Dubai Maritime City Authority Company for Corporate Tax Today

Avoid penalties, operational disruptions, and compliance risks by registering your DMCA company correctly and on time.

uae-corporatetaxregistration.com offers fast, reliable, and expert corporate tax registration services in Dubai Maritime City Authority.