The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced that businesses must complete Corporate Tax registration within 90 days from the Date of Incorporation / MOA.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 2026 The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced that it has cancelled fees for paper tax certificates and will now issue free digital tax registration certificates with QR codes for instant verification.
The change, effective from 1 January 2026, is part of the UAE government’s efforts to reduce paperwork, cut costs for businesses, and improve the speed and efficiency of public services.
Under the new system, businesses registered with the FTA will receive electronic tax registration certificates at no cost. These digital certificates include a QR code that allows banks, government authorities, and other parties to instantly verify a company’s tax registration status online, removing the need for stamped paper documents.
Previously, companies had to pay fees to obtain certified paper copies of tax registration certificates for official and operational purposes. By eliminating these charges, the FTA aims to ease administrative burdens, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) said the move supports the UAE’s wider digital government strategy, which focuses on delivering faster, paper-free, and user-friendly services. It also aligns with the continued expansion of online tax services through platforms such as EmaraTax, where businesses can register, file returns, and manage tax obligations digitally.
While paper certificate fees have been removed, the FTA has introduced new service fees related to Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs), which mainly apply to large and multinational companies seeking transfer pricing certainty.
Overall, the shift to free digital tax certificates is expected to save time, reduce costs, and simplify compliance, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a business-friendly and digitally advanced economy.
You can read more in our article: UAE FTA Moves to Free Digital Tax Certificates: What It Means for Businesses?
