Yes — Fully Claimable
Can I Claim Professional Services as a Business Expense in United Arab Emirates?
Yes — fees paid to accountants, legal advisors, tax consultants, auditors and other professionals for the business are fully deductible against Corporate Tax.
Typical claim: AED 15,000 – AED 75,000 per year
What Federal Tax Authority (FTA) says
Professional service fees incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes are ordinary deductible expenses under UAE Corporate Tax. VAT charged by registered providers is recoverable as input tax.
When you can claim
- Audit fees (mandatory for QFZPs and certain entities)
- Tax advisory and Corporate Tax registration fees
- Legal fees for trade contracts and disputes
- Bookkeeping and accounting services
When you cannot claim
- Legal fees for share issuance or capital raise (capitalised)
- Fees relating to personal matters
- Penalties or fines paid to professionals
Related expenses
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