South Africa vs United Arab Emirates
Corporate Tax Comparison
Time of Update: South Africa: 4/06/2026 / United Arab Emirates: 4/01/2026
Compare South Africa and United Arab Emirates corporate tax rates, filing due dates, withholding tax, VAT, capital gains tax, and effective tax metrics for cross-border company planning.
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Corporate Tax Comparison
Basic Corporate Tax Comparison
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
General CIT Rate:
27%
General CIT Rate:
The standard corporate income tax rate in the UAE is set at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000.
The corporate income tax rate is set at 0% for taxable income not exceeding 375,000 UAE dirham (AED) or qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP).*
The corporate income tax rate is set at 0% for taxable income not exceeding 375,000 UAE dirham (AED) or qualifying income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP).*
CIT Return Due Date:
Within 12 months from the end of the tax year
CIT Return Due Date:
According to the UAE CT law, all taxable persons must submit the company tax return within nine months after the end of the relevant tax period.
CIT Payment Due Date:
Within 6 months after the company's tax year-end
CIT Payment Due Date:
According to the UAE CT law, all taxable persons must pay corporate tax within nine months after the end of the relevant tax period.
CIT Estimated Payment Due Date:
Twice a year: first payment within 6 months of year-start, second before year-end
CIT Estimated Payment Due Date:
According to the UAE CT law, there is no need to estimate/prepay taxes.
Withholding Tax (WHT)
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):
20/0/0
Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):
0%
None-Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):
20/15/15
None-Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):
0%
Value-Added Tax (VAT)
Capital Gain Tax (CGT)
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
General Capital Gain Tax Rate:
Corporations 21.6% effective; individuals 18% effective
General Capital Gain Tax Rate:
Individuals: Generally, there is no personal capital gains tax, as the UAE does not levy personal income tax.
Companies: Capital gains are generally treated under corporate tax rules and typically fall within the scope of corporate tax, unless special rules such as the participation exemption or QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) apply.
Companies: Capital gains are generally treated under corporate tax rules and typically fall within the scope of corporate tax, unless special rules such as the participation exemption or QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) apply.
Effective Tax Rate (ETR)
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
Composite Effective Average Tax Rate:
24.37%
Composite Effective Average Tax Rate:
Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:
12.99%
Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:
