Does UAE corporate tax apply to rental income from property?

It depends on who earns the income and how. For an individual, income from personal real estate investment is generally outside the scope of UAE corporate tax where the activity does not require a licence and does not amount to carrying on a business — so a person earning rent from personally owned property is typically not taxed under corporate tax on that rent. By contrast, where property is held and rented through a company, or as part of a licensed business activity, the rental income is generally part of the business's taxable income and subject to the standard 0%/9% rates. For free zone companies, income from immovable property can affect Qualifying Free Zone Person treatment, and income from certain property may fall outside the 0% qualifying income. The distinction between personal investment and a business activity is fact-specific. Because the treatment turns on your structure and licence, confirm whether your rental income is in scope with the Federal Tax Authority or a qualified UAE tax adviser. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI who advise on real estate and tax.