- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 GST
- Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
VAT registration in Dubai and the UAE
We check whether your business must register for VAT, prepare the FTA application with the right documents and get your tax registration number, so you can invoice correctly from day one.
Response within 15 minutes during working hours
What VAT registration means
A tax number from the FTA, and new rules for your invoices
VAT is a 5% tax added to most goods and services sold in the UAE. It's run by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Once your business is registered, you get a tax registration number (TRN), you charge VAT on your sales, you can claim back the VAT you pay on business costs, and you file a VAT return with the FTA regularly.
Registration depends on your turnover. If your taxable sales and imports go above AED 375,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect them to in the next 30 days, you must register. Between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000, you can choose to register.
We check your numbers first, tell you whether you need to register now, prepare the application with the documents the FTA asks for and follow it until your TRN is issued.
Watch the 30 days. Once you pass the AED 375,000 limit, you have 30 days to apply. Registering late leads to an FTA penalty, the same AED 10,000 that applies to late corporate tax registration.
Who needs to register for VAT
Based on your turnover, not your company type
| Your taxable sales and imports | What it means |
|---|---|
| Above AED 375,000 | You must register, in the last 12 months or expected in the next 30 days. |
| AED 187,500 to AED 375,000 | You can register voluntarily. This can help if you have large business expenses and want to claim back the VAT on them. |
| Below AED 187,500 | You don't need to register yet. Keep an eye on it as your business grows. |
This applies to mainland and free zone companies alike. Some sales are taxed at 0% and some are exempt from VAT. These are treated differently, so we check how your own activity is classified.
Documents you need for VAT registration
What the FTA asks for
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade license | A valid copy of your trade license. |
| Company documents | Certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association or partnership agreement, depending on your company type. |
| Owners and signatories | Emirates ID and passport copies of the owners and the authorised signatory. A power of attorney if someone else signs. |
| Turnover declaration | A signed letter stating your total taxable sales and your monthly sales. |
| Proof of turnover | Sales invoices, contracts or other documents that support the figures. If you register on expenses, at least five VAT invoices. |
| Bank details | A bank letter with the company's account details, where available. |
| Customs details | Your customs registration, if you import or export goods. |
We tell you exactly what's needed for your company before we prepare the application.
How VAT registration works
Four steps, then about 20 business days at the FTA
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turnover checkAlmotmaken | We look at your sales and imports and confirm whether you must register, can register or don't need to yet. | Same day |
| 2. DocumentsAlmotmaken | We collect and check your documents and prepare the turnover declaration. | 1 to 2 working days |
| 3. ApplicationFTA | We submit the application on the FTA portal. | 1 working day |
| 4. TRN issuedFTA | The FTA reviews the application, may ask questions, and issues your VAT certificate and TRN. | About 20 business days |
After registration, your VAT returns are usually due every quarter. See our VAT return filing page. For corporate tax, see corporate tax services.
VAT registration cost
The FTA charges nothing to register
The FTA doesn't charge a fee for VAT registration. Our fee covers the turnover check, the documents and the application. Send us your trade license and your sales figures, and we'll confirm the total in writing before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on VAT registration in the UAE, limits, documents and timing.
When do I have to register for VAT in the UAE?
When your taxable sales and imports go above AED 375,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect them to in the next 30 days. You then have 30 days to apply.
Can I register if my turnover is below AED 375,000?
Yes, if your taxable sales or expenses are above AED 187,500. Voluntary registration lets you claim back the VAT on your costs, but it also means filing returns. We'll tell you honestly whether it's worth it for you.
What happens if I register late?
The FTA charges a late registration penalty of AED 10,000. If you think you've already passed the limit, contact us now so we can apply as soon as possible.
How long does VAT registration take?
The FTA says it processes an application within 20 business days, counted from when the complete application is received. Missing documents slow it down, so we check the file before submitting.
Do free zone companies need to register for VAT?
Yes, the same turnover limits apply to free zone companies. Some goods moving within certain designated zones are treated differently, so we check your own activity before you register.
What changes after I'm registered?
Your invoices must show your TRN and the 5% VAT, you keep proper records, and you file a VAT return for each tax period, usually every quarter. Our VAT return filing service can handle that for you.
Send us your trade license and sales figures
We'll tell you whether you must register, can register or don't need to yet, and send you the total cost in writing.
No spam. No follow up calls unless you ask. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
