VAT registration & filing

VAT done right, filed on time, every quarter

We register your business with the Federal Tax Authority, file accurate returns on EmaraTax, and make sure you reclaim every dirham of input VAT you're entitled to — so the 5% never becomes a penalty.

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UAE standard VAT

The essentials

Do you even need to register?

VAT in the UAE is charged at a standard rate of 5%. Whether you must register comes down to your turnover.

Registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or are expected to in the next 30 days. You can register voluntarily above AED 187,500, which often makes sense if you want to reclaim input VAT on your costs. We assess where you stand, handle the application end to end, and get your Tax Registration Number issued without the back-and-forth.

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What's included

From registration to every return

The complete VAT lifecycle, handled by an FTA-registered tax agent.

VAT registrationEligibility assessment and full FTA registration on EmaraTax, including TRN issuance.

Quarterly return filingAccurate VAT returns prepared and submitted before the 28-day deadline, every period.

Input VAT recoveryWe make sure every recoverable dirham of input tax on your purchases is claimed back.

Zero-rated & exempt reviewCorrect treatment of exports, zero-rated supplies and exempt items so nothing is misclassified.

Tax invoice complianceWe check your invoicing meets FTA format rules so your claims hold up under review.

VAT deregistrationIf you fall below the threshold or cease trading, we handle deregistration cleanly.

Record-keepingBooks and tax records maintained for the five years the FTA requires.

FTA correspondenceWe deal with FTA queries, reconsiderations and audits on your behalf.

Why it matters

Get VAT wrong and it gets expensive

Late registration, late filing and incorrect returns all carry FTA penalties. We make sure none of them land on you.

Never miss a deadline

We track every tax period and file well before the 28-day cut-off, so penalties are off the table.

Reclaim what you're owed

Most businesses leave input VAT on the table. We make sure your refunds are claimed in full.

Audit-proof records

Clean, compliant invoicing and records that stand up if the FTA ever comes knocking.

The process

How we get your VAT under control

Assess

We review your turnover and supplies to confirm whether registration is mandatory or worthwhile.

Register

We complete your EmaraTax application and secure your TRN, handling FTA queries along the way.

Set up

We configure VAT correctly in your accounting system and align your invoicing to FTA rules.

File

Each period we prepare, reconcile and submit your return on time — and tell you exactly what's due.

Common questions

UAE VAT, answered

When is VAT registration mandatory in the UAE?

Registration becomes mandatory once your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or you expect to cross that threshold within the next 30 days. Below that, you can register voluntarily once you pass AED 187,500.

How often do I have to file VAT returns?

Most businesses file quarterly, though the FTA assigns some larger businesses a monthly period. Whichever applies, the return and any payment are due within 28 days of the end of the tax period.

What happens if I file or register late?

The FTA imposes administrative penalties for late registration, late filing and late payment, and these add up quickly. Our entire process is built around making sure you never trigger one.

Can I reclaim the VAT I pay on business costs?

Yes — VAT-registered businesses can recover input VAT on most legitimate business expenses, provided you hold valid tax invoices. We make sure those claims are captured correctly in every return.

What's the difference between zero-rated and exempt?

Zero-rated supplies (such as certain exports) are taxable at 0%, and you can still recover related input VAT. Exempt supplies (such as some financial services and bare land) carry no VAT, but input VAT on related costs generally can't be reclaimed. Getting the classification right matters — and it's part of what we check.

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Let's talk numbers

Get your VAT off your plate

Book a free consultation and we'll confirm your registration position and quote a fixed monthly fee.

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