Does my business need to register for VAT?

For a UAE-resident business: yes, if your taxable supplies and imports exceeded AED 375,000 in the last 12 months or will in the next 30 days. Below that, registration is optional from AED 187,500. A non-resident business making taxable supplies in the UAE may have to register whatever its turnover, if no one else in the UAE is responsible for accounting for the VAT.

How long does VAT registration take?

Once documents are complete, the FTA reviews the application and issues your TRN; it takes longer if the FTA raises queries, which we answer for you.

Can I reclaim VAT on business expenses?

Yes, VAT on expenses incurred for taxable business supplies can usually be reclaimed with a valid tax invoice. Some items, such as certain entertainment costs, are blocked.

What records must I keep for VAT?

Tax invoices, credit notes, import and export records and accounting records, normally for at least five years (longer for real estate).

What happens if I register late?

The FTA charges an administrative penalty for late registration, and you may owe VAT you did not collect from customers. Register as soon as you cross the threshold.

Is VAT registration the same as corporate tax registration?

No. They are separate registrations with the FTA. Most companies must register for corporate tax whatever their turnover; VAT registration depends on taxable supplies. See corporate tax registration.

TAX COMPLIANCE / VAT REGISTRATION AND VAT RETURNS IN THE UAE

VAT Registration and VAT Returns in the UAE

We check whether you must register, apply for your Tax Registration Number on EmaraTax, and file your VAT returns on time — so you charge VAT correctly from day one and reclaim what you are owed.

UAE VAT is charged at 5% on most goods and services. For a business resident in the UAE, registration becomes mandatory once taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or are expected to pass it in the next 30 days. Below that, you can register voluntarily once supplies or expenses pass AED 187,500 — useful if you want to reclaim VAT on setup costs. A non-resident business making taxable supplies in the UAE may have to register whatever its turnover. Registration is done with the Federal Tax Authority on EmaraTax and produces your Tax Registration Number (TRN). goCorp handles VAT registration in the UAE end to end, then prepares and files your VAT returns so registration never turns into late-filing penalties.

When you must register for VAT

For a business resident in the UAE, mandatory registration applies when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months, or are expected to exceed it within the next 30 days. Count every month; the test is rolling, not by calendar year.

Voluntary VAT registration

You may register if taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500 over the previous 12 months or the next 30 days. Voluntary registration lets you reclaim input VAT but brings the same filing obligations.

VAT registration for non-resident businesses

A business with no place of residence in the UAE that makes taxable supplies here must register for VAT whatever the value of those supplies, if no other person in the UAE is responsible for accounting for the tax — for example a UAE-registered customer under the reverse charge. The thresholds above do not apply to it. Whether you must register depends on what you supply and to whom, so we check your position before you start trading.

How VAT registration works

Threshold check — we review 12 months of sales and expenses.
Document preparation — licence, owner IDs, bank details, turnover evidence and customs details if you import.
EmaraTax application — we submit and answer any FTA queries.
TRN issued — we set up compliant tax invoices and your VAT return calendar.

Documents for VAT registration

Trade licence
Passport and Emirates ID of owners and manager
Memorandum of association or equivalent
Bank account details
12 months of turnover evidence (invoices or financial statements)
Customs registration details if you import or export

VAT returns and ongoing compliance

Most businesses file quarterly, within 28 days of each period’s end. We reconcile sales and purchase records, calculate output and input VAT, file the return and remind you of payment. We also handle VAT deregistration, amendments and FTA correspondence. Good bookkeeping that supports your VAT returns makes every filing faster.

VAT services and pricing

Threshold check and VAT registration on EmaraTax
Voluntary registration assessment
Quarterly or monthly VAT return preparation and filing
Input VAT recovery review
Amendments, deregistration and FTA correspondence

Your quote lists registration and return filing separately, before any work starts.

VAT registration: FAQs

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Other Services

One goCorp team handles your filings, visas and renewals, with every government fee disclosed upfront.

Get your TRN without delays

Send us your last 12 months’ turnover — we’ll confirm your VAT position and register you if needed.