Overview
Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% has applied in the UAE since 1 January 2018. If your business makes taxable supplies above the mandatory threshold, you are legally required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and charge VAT on your sales. Registering also allows eligible businesses to recover the VAT they pay on business expenses.
FS Consulting prepares and submits your VAT registration through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal, checks your documents so the application is not rejected, and follows up until your TRN and VAT registration certificate are issued.
Who needs this service?
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Businesses whose taxable supplies and imports exceeded AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months
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Businesses expecting to exceed AED 375,000 in the next 30 days
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Businesses whose taxable supplies or expenses exceed AED 187,500 and wish to register voluntarily
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New companies that want to recover VAT on start-up costs
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Mainland and free zone companies trading with UAE customers
What’s included
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Eligibility check against the mandatory and voluntary thresholds
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Review of your licence, activities and turnover evidence
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Preparation of your EmaraTax account and VAT application
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Submission and tracking of the application with the FTA
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Responses to any FTA clarification requests
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Delivery of your TRN and VAT registration certificate
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Guidance on tax invoices, record-keeping and your first return deadline
Documents we typically need
- Valid trade licence
- Memorandum / Articles of Association
- Passport and Emirates ID of owner or manager
- Contact details and registered address
- Bank account details (IBAN)
- Turnover evidence: invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Customs registration details (if you import)
- Authorised signatory details
How it works
- Quick assessmentWe confirm whether you must or may register, based on your turnover and expenses.
- Document checkYou share your documents and we verify them to avoid rejections or delays.
- ApplicationWe submit your registration on EmaraTax with the correct activity and turnover details.
- TRN issuedWe follow up with the FTA and hand over your TRN and certificate with filing guidance.
Key UAE facts
- Standard rate: 5% on most goods and services.
- Mandatory registration: taxable supplies and imports above AED 375,000 over 12 months.
- Voluntary registration: available from AED 187,500 of taxable supplies or expenses.
- Deadline: register within 30 days of exceeding the threshold; an administrative penalty of AED 10,000 may apply for late registration.
- Zero-rated and exempt: exports and international transport are generally zero-rated, while some supplies such as residential rent are exempt.
VAT Registration — frequently asked questions
How long does VAT registration take?
Once a complete application is submitted, the FTA typically reviews it within about 20 business days, although timing varies. Accurate documents are the best way to avoid delays.
What is a TRN?
A Tax Registration Number is the unique number the FTA issues to every VAT-registered business. It must appear on your tax invoices.
Can I register if my turnover is below AED 375,000?
Yes. Voluntary registration is available if your taxable supplies or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500.
What happens if I register late?
The FTA can impose an administrative penalty for failing to register on time, so it is important to monitor your turnover and register promptly.
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