VAT Registration
Fast, Reliable, and FTA-Compliant VAT Services by Concord Accounting & Taxation L.L.C. At Concord Accounting & Taxation, we make VAT registration and compliance simple, fast, and penalty-free so you can focus on your business while we handle the paperwork.
VAT Registration in UAE
Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented Value Added Tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 5% a system that strengthens the economy, enhances transparency, and aligns the nation with global tax standards. For every business operating in Dubai and across the Emirates, VAT registration is not just a formality , it’s a legal obligation and a mark of credibility. Register on time to reclaim input VAT. This helps you stay compliant with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and avoid penalties.
At Concord, our goal is to make your VAT registration simple, error-free, and fast. From assessing eligibility to securing your Tax Registration Number (TRN), we manage the process end-to-end so you can focus on growing your business.
What Is VAT Registration?
After registration, you are required to:
- Charge 5% VAT on all taxable goods and services.
- Collect VAT from customers and remit it to the FTA.
- Reclaim eligible input VAT paid on business expenses.
- File quarterly VAT returns to report transactions.
- Your TRN must appear on all invoices, credit notes, and tax filings.
VAT Registration for New & Foreign Companies
New Companies & Startups: Even newly formed companies in Dubai and other Emirates should assess their projected revenue to determine registration requirements.
At Concord, we help you identify the correct registration type, prepare all supporting documents, and submit your VAT registration to the FTA without delays.
Foreign Companies: Foreign businesses providing taxable goods or services in the UAE are also required to register for VAT regardless of their turnover.
If you don’t have a UAE presence, Concord can act as your Tax Agent or Fiscal Representative to handle your registration and compliance obligations.
Who Is Exempt from VAT in the UAE?
Not every product or service in the UAE is subject to VAT. The Federal Tax Authority classifies supplies into two main categories which are zero-rated and exempt. Each with distinct rules for taxation and input VAT recovery.
Zero-rated supplies are still taxable but charged at 0% VAT, meaning businesses can reclaim the input VAT paid on their purchases. These include exports of goods and services, international transportation, the first sale of new residential properties within three years of completion, and certain education and healthcare services.
On the other hand, exempt supplies are entirely outside the scope of VAT. Businesses dealing solely in these goods or services do not charge VAT, cannot reclaim input VAT, and are not required to register with the FTA. Common examples include residential rent after the first sale, bare land, local passenger transport, and specific financial services where no explicit fee is charged.
In summary, understanding whether your business activities fall under zero-rated or exempt categories is crucial, as it determines your eligibility for VAT registration and input tax recovery in the UAE.
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Who Needs to Register for VAT in UAE?
The UAE VAT Law requires businesses to register based on their annual turnover:
Businesses must register if their annual taxable supplies or imports exceed AED 375,000.
This includes:
> Trading and contracting companies
> Service providers and consultancies
> E-commerce stores and online sellers
> Import/export and logistics firms
> Branches of international entities operating in the UAE
Businesses may choose to register voluntarily if their annual taxable supplies or expenses exceed AED 187,500.
This is often beneficial for:
Startups and SMEs projecting growth
Businesses wanting to claim input VAT on purchases
Companies seeking improved credibility with corporate clients
FTA Penalties for VAT Registration
| Offense | FTA Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to Register for VAT | AED 10,000 |
| Providing Incorrect Information | AED 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Failure to Maintain Records | AED 10,000 – 50,000 |
| Late Filing or Payment | AED 1,000 (first time), AED 2,000 (repeat) |
VAT Registration Timeline
The UAE VAT Law requires businesses to register based on their annual turnover:
Eligibility & Document Review
Checking requirements and preparing data.
It usually takes 1 working day.
FTA Submission
Application filing through EmaraTax portal
It usually takes 1-2 working days.
TRN Approval
FTA Verification & Issuance
it usually takes 3-5 working days.
Documents Required for VAT Registration
- Valid Trade License (and branch licenses if applicable)
- Passport & Emirates ID of owners/partners
- MOA/AOA or certificate of incorporation
- Bank details and IBAN certificate
- Proof of turnover (sales invoices, bank statements, or audited reports)
- Financial Statements (if available)
How to Register for VAT in UAE — Step by Step
Step 1 – Create an FTA Account:
Sign up on the Federal Tax Authority’s EmaraTax portal. This account will manage your VAT registration, filings, and compliance records.
Step 2 – Prepare & Submit Your Application:
Fill in your company details, upload the required documents, and declare whether your registration is mandatory or voluntary.
Step 3 – FTA Review:
The FTA verifies your information and may request additional clarification.
Step 4 – Receive Your TRN (Tax Registration Number)
Upon approval, your TRN will be issued — confirming your VAT registration status.
Step 5 – Stay Compliant:
Once registered, ensure all invoices, contracts, and systems include your TRN and comply with VAT regulations. Concord can assist in setting up VAT-compliant invoicing and record-keeping.
Get Your VAT Registration Done Today!
Register your business for VAT and stay compliant with UAE law.
Our experts at Concord Accounting & Taxation L.L.C. will handle everything with accuracy and efficiency.
Most Popular Questions About VAT Registration Services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about VAT Registration Services all across the UAE. Our experts have simplified the essentials so you can stay informed and compliant
Value Added Tax (VAT) was officially introduced in the United Arab Emirates on 1st January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%. It was implemented to support the UAE’s economic diversification goals and align the country with global taxation practices.
VAT registration becomes mandatory for businesses whose taxable supplies or imports exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period. Businesses with taxable supplies or expenses above AED 187,500 may register voluntarily to claim input VAT and enhance business credibility.
All mainland and free zone businesses, as well as foreign companies providing taxable goods or services in the UAE, must register if they meet the threshold criteria.
This includes trading firms, service providers, e-commerce businesses, and import/export companies.
On average, VAT registration takes 5 to 7 working days, depending on the accuracy of the documents and the Federal Tax Authority’s (FTA) review timeline.
At Concord, we ensure your documents are prepared correctly the first time to avoid delays.
Yes, including corporate tax registration, VAT, bookkeeping, and advisory.
Failure to register for VAT before reaching the threshold results in an FTA penalty of AED 10,000.
Additionally, late registration may cause delays in obtaining your Tax Registration Number (TRN) and can affect your ability to trade with VAT-registered clients.
To register for VAT, you will need:
Trade License and MOA/AOA
Passport & Emirates ID of owners or partners
Proof of business address (Ejari or utility bill)
Bank account details and IBAN certificate
Proof of annual turnover (invoices or statements)
Customs code (if importing/exporting)
Concord will verify and prepare all documents to ensure a smooth FTA approval.
Yes, in certain cases you can reclaim VAT paid on eligible business expenses incurred before registration, such as assets, inventory, or services used for taxable supplies provided you have valid tax invoices and proof of payment.
A Tax Registration Number (TRN) is a unique 15-digit number issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) after successful VAT registration.
It must appear on all your tax invoices, credit notes, contracts, and VAT returns.
At Concord Accounting & Bookkeeping L.L.C., we handle the entire VAT process — from eligibility assessment and FTA registration to VAT return filing, input tax recovery, and audit support.
Our goal is to keep your business 100% compliant, penalty-free, and financially optimized under UAE VAT law.
Yes. Companies operating in UAE Free Zones are required to register for VAT if they provide taxable goods or services within the UAE or import goods from abroad.
However, certain Designated Zones have special VAT rules, and Concord’s experts can help determine your exact requirements.
