VAT Refund Services in Dubai

Get your VAT refunds faster, smoother, and without the paperwork stress.

Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance in the UAE is crucial, but so is ensuring you don't overpay. If your business has incurred more VAT on purchases and expenses (Input Tax) than it has collected on sales (Output Tax), you may be entitled to a refund from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

At Shuraa Tax, we are your team of knowledgeable and qualified accountants, auditors, and tax advisors, dedicated to streamlining the complex VAT refund in Dubai. Our goal is to ensure your business recovers its maximum eligible VAT refund swiftly, accurately, and in full compliance with UAE VAT Law.

What is VAT Refund in Dubai?

Vat Refund or VAT Reclaim, is the process where a registered business or an eligible entity applies to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to recover the excess input tax they have paid.

In the UAE VAT system, a business acts as a collector, remitting the difference between the VAT it charges customers (Output Tax) and the VAT it pays on its business expenses (Input Tax). A reclaim situation typically arises when:

• Input Tax > Output Tax: Your company's recoverable input VAT exceeds the output VAT collected for a given tax period.
• Zero-Rated Supplies: Businesses primarily dealing with zero-rated supplies (like exports or certain international services) often have high input tax but zero output tax, leading to a refundable amount.
• Foreign Business Expenses: Non-resident businesses incurring VAT on expenses in the UAE are eligible under specific conditions.

Who Can Apply for VAT Reclaim in Dubai?

VAT Reclaim eligibility in the UAE covers several categories, each with distinct rules and procedures:

Domestic VAT Reclaim (UAE-Registered Businesses)

You may be eligible for VAT reclaim if:

VAT-registered businesses in the UAE can claim a refund if the recoverable Input Tax exceeds the Output Tax liability for a specific tax period. The excess amount can be:

• Carried Forward: Offset against future VAT liabilities (default option).
• Refunded: Applied for as a direct refund from the FTA.

Key Eligibility Points:

• Must be an active VAT-registrant with a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).
• Must maintain proper Tax Invoices and records for all claimed expenses.
• The expenses must be for a taxable business purpose (not personal or blocked from recovery, like certain entertainment expenses).
• The claim is submitted via the FTA's online portal (EmaraTax) after filing the relevant VAT return.

VAT Reclaim for Foreign Businesses (Non-Resident)

Non-UAE established businesses that incur VAT on expenses while conducting activities in the UAE can apply for a refund under the Foreign Business Refund Scheme (also known as the Business Visitor Refund Scheme).

Eligibility Requirements:

• The business must not have a place of establishment or fixed establishment in the UAE.
• It must not be a taxable person registered for VAT in the UAE.
• It must be registered as a business with a competent authority in its home country.
• The refund is only available if the applicant's country of establishment reciprocates this right to UAE businesses (a list of eligible countries is maintained by the FTA).
• The minimum amount of VAT to be claimed must be AED 2,000.
• The claim period is typically one calendar year (12 months).

Eligible Expenses for Foreign Businesses commonly include costs related to trade exhibitions, conferences, and other specific business activities.

What is VAT Refund/Reclaim Services in Dubai?

VAT refund services in Dubai help businesses recover the Value Added Tax they have paid on eligible goods, services, imports, or business expenses. Instead of letting excess VAT sit unused or carrying it forward, companies can apply for a refund through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

These services include reviewing your VAT returns, checking invoices and documentation, identifying refundable amounts, preparing the refund application, and handling any clarifications requested by the FTA as part of the VAT Refund in Dubai procedure.

VAT Refund Services in Dubai at Shuraa Tax

Our VAT reclaim services help businesses simplify their VAT Refund in Dubai by ensuring accuracy, compliance, and faster approval.

1. Initial Assessment

We start by reviewing your VAT returns, expense records, and overall tax position to see whether your business qualifies for a refund. At this stage, we also identify any errors or missed reclaim opportunities from previous tax periods.

2. Documentation Review

Our team checks every invoice, receipt, import declaration, and supporting document to make sure they meet the FTA’s strict requirements. We verify supplier TRNs, expense eligibility, and ensure your financial records are aligned with VAT laws.

3. Preparing the Application

Once everything is validated, we prepare your VAT refund request on the FTA portal. This includes filling out the refund form, organising the supporting documents, and ensuring all figures match your VAT returns.

4. Submitting to FTA

Your application is then submitted online through the FTA system. We handle the entire process, make sure the right documents are uploaded, and confirm that the submission meets FTA guidelines to avoid delays.

5. FTA Review & Clarifications

The FTA carefully reviews your refund claim. If they need additional information or clarification, Shuraa Tax responds on your behalf with the required explanations, documents, or revised details.

6. Refund Approval

After the FTA completes its checks, your refund is approved and the amount is credited to your registered UAE bank account. We notify you as soon as the refund is processed and provide guidance for future compliance related to your VAT Refund in Dubai.

Why Choose Shuraa Tax for Your VAT Refund?

Choosing the right tax partner is the key to an efficient and successful VAT recovery.

Qualified Expertise

Our team consists of qualified accountants and tax advisors with in-depth knowledge of UAE VAT Law and Executive Regulations, especially concerning the intricacies of the VAT refund procedures.

Error-Free Submission

VAT reclaim applications are prone to rejection due to simple errors or missing documentation. We guarantee meticulous preparation to minimise rejection risk and ensure compliance.

Maximise Your Cash Flow

By accelerating the refund process and ensuring maximum recovery of eligible VAT, we directly help improve your business's working capital.

End-to-End Management

We handle the entire process, from initial eligibility checks to the final credit, freeing up your internal finance team.

Start Your VAT Refund Process Today

If you believe you have recoverable VAT (or even if you’re not sure) our tax experts can help you figure it out in minutes.

Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on running your business.

Frequently Asked Questions