VAT Registration Services in Dubai, UAE

Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in the UAE on 1st January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%. It applies to most goods and services, ensuring compliance with international taxation standards while contributing to the UAE’s sustainable economic growth.

For businesses operating in Dubai and across the UAE, VAT registration is not just a legal requirement, it’s a crucial step to ensure smooth operations, avoid penalties, and build credibility with clients and partners. Timely VAT registration also allows businesses to reclaim input tax, making it a vital part of financial planning.

At Shuraa Tax Accounting & Auditing, we specialise in offering seamless VAT registration services in Dubai to help businesses stay compliant. Our team ensures that your registration process is smooth, error-free, and fully compliant with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements. From evaluating your eligibility to securing your Tax Registration Number (TRN), we guide you through every step with accuracy and efficiency.

What is VAT Registration?

VAT registration is the process through which a business is officially recognized by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as a collector and payer of Value Added Tax (VAT). Once registered, the business is assigned a Tax Registration Number (TRN), which must be included on all tax invoices, credit notes, and VAT returns.

This registration essentially makes your business a part of the UAE’s tax system, meaning you are responsible for:

• Charging VAT on all taxable supplies and services you provide.
• Collecting VAT from customers on behalf of the government.
• Paying VAT to suppliers when applicable and reclaiming eligible input tax.
• Submitting VAT returns to the FTA within the given deadlines.

Who Needs to Register for VAT in UAE?

Businesses are required to register for VAT if they meet the following criteria:

Mandatory VAT Registration

Businesses must register for VAT if their annual turnover (taxable supplies and imports) is more than AED 375,000. This rule applies to most:

• Trading companies
• Service providers
• E-commerce and online businesses
• Import/export companies
• Branches of foreign companies operating in the UAE

Voluntary VAT Registration

Companies can also choose to register voluntarily if their annual turnover or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500. This option is especially useful for:

• Startups expecting growth
• SMEs that want to claim input tax on business expenses
• Businesses looking to enhance credibility when dealing with larger corporate clients

VAT Registration for New Companies in UAE

If you’re a newly established company in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, registering for VAT is one of the first compliance steps you need to take. Even startups and SMEs must check their expected turnover to determine whether they should register under the mandatory or voluntary scheme.

At Shuraa Tax, we assist new businesses with eligibility assessment, preparing and submitting VAT registration applications, and ensuring compliance with all FTA requirements from day one.

VAT Registration for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies that make taxable supplies in the UAE may also be required to register for VAT, regardless of their annual turnover. There is no registration threshold for non-resident businesses. In some cases, foreign companies are required to appoint a fiscal representative to ensure compliance with UAE VAT laws.

Our team is well-versed in the requirements for foreign businesses and can act as your trusted tax agent to handle the entire registration process and ongoing compliance.

Who are Exempt from VAT in the UAE?

Understanding the difference between zero-rated and exempt supplies is crucial for VAT compliance.

Zero-Rated Supplies (0% VAT):

While the VAT is charged at 0%, businesses dealing in these supplies can still reclaim any input VAT they have paid on their business expenses. Examples include:

• Exports of goods and services outside the GCC.
• International transportation and related services.
• Certain educational and healthcare services.
• The first sale of new residential properties within three years of completion.

Exempt Supplies:

These goods and services are not subject to VAT at all. Businesses dealing solely in exempt supplies cannot register for VAT and therefore cannot reclaim input VAT on their expenses. Examples include:

• Certain financial services where no explicit fee is charged.
• Residential properties (subsequent to the first supply).
• Bare land.
• Local passenger transport services.

How to Register for VAT in Dubai, UAE?

VAT registration in the UAE is managed by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and can be done online through the a FTA’s e-services portal. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process:

1. Create an Account on the FTA Portal

Sign up on the FTA’s official website and create a business account. This account will be used for VAT registration, VAT return filing, and all future tax correspondence.

2. Fill in Business and Contact Details

Provide accurate company information including your trade license number, registered address, and contact information. Add details of business activities, bank account details, and partners/shareholders.

3. Submit Required Documents

Businesses must upload supporting documents to verify their eligibility. These typically include:

• Trade license copy
• Passport & Emirates ID copies of owners, partners, or authorized signatories
• Memorandum of Association (if applicable)
• Proof of business address (Ejari, tenancy contract, utility bill, etc.)
• Financial records (such as audited financial statements, invoices, or projected turnover)
• Import/export documents (if applicable)

4. Specify VAT Registration Threshold

Declare whether your business falls under mandatory or voluntary registration based on your annual turnover or expected revenue.

5. FTA Review and Approval

Once submitted, the FTA reviews your application. If all documents are correct, your business will be issued a Tax Registration Number (TRN), which must be displayed on all invoices, contracts, and VAT filings.

While the process may sound simple, many businesses face delays due to incomplete applications, missing documents, or errors in data entry. This is why it’s best to rely on professional support.

At Shuraa Tax, we provide complete VAT registration services in Dubai – from preparing documents and filing applications to obtaining your TRN and guiding you on compliance afterward. Our experts make sure your VAT registration is done correctly the first time, saving you time, money, and stress.

Shuraa Tax – VAT Registration Services in Dubai

At Shuraa Tax, we specialize in making VAT registration simple and hassle-free. Our VAT registration services include:

• Eligibility check (mandatory/voluntary registration)
• Preparing and submitting VAT applications
• Managing FTA correspondence
• Obtaining the Tax Registration Number (TRN)
• VAT Return Filing
• Advising on VAT compliance post-registration
• VAT Deregistration

With our knowledgeable and qualified accountants, auditors, and tax advisors, you can focus on running your business while we handle the compliance.

Shuraa’s Other Taxation Services in UAE

Apart from VAT registration services, Shuraa Tax provides a wide range of taxation services in Dubai and across the UAE, including:

• VAT return filing & compliance
• Corporate tax registration
• Corporate tax filing
• Accounting & bookkeeping services
• Audit and assurance
• Tax residency certification assistance
• ICV certification
• Payroll services

And so much more...

Get Started with VAT Registration Today

Don’t risk fines or delays, ensure your business is VAT compliant from the start. Whether you’re a new company, an SME, or a foreign business, Shuraa Tax is here to make VAT registration smooth and stress-free.

Call us today for a free consultation or get in touch online to begin your VAT registration process in Dubai.

Commonly Asked Questions