UAE VAT registration & returns
VAT registration and periodic returns for UAE businesses, through our Dubai partner firm AlSudais Chartered Accountants L.L.C (AL-Areesh Tax Services).
Overview
VAT registration, returns and compliance for UAE businesses through EmaraTax, with e-invoicing readiness.
Register within 30 days of crossing AED 375,000, file returns within 28 days of each period, and appoint an accredited e-invoicing provider early: businesses with AED 50 million or more revenue go live on 1 January 2027 and others on 1 July 2027.
Why it matters
UAE VAT applies to businesses above the registration threshold. Registration and timely returns through the FTA portal keep your business compliant and able to recover input VAT.
Who needs this
- UAE businesses with taxable supplies above AED 375,000 a year (mandatory)
- Businesses above AED 187,500 that want to register voluntarily
- Importers and e-commerce sellers
Actual requirements
- Trade licence
- Emirates ID and passport of owner and authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association or proof of authorisation
- 12 months of turnover with supporting invoices
- Bank account details (IBAN letter)
- Customs registration, if importing
How it works
Who does each step, and how long it usually takes once documents are complete.
- 1Threshold checkTAXWORK
Rolling 12-month and forward 30-day turnover test.
1 day - 2EmaraTax applicationTAXWORK
Application with documents.
1–2 days - 3FTA reviewFTA
Tax registration number (TRN) issued.
Usually 5–10 business days, longer if queried - 4SystemsTAXWORK
Invoices, records and e-invoicing plan.
1–2 weeks - 5ReturnsTAXWORK
Filed and paid within 28 days of the period end.
Quarterly or monthly
Documents we need
Tick what you already have, then send the list to us.
What you receive
- TRN certificate
- Compliant invoice templates
- Return filing and reconciliations
- E-invoicing readiness plan
Deadlines, risks and penalties
- AED 10,000 penalty for late registration, plus VAT on past supplies
- 1% per month on unpaid tax under the 2026 penalty regime
- AED 5,000 per month for e-invoicing delays
Mistakes we fix, and what our fee covers
Common mistakes we fix
- Not registering when the threshold is crossed
- Late returns and the penalties that follow
- Residence status worked out wrongly, so income is taxed twice
- Records not kept for the period the law requires
Included in our fee
- Review of your position and the rules that apply
- Registration and returns prepared and filed
- Coordination with our UAE partner firm where needed
- Deadline reminders and copies of everything filed
Law and references
The sections and rules this service is based on.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT
- Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2025 (penalties, from 14 April 2026)
- UAE e-invoicing legislation
Questions
How long does it take?
About 2–3 weeks to TRN. Step by step: Threshold check (1 day), EmaraTax application (1–2 days), FTA review (Usually 5–10 business days, longer if queried), Systems (1–2 weeks), Returns (Quarterly or monthly).
What are the actual requirements?
Trade licence; Emirates ID and passport of owner and authorised signatory; Memorandum of association or proof of authorisation; 12 months of turnover with supporting invoices; Bank account details (IBAN letter); Customs registration, if importing.
What does it cost?
We give a fixed quote after reviewing your case. Government fees are extra where they apply.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
AED 10,000 penalty for late registration, plus VAT on past supplies. 1% per month on unpaid tax under the 2026 penalty regime. AED 5,000 per month for e-invoicing delays.
Do I need VAT if I only sell abroad?
Exports can be zero-rated but still count toward the threshold.
Is there a step-by-step procedure?
Correcting a UAE VAT return (voluntary disclosure): Fixing an error in a filed UAE VAT return under the 2026 penalty rules. Open the procedure →
When must I register?
Registration is mandatory above the threshold and optional above a lower voluntary threshold.
How often are returns filed?
Usually quarterly, or monthly for some businesses as the FTA decides.
Why clients choose TAXWORK
Individuals, businesses and companies across Pakistan and overseas.
Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Sialkot and Karachi (with Raza Siddiqui & Co., Chartered Accountants).
You get the scope and a fixed fee in writing before any work starts.
Progress updates, and a copy of everything we file or submit for you.
Keep reading
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View service →Ready to get UAE VAT registration & returns done?
Send your documents on WhatsApp or book a meeting. A consultant confirms the scope and a fixed fee before any work starts.