VAT registration & filing services in Dubai & across the UAE.
Registration through to return filing, handled on the Federal Tax Authority's schedule so nothing slips past a deadline — with correct treatment of reverse charge, zero-rated supplies, and free zone nuances built in from the start.
- VAT registration & deregistration
- Quarterly / monthly VAT return filing
- VAT advisory & compliance review
- Reverse charge & import VAT handling
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VAT registration in the UAE is threshold-driven, not automatic.
Introduced on 1 January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%, VAT registration becomes mandatory once a business crosses a specific turnover threshold — missing that point is one of the most common (and costly) compliance gaps we see.
Two thresholds, two very different obligations.
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or are expected to in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500 — a route some newer or smaller businesses take specifically to reclaim input VAT on setup costs.
We assess where a business sits against both thresholds before recommending whether to register early, wait, or register voluntarily.
Most businesses file quarterly — some are moved to monthly.
The FTA assigns each business a quarterly or monthly tax period based on turnover, and the return plus payment are due within 28 days of that period's end. Late filing triggers a fixed penalty immediately, with additional penalties accruing the longer it remains outstanding.
Imports are a common trap: the reverse charge mechanism requires the UAE-based recipient to self-account for VAT on certain imported goods and services, rather than the overseas supplier charging it — getting this wrong is one of the most frequent filing errors we correct.
Every stage of VAT compliance, covered.
From first registration to ongoing quarterly filing — one team handling every touchpoint with the FTA.
VAT Registration
Threshold assessment and full FTA registration, including Tax Registration Number (TRN) setup.
VAT Deregistration
Handled correctly when a business closes, restructures, or falls below the threshold.
Quarterly / Monthly Filing
Returns prepared and submitted on the FTA's assigned schedule, every period, on time.
Reverse Charge Handling
Correct self-accounting for imported goods and services under the reverse charge mechanism.
Zero-Rated & Exempt Review
Supplies classified correctly — exports, healthcare, education and other special categories.
Designated Zone Advisory
Guidance on VAT treatment for goods movement through UAE Designated Zones.
VAT touches almost every UAE business — some more than others.
Trading & Import/Export
Frequent reverse charge and customs-linked VAT treatment to get right.
Retail & E-commerce
High-volume standard-rated sales needing accurate, timely filing.
Free Zone Companies
Designated Zone rules and qualifying supply classification.
Professional Services Firms
Standard-rated services with straightforward but deadline-sensitive filing.
From assessment to your first filed return.
Threshold assessment
We review turnover against mandatory and voluntary thresholds.
FTA registration
Full registration handled, including TRN issuance and documentation.
Filing calendar set
Quarterly or monthly cycle confirmed and built into your ongoing schedule.
Ongoing filing
Returns prepared, reviewed and submitted before every 28-day deadline.
Common questions about VAT in the UAE.
The ones we hear most before an engagement starts. Don't see yours here?
Ask us directly →What is the VAT registration threshold in the UAE?
VAT registration is mandatory once a business's taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or are expected to exceed that in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500, which some smaller or newly established businesses choose in order to reclaim input VAT.
How often do UAE businesses file VAT returns?
Most businesses file quarterly, though the FTA assigns monthly filing to some larger taxpayers based on turnover. Whichever period applies, the VAT return and payment are due within 28 days of the end of that tax period.
What happens if a VAT return is filed late?
The FTA applies a fixed administrative penalty for a late VAT return, with additional penalties accruing the longer the filing and payment remain outstanding. Repeated late filings are treated more severely, which is why a fixed filing calendar matters more than it might first appear.
Do free zone companies need to register for VAT?
Yes — free zone companies follow the same VAT registration thresholds as mainland companies. Some free zones are classified as Designated Zones, which carry special VAT treatment for the movement of goods between zones, but this does not exempt a business from VAT registration or filing obligations generally.
What is the reverse charge mechanism?
Reverse charge applies mainly to imports of goods and certain services from outside the UAE — instead of the supplier charging VAT, the UAE-based recipient self-accounts for the VAT on their own return. Getting this treatment wrong is one of the more common VAT filing errors we see.
Are all goods and services subject to the same VAT rate?
No. The standard rate is 5%, but certain supplies are zero-rated (such as exports and international transport) and others are exempt (such as specific financial services and bare land). Correctly classifying supplies affects both the VAT charged and what can be reclaimed.
Ready to get VAT-compliant?
Book a free consultation — we'll assess your registration status and filing setup. No obligation.
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