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Vat Registration in Dubai
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Vat Registration in Dubai

Moinuddin By Moinuddin December 04, 2025

Essential VAT Compliance in the UAE

Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in the UAE in January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%. For any business operating in Dubai or the UAE, VAT is a mandatory financial obligation governed by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

I am Moin Uddin, and I specialize in ensuring your business meets every FTA requirement precisely. From calculating your taxable supplies to securing your Tax Registration Number (TRN) and filing returns on time, we handle the entire process of Vat Registration in Dubai.

Our Focus: Zero penalties, full compliance, and maximizing your eligibility for Input Tax recovery.

🛑 VAT Registration: Mandatory Thresholds and Deadlines

It is important to track your turnover accurately, as exceeding the mandatory limit triggers a strict 30-day deadline for registration.

Important Note: Taxable supplies include 5% rated and 0% rated goods and services. They do not include exempt supplies (e.g., bare land, specific financial services).

Registration TypeAnnual Taxable Supplies / Imports (AED)Legal Requirement
Mandatory RegistrationExceeding 375,000Must register within 30 days of crossing the threshold. Failure results in a minimum AED 10,000 penalty.
Voluntary RegistrationExceeding 187,500Optional. Allows businesses to claim Input VAT (tax paid on purchases) back from the FTA, improving cash flow.

2. The Penalty for Late Registration

If you fail to register within the mandatory 30-day window after exceeding AED 375,000, the FTA imposes a fixed administrative penalty of AED 10,000.

Full-Scope VAT Services in Dubai

VAT compliance is an ongoing process Vat Registration in Dubai that extends far beyond the initial registration. We provide end-to-end support for your VAT lifecycle.

Service FocusWhat We Deliver for Your BusinessCompliance Goal
VAT RegistrationComplete FTA application management, document preparation, and securing your official Tax Registration Number (TRN).Avoid the AED 10,000 late registration penalty.
Taxable Turnover CalculationExpert assessment of past and projected turnover to accurately determine mandatory/voluntary status.Ensure accurate timing and threshold adherence.
VAT Group RegistrationStructuring and applying for a single VAT Group TRN for related entities to simplify filing and eliminate VAT on internal (intra-group) transactions.Simplify compliance and improve inter-company cash flow.
VAT Return Filing (Form 201)Quarterly preparation and submission of the VAT Return to the FTA, managing Input VAT vs. Output VAT figures accurately.Ensure accurate reporting within the 28-day deadline and minimize audit risk.
VAT De-registrationManaging the application to cancel your VAT registration when your turnover falls below the voluntary threshold for the required period.Avoid penalties for failure to de-register when mandatory.

VAT Return Filing: Deadlines and Penalties

Once registered, compliance shifts to timely filing and payment.

Filing Schedule:

VAT Returns (Form 201) are typically due on a quarterly basis (or monthly, as specified by the FTA). The deadline for submission and payment is 28 days after the end of the tax period.

⚠️ Penalties for Late Filing & Payment

ViolationFTA Penalty Details
Late VAT Return SubmissionAED 1,000 for the first instance; increases to AED 2,000 if repeated within 24 months.
Late VAT PaymentPenalties are compounding and capped at 300% of the unpaid tax:
  • 2% of the unpaid tax immediately after the due date.
  • 4% additional penalty if unpaid seven days after the due date.
  • 1% daily penalty accrues from the 30th day, up to the maximum cap.
Failure to Keep Proper RecordsAED 10,000 for the first offence; increases to AED 50,000 for repeat offences within 24 months.
vat registration in uae

Secure Your VAT Compliance Today

Don’t let mandatory compliance deadlines expose your business to severe penalties. We ensure your VAT registration, tax filing, and ongoing compliance are handled by an expert FTA-savvy tax agent.

WhatsApp Moin Uddin Directly

Contact me now we are audit firm in dubai for a FREE VAT eligibility assessment and registration quote!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does VAT apply to Free Zone companies?
    Yes. VAT rules apply to Free Zone companies just as they do to Mainland companies. They must register if their taxable supplies exceed the AED 375,000 threshold. Supplies of goods and services within a Designated Zone are treated specially (often as outside the VAT scope), but the company must still comply with all FTA registration and filing rules.
  • What is a VAT Group and what is the main benefit?
    A VAT Group allows two or more businesses that are legally, financially, and organizationally related (e.g., sister companies) to register as a single taxable entity under one TRN.
    The main benefit is that transactions between companies within the group are disregarded for VAT purposes, significantly simplifying accounting and improving internal cash flow.
  • What is Input VAT and Output VAT?
    Output VAT: The VAT (5%) you charge your customers when you make a taxable supply. This money is collected on behalf of the government.
    Input VAT: The VAT (5%) you pay to your suppliers when you purchase taxable goods or services for your business.
    The VAT Return is the difference between your Output VAT and your Input VAT.
  • What documents are required for VAT Registration?
    The FTA requires specific documents to verify your status, including:
    Valid Trade License.
    Memorandum of Association (MOA).
    Passport and Emirates ID of the owner/authorized signatory.
    Bank details (IBAN).
    Evidence of turnover (audited financial statements, invoices, or contracts).