Does your company need VAT registration in the UAE?
Answer 2 questions and the calculator instantly shows whether VAT registration is mandatory for you, whether voluntary registration is available, or whether registration isn’t required at all.
Two questions — and you’ll see right away whether you need to register for VAT in the UAE.
No email, no phone call. Result instantly on screen.
When VAT registration is mandatory
The UAE has two thresholds: mandatory and voluntary. Turnover is counted over the last 12 calendar months or expected over the next 30 days.
If the total value of taxable supplies over 12 months exceeds AED 375,000 — registration is mandatory.
If turnover is above AED 187,500 — you can register voluntarily. This gives you the right to reclaim input VAT.
If turnover is below AED 187,500 — registration is neither required nor available.
Designated Zones are areas treated as “outside the UAE” for VAT purposes when supplying certain goods (hydrocarbons, natural gas, water, electricity, crude oil — per Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017). Services and goods outside this list are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 5%.
Why register voluntarily
Even if registration isn’t mandatory, it can still be worthwhile.
Input VAT recovery
A registered company can reclaim input VAT — this reduces the real tax burden.
Business credibility
VAT registration builds trust with counterparties — especially large companies and government entities.
Ready for growth
If your turnover is growing, registering early lets you set up your processes in advance.
How to register for VAT
VAT registration in the UAE goes through the FTA portal. We help at every step.
Threshold check
We determine whether the mandatory threshold has been reached or there are grounds for voluntary registration. The application must be filed within 30 days of exceeding the threshold.
Document preparation
Trade License, incorporation documents, owners’ passports, financial statements.
Filing with the FTA
We register on the EmaraTax portal, complete the application and upload the documents.
Getting your TRN
Once approved, the FTA issues a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
UAE-focused
We handle accounting and tax for UAE companies — VAT is built into the overall bookkeeping process.
Full support
From threshold checks to receiving your TRN — we handle the whole procedure.
Careful with your data
We only ask for what’s needed for registration. Confidential.
Quick answers on VAT registration
Answers to the questions we get asked most often about VAT in the UAE.
Check whether you need VAT registration
If your turnover is approaching the threshold or has already exceeded it — we’ll help you sort it out and prepare the documents. The penalty for late registration is AED 20,000.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute individual tax or legal advice. UAE VAT registration thresholds and rules are set out in Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 and Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a tax agent registered with the FTA.