Service

VAT Registration

Crossed — or about to cross — the AED 375,000 threshold? We get your VAT registration approved and your TRN issued correctly the first time, from AED 200.

Overview

VAT registration done right, without the back-and-forth

VAT registration in the UAE becomes mandatory once your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over a rolling 12-month period, or when you expect to cross that figure within the next 30 days. If your turnover or taxable expenses are above AED 187,500, you can also register voluntarily — which many startups do to reclaim the VAT on their setup costs.

The application itself runs through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal, and small details matter. Choosing the wrong registration type, mislabelling your activities or submitting incomplete documents can lead to rejections, delays and — if you are already over the threshold — penalties for registering late.

We take the whole process off your hands. We confirm exactly when and how you need to register, prepare your application accurately, and stay with it through to your Tax Registration Number (TRN) being issued — then explain what changes for your invoicing and returns.

What's included

A clear assessment of whether you must register, or should register voluntarily
Setup of your EmaraTax account (or use of your existing one)
Preparation and submission of the full VAT registration application
Guidance on every document the FTA expects, with a simple checklist
Selection of the correct registration type for your structure
Your TRN and VAT registration certificate delivered to you
A plain-English briefing on tax invoices, charging VAT and your first return

How it works

Eligibility check

We review your turnover and activities to confirm whether registration is mandatory or voluntary, and the right effective date.

Document collection

You receive a short checklist. We chase nothing you do not need and make sure everything is correct before submission.

Application on EmaraTax

We complete and submit your VAT registration application to the FTA, choosing the correct options for your business.

TRN issued

We hand over your TRN and certificate, then brief you on invoicing and your first VAT return.

Who this is for

Businesses whose taxable turnover has passed AED 375,000 in the last 12 months
New companies expecting to cross the threshold within 30 days
Startups wanting voluntary registration (from AED 187,500) to reclaim input VAT
Mainland and free zone entities making taxable supplies in the UAE

VAT Registration FAQs

Your questions, answered

How long does VAT registration take in the UAE?+

Once a complete application is submitted on EmaraTax, the FTA typically issues your Tax Registration Number (TRN) within around 20 business days, and often sooner. Delays usually happen when documents are missing or the wrong registration type is chosen — which is exactly what we prevent.

What documents do I need to register for VAT?+

In most cases: your trade licence, the Emirates ID and passport of the owner or partners, your contact and bank details, and evidence of turnover such as recent invoices or financial statements. Importers may also need customs registration details. We send you a simple checklist up front.

Do I have to register if my turnover is below AED 375,000?+

Registration is only mandatory once taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 in 12 months (or are expected to within 30 days). Below that, you can register voluntarily from AED 187,500, which lets you reclaim input VAT on your costs — useful for many startups.

What happens if I register for VAT late?+

The FTA can apply an administrative penalty for failing to register on time (currently AED 10,000). If you think you are already late, the best move is to register immediately — we can usually prepare and submit your application the same week to limit further exposure.

Can free zone companies register for VAT?+

Yes. VAT applies across the whole UAE, so free zone companies register in the same way as mainland businesses. Certain "designated zones" have special rules for the movement of goods, which we will explain if they apply to you.

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