FTA-aligned VAT registration & filing
UAE VAT Services5% sounds simple. Getting it right on every invoice isn't.
VAT registration, return filing, refunds and voluntary disclosures — handled against the actual thresholds, not a blanket "register everyone" approach. Use the calculator to check any invoice right now, then let us handle the returns.
Standard-rated supplies only. Zero-rated and exempt supplies don't carry the 5% charge — if you're unsure which applies to your invoice, ask us before issuing it.
UAE VAT is charged at 5% on most goods and services. Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period. Returns are typically filed quarterly, due within 28 days of the period end. Voluntary registration is available at AED 187,500.
Mandatory vs. voluntary VAT registration in the UAE
VAT is charged at a standard rate of 5% on most goods and services. Whether registration is mandatory, voluntary, or not available depends on your taxable supplies over a rolling 12-month period — and getting this wrong in either direction carries real cost.
| Threshold | Effect |
|---|---|
| Above AED 375,000 | Mandatory registration — penalties apply if missed |
| AED 187,500 – 375,000 | Voluntary registration available, often worth it for input VAT recovery |
| Under AED 187,500 | Registration not available |
What we handle
Frequently asked
What's the difference between exempt and zero-rated supplies?+
Both show no VAT on the invoice, so nothing looks wrong on the surface. The difference is whether you're entitled to recover input tax — treating exempt supplies as zero-rated compounds a recovery error quietly across every return.
Do I need to charge VAT on exports?+
Most exports of goods outside the UAE are zero-rated rather than exempt, provided documentation requirements are met — this needs to be evidenced, not assumed.
What is the reverse charge mechanism?+
For certain imported services and goods, the UAE recipient self-accounts for VAT rather than the supplier charging it. For a fully taxable business the net cash effect is often nil, but skipping the entry is still a filing error that shows up on an FTA review.
How often do I need to file VAT returns?+
Most registrants file quarterly; the FTA can assign monthly filing to larger or higher-risk registrants.
I'm just under the mandatory threshold — should I still register?+
Often yes, if you have significant input VAT (rent, fit-out, equipment) you'd otherwise be unable to recover. Worth a genuine calculation, not a default either way.
Can I recover VAT on expenses before I was registered?+
In limited circumstances, yes — certain pre-registration input VAT is recoverable if specific conditions are met. This is one of the most commonly missed refund opportunities we find.
Related guides from our team
Practical explanations of the rules behind this service, written by our chartered accountants.
Voluntary disclosure penalties get steeper the longer an error sits uncorrected.
Not sure if you've crossed the threshold?
Send us your trailing 12-month revenue and we'll confirm your registration position — before the FTA flags it for you instead.