Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax imposed on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production or distribution. It is a form of indirect taxation where the end consumer ultimately bears the tax. VAT is commonly used by governments worldwide as a significant revenue-generating mechanism.

In Dubai, VAT was introduced to diversify government revenue sources, reduce reliance on oil revenues, and enhance the sustainability of public finances. There are two types of VAT registration in Dubai –

  • Mandatory: Annual turnover of more than AED 375K.
  • Voluntary: Annual turnover of more than AED 187,500 but less than AED 375K

The introduction of VAT in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, marked a significant shift in its taxation policy. Here’s a brief timeline of its implementation:

  • 2017, January 1st: VAT was introduced in the UAE for the first time, with a standard rate of 5%. This implementation followed the passing of Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT.
  • 2018, January 1st: VAT implementation became effective in Bahrain, making it the third Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state to introduce VAT after the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • 2019, January 1st: Saudi Arabia increased its VAT rate from 5% to 15%, while the UAE maintained its 5% rate.
VAT Registration in Dubai, UAE

VAT Rate and its Applicability

The latest available information shows that the VAT rate in Dubai and the rest of the UAE remains at 5%. This rate applies uniformly across most goods and services, including:

  • Imports of goods and services.
  • Sale and purchase of goods and services within the country.
  • Supply of goods and services by a taxable person in the course of conducting business activities.

However, certain goods and services may be exempted or subject to a zero-rate VAT, such as certain food items, healthcare services, education, and exports.

However, certain goods and services may be exempted or subject to a zero-rate VAT, such as certain food items, healthcare services, education, and exports.

It is important for businesses operating in Dubai to register for VAT if their taxable supplies and imports exceed the mandatory registration threshold. The tax authorities set these limitations in the UAE. They must also charge VAT on taxable supplies, maintain proper records, and file VAT returns per the prescribed regulations. Businesses not complying with VAT regulations may face some penalties and fines.

What are the Documents Required for VAT Registration in Dubai?

Here are some of the documents required for VAT registration in Dubai –

  • Copy of trade licence
  • Passport copy of the business owner or anyone who owns the trade licence
  • Emirates ID copy of the owner/shareholders/managers
  • Contact details (mobile number, email ID, designation)
  • Bank details of the company
  • Turnover declaration of past 12 months

All the documents are required to be submitted to the Federal Tax Authority through an online process.

All these processes can be exhausting and time-consuming. Hence, Rewind Consultancy can help you with all the hectic work while you can save your time and invest in business growth and strategies.

All the documents are required to be submitted to the Federal Tax Authority through an online process.

All these processes can be exhausting and time-consuming. Hence, Rewind Consultancy can help you with all the hectic work while you can save your time and invest in business growth and strategies.

How does Rewind Consultancy Help with VAT Registration?

Rewind Consultancy help you with –

  • VAT registration as a tax group
  • VAT registration for a new company
  • VAT registration for international companies

With years of experience in VAT and auditing, we offer the best VAT registration services in the UAE. We help you analyse your turnover to see if you are eligible for VAT registration. If you are eligible for VAT registration, we apply for online VAT registration and get your company’s TRN (Tax Registration Number) along with the VAT certification.

FAQ

Is there a fee for VAT registration in Dubai?
No, currently, there is no fee for VAT registration in Dubai. However, businesses may incur costs related to preparing and submitting required documents, and any professional services sought for assistance with the registration process.

The duration of the VAT registration process may vary depending on the completeness of the documents submitted and the workload of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Typically, the FTA takes around 20 business days to process VAT registration applications.

Failure to register for VAT within the specified timeframe can result in penalties, including fines and suspension of certain rights and privileges granted to registered businesses. The fine amount might vary, but the most commonly levied fine is AED 10,000, which includes late filing and payment penalties.

Businesses can request amendments to their VAT registration details, such as changes in business name, address, authorised signatory, or business activities. These changes must be reported to the FTA within the specified timeframe.

Businesses must register for VAT within 30 days from the date they meet the mandatory registration threshold criteria.

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