How to Register for VAT in UAE

Most business owners generally avoid talking about taxes until it suddenly affects their profit margins, compliance, or bookkeeping workflows. Since 2018, VAT is no longer new in the UAE. It’s been in place with a standard rate of 5% on most goods and services. But in 2026, multiple companies (specifically new ones) become confused about when to register, how to go for UAE VAT registration online, and what it really means for their business operations.

Well, theFederal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a digital system to handle VAT registration through its e-Service portal EmaraTax. Here you can start by creating your account, submitting details, and uploading documents. Once it’s approved, you’ll get your Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Every business owner must understand that a TRN isn’t any random number you can just file away. It’s actually the key identifier which you must include on all your VAT invoices, returns, and official communications.

Now, missing the right moment to register here can bring financial penalties and compliance risk for you, especially if your turnover crosses the required VAT registration threshold in the UAE.

But it doesn’t mean that registration is only about obligation. For many businesses, early VAT registration opens doors to reclaim input tax, strengthens the credibility with their B2B clients, and also makes a solid foundation for growth.

How UAE VAT Registration Works

In the UAE, VAT is basically a consumption tax that is charged on most goods and services at 5%. Businesses collect and remit this tax, but only if they’re registered with the FTA.

Registration isn’t optional for everyone. There are clear thresholds that determine if it’s mandatory, and if you fall below those, you might still choose to register because there are benefits to doing so.

When VAT Registration Becomes Mandatory

As per FTA rules, if your business’s taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the last 12 months or you expect to exceed that amount in the next 30 days, you are required by law to obtain Mandatory VAT registration in the UAE.

• This applies to resident businesses as well as non-resident entities making taxable supplies in the UAE where another party is not already accounting for VAT.

• You must submit your application within 30 days of breaching the threshold. If you delay, penalties can apply, including fixed administrative fines for late registration.

One question many business owners trip over is this: “If I have a new company but limited revenue, do I have to register?” Technically, no, unless you exceed that AED 375,000 limit.

Voluntary VAT Registration: Why It Matters

If your taxable supplies or eligible expenses exceed AED 187,500, you can optionally register for VAT.

• So why would any business do this if it’s not required?

• Registering early lets you reclaim VAT paid on business expenses.

• It shows credibility to partners, clients, and regulators.

• Overall, this step positions your business ahead of growth. Especially if you’re growing quickly. But remember, you can only deregister later if you fall below AED 187,500 for a full year.

That’s why many founders choose Voluntary VAT registration in the UAE even before they hit the mandatory threshold.

Understanding VAT Registration Thresholds Clearly

Mandatory VAT registration: When taxable supplies & imports exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period (or are expected to).

Voluntary VAT registration: If the taxable supplies or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500 but are below AED 375,000, you need to register for VAT.

No threshold for non-residents: In case a non-resident business makes taxable supplies in the UAE and if there’s no agent accounting for VAT on their behalf, they must register, and here the turnover doesn’t matter.

Documents You’ll Need to Register

Do you know that one of the biggest causes of delays inVAT registration is nothing but missing paperwork? So, when you start to complete your application, make sure that you have the following documents ready for VAT registration requirements in the UAE:

• Founding Documents: This documentation includes the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, or Partnership Agreement. It depends on your company’s structure.

• Commercial Registration Proof: You’ll need to submit any official registration certificate or document that is issued by the relevant licensing authority.

• Valid Trade License: You need to include the main trade license, along with any branch licenses (if applicable).

• Identification Documents: There must be Emirates IDs and passport copies of all owners and the authorized signatories.

• Power of Attorney (If Needed): This is only required if the authorized signatory is not listed in the Memorandum of Association. It is also applied when additional representatives are being appointed.

• Supporting Business Documents: Here, you’ll need the invoices, local purchase orders, contracts, property ownership papers, project completion certificates, or lease agreements that are your supportive business documents. It mainly depends on the application type.

• Projected Revenue Evidence: You must also upload some other valid documents, like purchase orders or contracts. But make sure those documents are signed and stamped by all the parties that are involved. It’ll show your expected income.

• Bank Account: It requires bank-related information, including your account number, account name, bank name, branch name, and IBAN.

• Customs Details: You need to submit any available customs-related information.

Gathering all of these documents required for VAT registration in the UAE before you start makes the entire process smoother.

Steps to Register in The FTA VAT Portal

Follow these steps for FTA VAT portal registration

• First, start by creating your EmaraTax e-Services account and activating it on the FTA portal.

• Here comes the second step. You need to access your dashboard to set up a new profile for “Taxable Person”. Always remember that, this profile will become the identity of your business for VAT purposes.

• After that, go to the VAT section from your dashboard.

• Now you need to click on “Register” under the section “Value Added Tax.”

• It’s the time to fill in your every detail, including business details, turnover estimates, activities, and contact info.

• Upload all required documents.

• Review everything and submit your application.

Never forget to double-check before you hit the submit button because mistakes often cause delays.

Once you submit, following the FTA VAT registration steps, the FTA typically processes the application within about 20 business days.