VAT Registration Guide
To register for VAT in the UAE, eligible businesses apply through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal, submit supporting documents, and receive a Tax Registration Number (TRN). This guide explains each step and who must register.
Dubai-based, FTA-aware VAT support for UAE businesses.
You register for VAT in the UAE by creating an EmaraTax account on the Federal Tax Authority portal, completing the VAT registration application with your trade licence and financial details, uploading supporting documents, and submitting for review. Once approved, the FTA issues a Tax Registration Number (TRN). Registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 in taxable supplies and voluntary above AED 187,500.
Registration is mandatory if your taxable supplies and imports exceeded AED 375,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect to cross that figure in the next 30 days. If you are above AED 187,500 but below the mandatory level, you may register voluntarily — useful for startups that want to recover input VAT on setup costs. Calculate the figure on a rolling basis, not by calendar year.
The FTA asks for documents that verify the business and the people behind it. Having these ready before you start the EmaraTax application avoids delays and rejections. The exact list can vary by activity and legal form.
Create or log in to your EmaraTax account, open the VAT registration application, and complete each section: business details, activities, turnover, and bank information. Upload the supporting documents, review for accuracy, and submit. The FTA reviews the application and, once approved, issues your Tax Registration Number (TRN). After that you must issue tax invoices showing your TRN and begin filing VAT returns for each assigned tax period.
You register through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal by completing the VAT registration application, uploading your trade licence, ID and financial documents, and submitting for review. Once approved, the FTA issues your TRN.
Registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 in taxable supplies and imports over the previous 12 months (or expected within 30 days), and voluntary above AED 187,500.
Timing depends on the completeness of your application and FTA review. Clean, complete applications are processed faster; missing documents or clarifications extend the timeline.
Commonly: trade licence, passport and Emirates ID of the owner/signatory, ownership proof such as the MOA, bank IBAN details, and turnover evidence. The exact list depends on the business activity and structure.
Yes. The FTA applies a penalty for failing to register on time (historically AED 10,000). Registering promptly once you are liable avoids this.
Yes. Exiloz prepares your documents, checks eligibility, and helps complete the EmaraTax application so it is submitted correctly, though final approval rests with the FTA.
Exiloz can check your eligibility, prepare the document pack, and complete your EmaraTax VAT registration so it is submitted right the first time.
