Business Solutions

VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)

Get compliant, avoid penalties and reclaim VAT confidently — ModCASA handles end-to-end VAT registration and ongoing compliance for businesses across Dubai and Sharjah.

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Key highlights for VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)

Fast, accurate VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) — typically 5–15 business days.

Full VAT compliance service: registration, invoicing, return filing, VAT recovery and FTA audit support.

E-invoicing readiness and staff training for seamless day-to-day operations.

Which structure fits VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)?

We’ll help you select the structure that fits your model, ownership needs, and visa plans.

Mandatory Registration

  • Required if taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months.
  • Also required if expected to exceed AED 375,000 in the next 30 days.
  • Applies to mainland, free zone and offshore entities making taxable supplies in UAE.

Voluntary Registration

  • Optional if taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500.
  • Helps with credibility and enables VAT recovery on business purchases.
  • Can be beneficial for startups planning growth and B2B operations.

Non-Resident Businesses

  • Required if making taxable supplies in UAE or have a fixed establishment.
  • Tax representative may be required for entities without UAE presence.
  • ModCASA assists with documentation and liaison with FTA.

Free Zone & Designated Zones

  • Designated zones treated as outside UAE for VAT in certain circumstances.
  • Registration depends on activities and where supplies are deemed to take place.
  • Supplies into mainland or to end users may attract standard 5% VAT.

How we handle VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah) — step by step

  1. Initial review & turnover assessment

    We evaluate turnover forecasts, transaction types, and whether supplies are domestic, export, or in designated zones to determine registration requirement.

  2. Document compilation & preparation

    We prepare copies of trade licence, passport/Emirates ID, tenancy agreement, MOA, bank details and board resolution (if needed).

  3. FTA account setup & application

    We complete the online VAT registration form with the Federal Tax Authority and submit with supporting documents via e-services.

  4. Follow-up & FTA queries

    We manage FTA clarifications and provide rapid responses to requests for additional information or document legalization.

  5. Registration certificate & TRN

    Once approved you receive a Tax Registration Number (TRN) and we configure your accounting & invoicing systems for compliance.

  6. Staff onboarding & training

    Practical training on e-invoicing, tax invoices, credit notes, record retention and day-to-day VAT procedures.

  7. Ongoing VAT filing & compliance

    VAT return preparation, timely filing (monthly/quarterly), input tax optimization and FTA audit support.

  8. VAT recovery & planning

    Analysis of purchases to maximize VAT recovery, apportionment methodology and reverse charge mechanisms.

Documents for VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)

Exact list varies by company type and jurisdiction.

For individual owners

  • Passport copies & Emirates IDs of owners / authorised signatories
  • Proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
  • Details of business activities and sample invoices

For corporate shareholders

  • Trade licence copy (mainland or free zone)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (or equivalent)
  • Board resolution or Power of Attorney (for corporate applicants)
  • Shareholder details and ownership structure

Other items

  • Tenancy contract / Ejari (mainland) or free-zone lease agreement
  • Bank account details and bank letter (where available)
  • Turnover projections and transaction details for past 12 months

Timelines & cost guidance for VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)

  1. Standard registration

    5–15 business days for straightforward cases.

  2. Complex structures

    Multi-jurisdictional or non-resident entities may take longer depending on document legalization and FTA queries.

  3. Filing frequency

    Monthly or quarterly depending on FTA assessment.

  4. First VAT return

    Due within 28 days of end of first tax period.

  5. Costs

    Tailored packages from one-off registration to monthly compliance retainers. Contact us for a quote.

VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah) Packages

Every package is tailored — below are typical service tiers. We’ll help you choose the best fit for your activity and jurisdiction.

VAT Registration Only

  • Turnover assessment and registration eligibility review
  • FTA account setup and application submission
  • Document preparation and FTA liaison
  • Tax Registration Number (TRN) issuance
Most Popular

Registration + Compliance Setup

  • Everything in Registration Only
  • VAT accounting setup (chart of accounts & tax codes)
  • E-invoicing & electronic records guidance
  • Staff training session on VAT invoicing and record keeping

Full VAT Management

  • Complete VAT registration and setup
  • Monthly/quarterly VAT return preparation & filing
  • Input tax optimization and VAT recovery analysis
  • FTA audit support & representation
  • Ongoing compliance advisory and staff training

Why choose ModCASA for VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah)?

  • Local expertise in Dubai & Sharjah with deep FTA knowledge and relationships.

  • End-to-end service: registration, invoicing, filing, recovery and audit support.

  • E-invoicing readiness to meet UAE mandatory electronic invoicing requirements.

  • Fast turnaround — minimize delays with accurate first-time submissions.

  • Proactive compliance — avoid penalties with timely filing and accurate returns.

Why choose ModCASA

VAT Registration in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah) — Frequently Asked Questions

What if my turnover is close to the threshold?

We'll model forecasts and recommend whether voluntary registration is beneficial for VAT recovery and business credibility.

Can I recover VAT paid before registration?

Generally not. VAT recovery normally starts from the TRN effective date; we'll advise on timing and any exceptions that may apply.

Do free-zone companies always need to register?

Not always. It depends on whether trading is inside the UAE or into the mainland. We'll assess your scenario and advise on registration requirements.

How long does the FTA take to issue a TRN?

Typically within 5-15 business days but may take longer when additional verification or document legalization is required.

Will you represent us in an FTA audit?

Yes — ModCASA provides audit support and representation, including preparing responses, documentation and remedial actions.

What are the penalties for late registration or filing?

Late registration, late filing, late payment and inaccurate returns attract fines under FTA rules. We help minimize risk through accurate filing and timely compliance.

Do you help with e-invoicing implementation?

Yes. We guide you on UAE mandatory e-invoicing standards for B2B transactions and help implement compliant systems.

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