Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the most important compliance requirements for businesses in the UAE today. Introduced on 1 January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%, VAT in the UAE applies to most goods and services, ensuring transparency across transactions and contributing to the nation’s non-oil revenue growth.
Unlike corporate tax, VAT is an indirect tax, collected by businesses on behalf of the government. To operate smoothly, companies must obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and issue VAT-compliant invoices.
VAT can be one of the most confusing parts of running a business in the UAE. Rules change, deadlines overlap, and one small mistake could mean heavy penalties from the FTA. That’s where Vista’s VAT consultants in Dubai make all the difference.
At Vista Financials Accounting and Taxation, we simplify the entire VAT lifecycle, from registration to filing and refunds, so you can focus on running your business, not decoding tax laws. Our experts combine years of experience with real-time FTA updates to ensure every transaction, return, and report is 100% accurate, compliant, and on time.
We don’t just handle your VAT — we help you understand it. Whether you’re registering a new business, claiming refunds, or dealing with FTA queries, Vista keeps the process transparent, smooth, and stress-free.
Our VAT Services in Dubai include:
With Vista, VAT stops being a headache and becomes part of your growth strategy — accurate, effortless, and fully compliant from day one.
Not sure where your business stands with VAT? Our VAT assessment and consultation services give you a clear snapshot of your current compliance status, highlight potential risks, and provide strategic recommendations to strengthen your tax framework.
We guide you through the complete VAT registration process in Dubai — from preparing and submitting documents to obtaining your Tax Registration Number (TRN) from the FTA. With Vista’s VAT consultants in Dubai, you’ll avoid delays and errors, ensuring your business becomes fully compliant from day one.
Late or inaccurate VAT filings can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Our experts handle the entire VAT return filing process — reconciling input and output VAT, managing reverse charge rules, and submitting accurate reports on time — so you stay penalty-free and compliant.
If your business qualifies for a VAT refund in Dubai, we make sure you get every dirham you’re entitled to. From documentation to submission and follow-up with the FTA, Vista ensures your refund process is smooth, accurate, and fast.
VAT laws in the UAE can be complex — especially for businesses operating across free zones, zero-rated sectors, or cross-border transactions. Our VAT advisory services in Dubai help you plan smarter, structure transactions correctly, and maximise recoveries while staying compliant.
Avoid last-minute panic during FTA inspections. Our VAT compliance audit services in the UAE review your records, identify gaps, and implement corrective measures — keeping your VAT filings accurate, transparent, and inspection-ready at all times.
When your business ceases operations or drops below the VAT threshold, Vista manages your VAT deregistration process end-to-end. We handle all filings and communications with the FTA, ensuring a clean and compliant exit without penalties.
Accurate accounting is the foundation of VAT compliance. With Vista’s VAT accounting services in Dubai, we integrate VAT tracking into your daily bookkeeping, ensuring every transaction is recorded correctly and your financial reports always meet FTA standards.
Our VAT auditing and reporting services deliver detailed insights into your VAT position. We audit your VAT records, review reconciliation reports, and ensure all filings align perfectly with your financial statements — giving you clarity, accuracy, and full compliance confidence.
Understanding whether your business needs VAT registration in Dubai is crucial for staying compliant with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and avoiding unnecessary penalties. The UAE has clear registration thresholds that determine whether your company must register for VAT.
If your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the past 12 months — or are expected to in the next 30 days — your business is required to register for VAT in the UAE. Missing the registration deadline can result in heavy fines and limit your ability to issue VAT-compliant invoices, which most clients and partners require for transactions.
If your annual taxable supplies or expenses are above AED 187,500, you can voluntarily register for VAT. While optional, voluntary VAT registration in Dubai allows you to reclaim input VAT on eligible expenses, improving cash flow and strengthening your financial credibility — especially valuable for startups and SMEs working with suppliers, banks, and investors.
Failing to register for VAT on time can result in serious financial penalties from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The fine for late registration is currently AED 10,000, and further non-compliance can trigger additional penalties for missed filings, incorrect returns, or underpayment. Vista helps ensure your registration is completed correctly and on time, protecting your business from unnecessary costs.
Not every business in the UAE is required to register for VAT.
Exempt sectors include:
Vista’s VAT consultants in Dubai can help you confirm if your business qualifies for exemption or zero-rated treatment and structure your operations accordingly.
To complete your VAT registration in Dubai, you’ll need the following documents:
Vista ensures all your documentation meets FTA standards, avoiding delays or rejections during VAT registration.
If you’ve recently launched your business, understanding how to apply for VAT registration in the UAE is vital. Vista helps new companies identify the right registration category, prepare the required documentation, and secure TRN approval quickly. With our support, you can start issuing VAT invoices confidently from day one.
VAT treatment in the UAE depends on where your business operates. Mainland companies must charge 5% VAT on all taxable supplies and file regular returns as per FTA rules.
Designated free zones, however, may enjoy VAT exemptions on transactions within or between zones. But any supplies made to the mainland remain taxable.
Vista’s VAT experts in Dubai help you apply the correct VAT treatment for your setup — ensuring full compliance whether you operate on the mainland or in a free zone.
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