Registering for VAT in the UAE can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the entire VAT registration process on the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal. Whether you are a new business or an established company, this guide will help you understand how to successfully complete your VAT registration.
Creating Your Account on the Federal Tax Authority Website
The first step to registering for VAT is to visit the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) website and navigate to the E-Services section. If you already have an account, simply log in using your email address, password, and the security code provided. For new users, you will need to create an account by signing up. This involves entering your email, receiving an OTP (one-time password), and verifying it to complete the registration.
Setting Up Your Taxable Person Profile
Once logged in, check if your company name appears on the dashboard. If it does, you can proceed; if not, you need to create a taxable person profile. This involves filling in your company’s name in both English and Arabic and submitting the profile.
Registering as a Taxable Person
After your taxable profile is created, locate your company name and click on the View button. Under the action menu (three dots), select Register to start the VAT registration process.
Providing Company and Trade License Information
The registration form will ask for several details based on your trade license:
- Entity Type: Check your trade license for the correct entity type.
- Date of Incorporation: If unavailable, use the first trade license issuance date.
- Trade License Issuing Authority: Usually mentioned on your trade license (e.g., Dubai Economy and Tourism).
- Trade License Number, Issuance Date, and Expiry Date.
- Legal Name: Enter in both English and Arabic.
You will also need to upload a PDF copy of your trade license. You can save your progress as a draft if you need to pause and continue later.
Adding Business Activities and Ownership Details
Next, specify your business activities by selecting the relevant industry, main group, subgroup, and specific activity. If you cannot find an exact match, choose the closest relevant category.
Then, provide details about your business ownership:
- If your company is owned by another company, select Legal Person Owner and provide that company’s details.
- If owned by individuals, select Natural Person and enter the partners’ information along with their shareholding percentages.
Confirm whether your company has any local branches (usually select “No”) and proceed to the next step.
Filling in Financial Data for VAT Registration
Here you will provide your business’s financial data month-wise:
- For new businesses, enter the data for the months you have operated.
- If your business has been operating for over 12 months, provide the last 12 months of taxable supplies (sales) data.
To register voluntarily, your expected taxable supplies in the next 30 days must exceed AED 187,500. If your business qualifies, enter the anticipated taxable supplies accordingly.
Also, include your expenses for the last 12 months and expected expenses in the next 30 days. These figures must be supported by documentary proof, which you should prepare in an Excel file, print on your company letterhead, sign, stamp, and then upload.
Providing Contact, Manager, and Bank Details
Continue by filling in the contact details for your company, such as country and phone number. Next, provide the details of the person managing the business, which could be a manager or CEO.
Then, enter your company’s bank details. While this is optional, providing accurate bank information can help streamline your VAT registration process.
Additional Information and Authorized Signatories
The portal will prompt you for any additional information required. After this, add details of the authorized signatory who will be responsible for the VAT registration and compliance.
Reviewing and Submitting Your Application
Before submission, carefully review all the information you have entered. Once satisfied, submit your VAT registration application.
You will receive a confirmation message on the portal and an email confirming your submission.
Post-Submission Steps and VAT Certificate
If the Federal Tax Authority requires any further documentation, you can log back into your FTA portal, view the requests, and upload the necessary documents.
Once your registration is approved, your VAT registration will be activated, and you can download your VAT certificate directly from the portal by clicking on the Certificate link at the top of the page.
