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What you need to know now
The 2017 registration-launch notice is historical. Businesses should now assess registration using current activity and turnover information.
The original article is preserved below as a historical record. Earlier deadlines, rates, offers and approval statements should not be used as current guidance.
- Identify the correct taxable person.
- Separate exempt sales from taxable supplies.
- Retain the calculation and supporting records.
Keep the launch announcement in context
The original post reports the opening of registration before UAE VAT began. Its 2017 dates and phased instructions are preserved as historical information. They do not provide a fresh grace period or a current registration cutoff. A business operating now should assess its present legal person, activities and relevant turnover rather than waiting for another launch announcement. If reviewing an old registration, keep the original notice with the records for that historical period.
Review the current business rather than the old headline
List the entities, branches and activities involved and identify which person makes each supply. Compile the appropriate supply and import data and distinguish taxable items from exempt receipts. A new business, a growing existing business and a non-resident supplier may need different assessments. Do not assume the historical phased categories settle all of those cases. Use the current official registration information and document the reason for the conclusion reached.
Move from assessment to a supported application
Prepare documents that explain the entity, authority of the signatory and the figures used in the application. The registration assessment should reconcile with the accounts and contracts rather than exist as an unexplained estimate. Submit through the current FTA service and retain the acknowledgement, information requests and final decision together. Where a business appears to have missed an obligation, review the actual dates and current process promptly rather than relying on a pre-implementation article as protection.
Set up the work that follows approval
Check the approved details and effective date, then align invoice templates and tax codes. Assign responsibility for maintaining the VAT records, preparing the return and reviewing the submission. Keep the current filing calendar separate from the article’s historical registration timetable. Periodically revisit the registration position when activities or ownership change. This turns a short launch notice into useful background while directing a present-day business to the evidence and controls it needs after a registration number is issued. Review recurring reminders after registration changes so the finance team follows its actual account status.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
A practical way forward
- 01
Step 1
Compile the relevant turnover and import data.
- 02
Step 2
Assess registration and prepare the evidence.
- 03
Step 3
Submit through the current FTA route and retain the decision.
CLEAR ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Does profit determine the VAT threshold?
No. VAT registration uses the relevant supply and import measures.
Does a free zone licence itself remove VAT registration?
No. Assess the actual supplies and rules.
Read the original article First published 29 September 2017 · retained for context
This earlier article is preserved for context. Its rates, deadlines, approvals and announcements may have been superseded. Use the current guidance and official references on this page for your next step.
VAT Registration: Business Registration for Value Added Tax (VAT) is now open. If your annual sale is more than AED 375,000 then you MUST register for VAT. The outcome of the registration will be a Tax Registration Number (TRN). You first need to create the login on FTA’s website. You can access the link for the VAT registration here
- Before you start your registration, please make sure you have following documents/information ready with you.
- Trade License(s)
- Certificate of Incorporation (Free Zone Companies)
- Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
- Articles of Association/ Partnership Agreement (if applicable)
- Contact Information
- Bank Account details
- Financial Statements
- Customs details (if applicable)
- Authorized Signatory documents
- Passport and Emirates ID of manager, owner and senior management
Should you need assistance in VAT Registration? Contact our VAT Consulting Team would be glad to help you to complete VAT registration.
It’s better to start this process from today to avoid any last minute non-compliance VAT penalties.Click here to Register
VERIFY THE DETAIL
Official sources & further reading
Source checks support this general guide. Your treatment depends on the facts, tax period and applicable legislation.
