VAT Registration in Abu Dhabi

Companies in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra register for VAT through the same EmaraTax portal as the rest of the UAE. Safeway Tax Consultancy is an FTA-approved tax agent in Ajman, and we prepare and submit Abu Dhabi VAT registrations remotely, by video call or phone, so you do not need to travel.

Do you need to register?

• Registration is mandatory when your taxable supplies and imports exceeded AED 375,000 in the past 12 months, or are expected to in the next 30 days.
• Registration is optional (voluntary) from AED 187,500 of taxable supplies or expenses.
• If you must register, apply within 30 days of reaching the threshold. Late registration carries an AED 10,000 penalty.

What matters for Abu Dhabi companies

• The 5% VAT rate and the registration rules are the same in every emirate, so an Abu Dhabi licence gives no different threshold.
• Mainland companies licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development register as standard VAT taxpayers.
• Free zone companies, for example in ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City or twofour54, must also register once they pass the threshold. Some zones are Designated Zones for goods, so we check yours before filing.
• Contractors, trading and service firms with work in Abu Dhabi and other emirates can register once for the whole UAE, and we make sure your activity is described correctly.

Documents we usually need

• Trade licence and Memorandum of Association
• Passport and Emirates ID of the owner or manager
• Bank account details (IBAN) and contact details
• A description of your business activity and your turnover for the past 12 months

We submit the application, deal with any FTA queries and, if you wish, stay on as your tax agent. Once registered you receive your Tax Registration Number (TRN) and certificate, and your VAT returns are due within 28 days after the end of each tax period. If you later stop trading, see VAT deregistration. For the full national picture, read our VAT registration guide for the UAE.

Contact us to discuss your Abu Dhabi VAT registration. See also our tax and accounting services in Abu Dhabi.

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