What is a VAT Certificate in UAE?
- Tax Registration Number (TRN): This is your unique VAT number and must appear on all tax invoices.
- Registered business name and address: These details must match your trade license and FTA records.
- VAT registration effective date: This tells you from when you must start charging VAT.
- Tax period information: It shows whether you need to file returns monthly or quarterly.
Who Needs a VAT Registration Certificate?
Not every business needs to register for VAT immediately:
Mandatory VAT Registration
You must apply for a VAT registration certificate in UAE if your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the last 12 months, or are expected to exceed that amount within the next 30 days.
Voluntary VAT Registration
You can register voluntarily if your taxable supplies or standard expenses exceed AED 187,500 during the preceding 12 consecutive months or if in the next 30 days they are expected to exceed AED 187,500. Many startups choose this option so they can claim VAT back on expenses like rent, equipment, or startup costs.
How to Apply for a VAT Certificate in the UAE
You can apply for a VAT registration certificate through the EmaraTax portal. Here’s how it works:
1. Create an EmaraTax Account
Visit the EmaraTax portal and register using your UAE Pass or sign up by providing basic details such as email id, mobile number and certain other fields . If your business already has an account, you can just log in.
2. Add Your Taxable Person Profile
Set up your business profile by entering your trade license details, contact information, and business activities. Make sure all information matches your official documents.
3. Complete the VAT Registration Form
Complete the VAT registration form. You will need to provide details about your turnover, expected revenue, imports and exports, bank account information, and business activities.
4. Upload Documents
Upload your trade license, passport copies, Emirates ID, and financial statements.
5. Submit the Application
The FTA will review your request, which can take around 20 business days. Once they process your application, your certificate will be ready to download.
How to Download VAT Certificate in the UAE
Once your VAT registration is approved, you can download your VAT certificate UAE online through the official EmaraTax portal. This is how it works:
1. Log in to EmaraTax
Visit the EmaraTax portal and sign in using UAE Pass or your registered email and password.
2. Open “My Correspondences”
From your dashboard, go to the “My Correspondences” section.
3. Download the VAT Registration Certificate
Look for the entry titled “VAT Registration Certificate.” You can download it as a PDF for free.
What Documents Do You Need to Download VAT Certificate in UAE?
If your VAT registration is already approved, you do not need extra documents just to download the certificate. You can just access it through EmaraTax.
If you are applying for a VAT registration certificate UAE, you will need:
- Trade license
- Incorporation documents
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorized signatory
- Financial statements or turnover proof
Bank account details
What is the Cost of Getting a VAT Certificate in Dubai, UAE?
We can download the certificate free of cost. However, if you need a printed certificate ,it costs AED 250 to get a VAT certificate from the EmaraTax portal. It costs AED 120 to get a VAT registration certificate from the Dubai Trade portal or the Dubai customs website.
How Long Does it Take to Get a VAT Registration Certificate in UAE?
It takes atleast 20 working days to get a VAT registration certificate. Once your certificate has been issued, it is immediately available to download from the EmaraTax portal free of cost.
How to Verify a VAT Registration Certificate?
Verifying a VAT registration certificate is important before doing business with a new supplier or partner. It helps you confirm that their TRN is valid and active.
Here is how you can verify a VAT certificate in UAE:
- Visit the official Federal Tax Authority (FTA) website.
- Go to the “TRN Verification” service.
- Enter the company’s TRN number.
Complete the captcha and submit the request.
Register for VAT with A&A Associate
VAT registration is important to get right. Mistakes in your application can delay your registration, which can delay your business operations. At A&A Associate, our expert UAE tax advisory can help you with:
- Checking whether VAT registration is mandatory or voluntary
- Preparing and reviewing all required documents
- Submitting your application through EmaraTax
- Supporting you with VAT filing, compliance, and audits
- Assisting with TRN verification and certificate issues
