Tax Services
VAT Services in the UAE
Full UAE VAT lifecycle — registration, returns, refunds and dispute resolution — plus the special VAT refund for UAE nationals building new homes.
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For UAE Nationals
Reclaim the VAT on your new home
Built or building a new residence in the UAE? Eligible UAE nationals can recover the VAT paid on construction. We handle the entire FTA refund — eligibility check, invoice review, file preparation and submission — and follow up to approval.
VAT applies at 5% on most goods and services in the UAE. Businesses that exceed the mandatory threshold must register, charge VAT correctly, file periodic returns and keep compliant records, while recoverable input VAT can be reclaimed.
Nexus Wise manages your end-to-end VAT compliance and resolves disputes with the FTA — and helps eligible UAE nationals recover VAT on the construction of their new residences.
VAT thresholds & rates
Indicative figures — your obligations depend on your turnover.
What we offer
VAT Registration
Mandatory or voluntary registration, including tax groups, with correct documentation.
VAT Deregistration
Deregistration when you fall below the threshold or cease taxable activity.
VAT Return Filing
Accurate, on-time periodic VAT returns and input-tax recovery.
Tax Dispute Resolution
Clarifications, reconsiderations and representation before the FTA and TDRC.
VAT Refund
Preparation and follow-up of VAT refund claims to recover net recoverable VAT.
VAT Refund on UAE Nationals’ New Residences
End-to-end handling of the FTA new-home VAT refund for eligible UAE nationals — eligibility, invoice review, file preparation and submission.
Who needs to register for VAT
Registration turns on your taxable turnover — and the clock starts the moment you cross the line.
- Mandatory once taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 over 12 months
- Voluntary once supplies or expenses pass AED 187,500
- You must apply within 30 days of crossing the mandatory threshold
- E-commerce sellers and licensed freelancers are included
- Free-zone and designated-zone businesses must assess their position
How VAT applies
- Standard-rated at 5% — most goods and services
- Zero-rated at 0% — exports and certain sectors, with the right documentation
- Exempt — certain financial services, residential property and local passenger transport
- Input VAT on business costs is recoverable when the conditions are met
The registration process
- Eligibility assessment against the FTA thresholds
- Preparation of your documents
- Online application to the FTA on your behalf
- TRN and VAT certificate issued (typically within ~20 working days)
- You start charging VAT, issuing compliant tax invoices and filing returns
Documents for registration
- Trade licence
- Owner / shareholder passport and Emirates ID
- Contact and bank details
- Financial records / proof of turnover
- Customs registration details (if you import)
Returns, refunds & penalties
- Returns are usually quarterly — the FTA may assign monthly periods
- We reconcile input and output VAT and file on time
- We recover net VAT, foreign-business refunds and the new-home refund for UAE nationals
- AED 10,000 penalty for late registration, plus fines for late or incorrect filing
Why it matters
Stay compliant at 5%
Correct treatment of standard, zero-rated and exempt supplies.
Recover what you’re owed
Maximise input-tax recovery and refunds with well-prepared claims.
Resolve disputes
Expert handling of reconsiderations and FTA queries.
Frequently asked questions
When must I register for VAT?
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over 12 months, and you must apply within 30 days of crossing it. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500.
What is a TRN?
A Tax Registration Number — the unique number the FTA issues on successful VAT registration. You quote it on tax invoices and use it to file returns.
How long does VAT registration take?
The FTA usually processes applications within about 20 working days when the documents are complete and accurate — we prepare the file to avoid back-and-forth.
How often are VAT returns filed?
Most businesses file quarterly, though the FTA may assign monthly periods. We prepare and submit your returns on time.
Is VAT charged on exports?
Exports of goods and services outside the UAE are usually zero-rated (0%), provided you keep the correct export documentation — which we help you maintain.
Do free-zone companies need to register?
Yes — free-zone and designated-zone entities must register once they meet the threshold. We assess your specific position.
Can a foreign business recover UAE VAT?
In certain cases, overseas businesses not established in the UAE can reclaim VAT under the FTA’s refund schemes when eligibility conditions are met. We prepare and follow up the claim.
What are the penalties for late VAT?
Late registration carries an AED 10,000 penalty, and late or incorrect filing — or failing to issue proper tax invoices — brings further fines. We keep you compliant and penalty-free.
Can UAE nationals claim VAT back on building a home?
Yes — eligible UAE nationals can reclaim VAT incurred on constructing a new residence. We prepare and submit the full refund file to the FTA and follow up to approval.
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Your first consultation is free. Let’s keep your business compliant and confident.
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