UAE tax

UAE Tax Registration: Expert Help with VAT, Corporate Tax and E-Invoicing

UAE tax registration is one of the first legal steps for every new company. Whether you start a business in Dubai or expand from the Netherlands to new markets, registration is more than a formality. It makes your company known to the authorities, lets you issue compliant tax invoices and gives your business credibility. However, changing rules, digital portals and tight deadlines can make the process hard, so our team guides you through every step.

Taxonomy Business is now part of TGS Innovised All activities relating to “Taxonomy Global Business Advisory” have been merged into TGS Innovised as of November 2026.

VAT
Corporate tax
E-invoicing
Process
Netherlands and EU
FAQ

UAE tax registration for VAT

The UAE introduced VAT in 2018 at a standard rate of 5%. Since then, the system has matured, but the application is still technical and detail-sensitive. Whether you must register depends on your taxable supplies.

Mandatory registration

Taxable supplies and imports above AED 375,000 in the last 12 months, or expected in the next 30 days.

Voluntary registration

Supplies or expenses above AED 187,500. This can help you recover VAT on costs early.

Our VAT registration support

Checking whether you meet the mandatory or voluntary threshold
Registering your business on the Federal Tax Authority portal (EmaraTax)
Advice on VAT group registration for related companies
Guidance after registration, including compliant invoices and filing deadlines
VAT health checks that align your operations with ongoing reporting duties

Corporate tax registration in the UAE

Corporate tax applies to financial years that started on or after 1 June 2023. The rate is 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000. Every UAE company must register, including free zone and offshore companies, even if it expects to pay no tax. In addition, the authority can fine a company AED 10,000 for late registration, so timing matters.

Our corporate tax registration support

Assessing your tax position under the UAE Corporate Tax Law
Submitting your registration to the Federal Tax Authority before your deadline
Advice on your legal structure for clear and simple compliance
Helping free zone companies understand the 0% rate conditions and substance rules
Checking whether Small Business Relief or other reliefs apply
Preparing you for your yearly corporate tax return

Read more about tax for free zone companies and offshore companies.

E-invoicing in the UAE: get ready for 2027

The UAE is moving to mandatory e-invoicing. A PDF or paper invoice will no longer be enough. Instead, businesses exchange invoices as structured electronic data through an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) that the Ministry of Finance has approved. The ASP checks each invoice and reports it to the Federal Tax Authority. The rules start in phases, based on your annual revenue.

Large businesses

Annual revenue of AED 50 million or more. E-invoicing is mandatory from 1 January 2027.

Smaller businesses

Annual revenue below AED 50 million. Appoint an ASP by 31 March 2027. E-invoicing is mandatory from 1 July 2027.

You do not have to wait for your deadline. Businesses can already start e-invoicing voluntarily. Starting early gives you time to test your invoices and your accounting system before the rules apply to you.

Our e-invoicing support

Checking which phase applies to your business and what your exact deadlines are
Reviewing your invoices and your accounting or ERP system for e-invoicing readiness
Helping you compare and choose an Accredited Service Provider
Updating your invoicing process, so your team knows what changes
Making sure your e-invoices match your VAT records and returns

Your ASP sends and reports the e-invoices. We prepare your business and work alongside the ASP you choose, so the switch is smooth. We can also take over your VAT and tax filing.

How the UAE tax registration process works

We handle the full journey, from the first check to your tax registration number (TRN).

AssessmentWe check which taxes apply to you and when your deadlines are.
DocumentsWe collect your trade licence, memorandum of association, passport and Emirates ID copies of owners and managers, and turnover evidence.
ApplicationWe set up your EmaraTax account and submit the registration.
Questions from the authorityIf the authority asks for more information, we answer quickly and keep you informed.
TRN and certificateYou receive your tax registration number and certificate.
Ready for filingFinally, we set up compliant invoices and a filing calendar, and we can take over your VAT and tax filing.

The Federal Tax Authority publishes the official rules, guides and deadlines.

Dutch and EU tax registration

With a strong base in Dutch tax law, we also help businesses that operate in or expand to the Netherlands and the wider EU. Likewise, we help Dutch companies expand to the UAE with clear structures and local compliance.

Dutch VAT (BTW) registration for local and cross-border sellers
Corporate income tax registration for companies in the Netherlands
EU VAT One Stop Shop (OSS) registration for e-commerce businesses
Tax ID applications and residency advice for international entrepreneurs
Coordination between Dutch and non-EU structures to reduce the risk of double taxation

Global tax registration, one point of contact

Working across borders means different tax systems, languages and processes. Still, your compliance does not have to be fragmented. We work with a trusted network of local tax professionals, so your business registers correctly in each country. Whether you set up remotely, enter a new market or manage a group, we coordinate everything for you. For wider questions, see our international tax and transfer pricing services.

Why choose TGS Innovised

Two-market strength

We know both the UAE and the Dutch and EU rules, so your cross-border setup stays consistent.

End-to-end support

From the first check to the application and advice after registration, we handle it all.

Local insight, global view

Practical support in your region, with the full picture of your group in mind.

Integrated advice

Registration is backed by business and accounting support, so compliance helps your growth.

Frequently asked questions

Does a free zone company need to register for corporate tax?

Yes. All companies, including free zone companies, must register for corporate tax. This is true even if the company qualifies for the 0% rate on qualifying income.

When is my corporate tax registration deadline?

For most new companies, the deadline depends on the date the company was set up. Missing it can lead to a fine of AED 10,000. We check your exact deadline as part of your UAE tax registration.

What is a TRN?

A TRN is your tax registration number. You need it on tax invoices, in your tax returns and in all contact with the Federal Tax Authority.

When does e-invoicing become mandatory for my business?

It depends on your annual revenue. Businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more must use e-invoicing from 1 January 2027. Businesses below AED 50 million must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 March 2027 and use e-invoicing from 1 July 2027. We check which phase applies to you.

Can I start e-invoicing before my deadline?

Yes. Businesses can already use e-invoicing voluntarily. An early start gives you time to test your systems and fix problems before the rules apply to you.

Can I register for VAT before I reach the threshold?

Yes. You can register voluntarily once your supplies or expenses pass AED 187,500. We help you decide whether this is a good idea for your business.

How long does the registration take?

It depends on the authority’s review and on how complete your file is. Often, it takes a few weeks. Questions from the authority can add time, so we prepare the file carefully.

Start your UAE tax registration

Tell us about your company, and our team will check your VAT and corporate tax duties and your deadlines. We usually reply within 24 hours. Contact us for a first conversation, or go back to the UAE business setup overview.

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