Accounting - Saudi Arabia

VAT in U.A.E

Value Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax, meaning it is paid by another person (Business) other than the one it is intended to tax (Consumers).

VAT is a tax on consumption, that is pass-through to businesses, but surely can affect their cash-flow and adds a tax risk for penalties in case of incorrect application or non-payment.

It was effected in The U.A.E in 2018 and the legislation  is based on the Common VAT Agreement of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  The Common VAT Framework is based on the European Union, Australia and New Zealand VAT legislation.

Our English and Arabic speaking Tax Team has extensive experience in:

  • VAT Advisory
  • VAT Implementation
  • VAT Return Review
  • VAT Return Preparation
  • VAT  Risk Assessment
  • VAT Litigation Support

We are successfully advising MNCs and local companies operating in the United Arab Emirates.

VAT Requirements in U.A.E

The main features of VAT in the United Arab Emirates are mentioned below.  For a more detailed analysis you can refer to our Insights section.

Registration

AED 375,000 of taxable supplies is the mandatory registration threshold.

AED 187,500 of taxable supplies is the voluntary registration threshold.

Books

All companies in the U.A.E should have accounting books in any language.

Invoices

All companies in the United Arab Emiares, that are registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), should issue  invoices for both local and cross-border transactions.  The invoices should follow specific presentation rules.

VAT Rates

U.A.E has the following VAT rates:
  • Standard rate: 5%
  • Zero rate: 0% (for exports of goods and services and certain economy sectors)
  • Exempt:  Certain services are exempt from VAT.

Statutory Limitation

The general statutory limit of keeping accounting books, records and other accounting documents for VAT audit purposes is set at 5 years from the end of the relevant fiscal / tax period.  Certain exceptions apply.

Closing

Our main aim is to support the operations of our Clients with compliant and high value added services.  We are operating and supporting Clients in the United Arab Emirates since 2017 and we have the necessary know-how to provide that peace of mind when U.A.E tax authorities (FTA) will come to audit.

vat, UAE, UAE, UAE vat services, vat consultant UAE, tax consultant, english tax consultant UAE, european vat consultant UAE, vat refund, vat advice, vat advise, vat advisor, united arab emirates