Documents Required for VAT Registration in UAE: Complete Checklist

Businesses must register if:

• Businesses can apply for VAT if the taxable supplies, imports, or expenses are more than AED 187,500.
• If a company’s taxable supply and imports are more than AED 375,000 in the last 12 months or will continue to do so within the next 30 days, they must register for VAT.
• VAT registration is required only when your company provides taxable goods or services in the UAE.
• Even new companies can register if they plan to exceed the threshold soon.

If they match the requirements, some businesses that fall below the limit can nevertheless apply for voluntary registration.

Depending on the type of business you run, different documentation may be required, but most businesses documents needed for VAT registration:

1. Trade License Copy:

You must have a valid trade license in order to ensure that your business is correctly registered in the United Arab Emirates.

2. Passport and Emirates ID Copies:

Copies of the business owner’s, partner’s, or authorized person’s passport and Emirates ID.

3. Memorandum of Association (MOA):

Your company’s MOA proves ownership and business details.

4. Business Address Proof

You must provide:

• Office address
• Email and phone number
• Tenancy contract or Ejari (if applicable)

This confirms your business location in the UAE.

5. Bank Account Details:

Businesses need to provide their corporate bank account information, including account number and bank name, to verify financial operations.

6. Financial Records:

To prove eligibility under VAT registration requirements:

• Sales invoices
• Revenue reports
• Accounting summaries
• Contracts with clients

These documents help to confirm that your business has the VAT registration limit.

7. Import/Export Information (If Applicable)

You could be required to provide import/export records or customs information if your company does business worldwide.

Preparing these documents needed for VAT registration in advance helps ensure faster approval.

If you operate in a free zone, read our guide on VAT for free zone companies in the UAE to understand how tax rules apply to your business.

Many business owners ask: Can I claim input VAT before registration in the UAE?

In certain cases, companies may be able to recover input VAT on qualified pre-registration costs, given:

• The purchases were for business use
• Proper tax invoices are available
• The claim follows UAE VAT rules and timelines

Once you get your VAT number, it is important to keep correct records.

If you’ve recently set up a company, follow our step-by-step guide on how to register for VAT in the UAE for a new company to ensure full tax compliance.

Once you collect the documents required for VAT registration in the UAE, the process includes:

1. Creating an account on the FTA portal
2. Filling in company and financial details
3. Uploading the required documents
4. Submitting the application for review
5. Receiving your TRN after approval

After registration, your business must file VAT returns regularly and maintain proper accounting records.

Safeledger supports businesses with a complete compliance service, such as the Corporate Tax and VAT registration process in the UAE. Our team reviews your documents, checks whether you meet the VAT registration requirements, and prepares the application accordingly to reduce the chance of delays or rejection.