Dubai
VAT Consultants in Dubai
Dubai owners mix a mainland trading licence with a Jebel Ali warehouse and a DMCC consultancy, then let one bookkeeper decide which tax registration number invoices the customer. That choice is the VAT file. Designated-zone movements of goods are not a reason to skip registration because the letterhead says free zone. Staff in Dubai Marina shared by two licences, deposits that are loans, and exempt residential rent sitting in the same bank feed are how the AED threshold gets miscounted. Name the licence that makes the supply.
ISZ Global matches you with vetted firms. You appoint. We do not file, we do not sign an audit, and we do not take a success fee. The shortlist is free for owners.
The FTA registration test
UAE VAT is charged at a standard rate of 5%. A resident business must register with the FTA when the value of taxable supplies and imports exceeds AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or is expected to exceed that amount within the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500 of taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses. The person must apply within 30 days of becoming liable.
A free-zone licence does not switch this off. Designated-zone rules for goods are narrow. Exempt supplies are not taxable supplies.
Questions owners ask
Does a Dubai free zone skip VAT?
UAE VAT is charged at a standard rate of 5%. A resident business must register with the FTA when the value of taxable supplies and imports exceeds AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or is expected to exceed that amount within the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500 of taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses. The person must apply within 30 days of becoming liable.
Does ISZ Global do this work?
No. We introduce vetted firms. The firm you appoint does the work under its own licence. The shortlist is free for owners.
Sources
- UAE VAT is charged at a standard rate of 5%. A resident business must register with the FTA when the value of taxable supplies and imports exceeds AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months, or is expected to exceed that amount within the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500 of taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses. The person must apply within 30 days of becoming liable. Source: FTA — VAT registration (https://tax.gov.ae/en/services/vat.registration.aspx). Last reviewed 2026-10-30.
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