Finance
VAT & Bookkeeping
VAT registration, returns and monthly accounts
Get a fixed quote
Four fields. We reply within one working day.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109
What this involves
VAT is charged at 5% in the UAE. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in a rolling twelve-month period, and voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500 — which is often worth doing to reclaim input VAT.
Returns are filed quarterly or monthly depending on turnover, and late filing carries penalties. Accurate bookkeeping is what makes the return straightforward rather than a scramble.
We handle registration, ongoing bookkeeping and the returns themselves, so your records are ready when the deadline arrives instead of being reconstructed afterwards.
What's included
- VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority
- Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping
- VAT return preparation and filing
- Input and output VAT reconciliation
- Invoice compliance review
- Management accounts
- Year-end financial statement preparation
Who this is for
- Businesses approaching or exceeding the VAT threshold
- Companies wanting to reclaim input VAT voluntarily
- Businesses without in-house accounting
- Companies preparing for corporate tax, which needs clean books
Not sure if you need this?
A short call will tell you whether this applies to your situation and what it actually costs — before you commit to anything.
Ask a questionDocuments you'll need
We'll confirm exactly which of these apply to your case before you start gathering anything.
- Trade licence and Memorandum of Association
- Passport and Emirates ID copies for owners
- Bank statements
- Sales and purchase invoices
- Customs documentation, for import and export businesses
- Existing accounting records, if any
How long it takes
Typical government processing times. Individual cases vary by nationality and emirate.
Threshold assessment
1 working dayConfirming whether registration is mandatory or voluntary.
VAT registration
5–20 working daysSubmitted via EmaraTax; FTA response times vary.
TRN issued
On approvalYour VAT registration number, required on all tax invoices.
Bookkeeping setup
3–5 working daysChart of accounts and opening balances.
Ongoing filing
Quarterly or monthlyReturns filed within 28 days of period end.
What it costs
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| VAT registration | AED 1,500 |
| Monthly bookkeeping, low volume | AED 1,200 |
| Quarterly VAT return filing | AED 1,500 |
| Year-end financial statements | AED 4,500 |
These are indicative 2026 market ranges, shown so you can budget realistically. Government fees change and every case differs — we send a fixed written quote covering your exact activity, visa count and facility before you commit to anything.
Common questions
Should I register for VAT voluntarily?
It is often worth it if your customers are VAT-registered businesses and you incur significant input VAT, because you can reclaim it. It is usually not worth it if you sell mainly to consumers, since it adds 5% to your prices and a filing obligation.
What are the penalties for late filing?
A fixed penalty for the first late return and a higher one for repeat offences, plus a percentage of unpaid tax that increases the longer it stays outstanding. The penalties escalate quickly.
Do I need bookkeeping if I am not VAT registered?
Yes. Corporate tax applies regardless of VAT status, and you cannot file a corporate tax return without proper records. UAE law also requires accounting records to be retained.
Let's get this handled
Tell us your situation and we'll tell you exactly what's involved, what it costs and how long it takes.
Or call Jaleel +971 52 432 9060 or Mis Shabi +971 50 314 9109