VAT Services in UAE
VAT Services in UAE | Stay Compliant, Stay Confident
Expert VAT Consultants in UAE Businesses Rely On
If your business operates in the UAE, VAT compliance is not something you can afford to get wrong. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) enforces strict regulations and even unintentional errors in registration, filing, or record-keeping can result in significant penalties. That is why businesses across the UAE — from startups in Dubai to established enterprises in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and beyond — turn to trusted VAT consultants in UAE who understand the law inside out.
At Markom Global, we provide comprehensive VAT services in UAE designed to take the complexity off your plate entirely. Whether you are registering for VAT for the first time, need help with return filing, or want an experienced consultant to represent you during an FTA audit — our team is here and we are based right here in the UAE.
What Is VAT in the UAE and Why Does It Matter for Your Business?
VAT — Value Added Tax — was introduced across the UAE on 1 January 2018 at a standard rate of 5%, making the UAE one of the GCC countries to implement this indirect tax under a unified framework. It is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax and administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
VAT applies to most goods and services supplied in the UAE, with three categories businesses must clearly understand:
Standard-Rated Supplies (5%)
The majority of commercial goods and services fall into this category, including retail, hospitality, real estate (commercial) and professional services.
Zero-Rated Supplies (0%)
Certain categories are taxable at 0%, meaning VAT is charged but at a nil rate. These include exports of goods and services outside the GCC, international transportation, certain healthcare services and educational services.
Exempt Supplies
Some supplies are entirely exempt from VAT and businesses cannot recover input tax on these. These include certain financial services and residential real estate transactions.
Understanding which category your business activities fall into is fundamental. Getting it wrong — even honestly — can trigger FTA penalties, rejected returns, or missed refund opportunities. This is precisely where professional VAT consultants in UAE add real, measurable value.
Who Needs to Register for VAT in UAE?
Under current FTA regulations, VAT registration in UAE is mandatory or voluntary depending on your taxable turnover:
Mandatory Registration
Businesses whose taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per annum are required to register for VAT with the FTA. Failure to register within the required timeframe attracts a fixed penalty.
Voluntary Registration
Businesses whose taxable supplies exceed AED 187,500 but fall below the mandatory threshold may register voluntarily. This is often advantageous for businesses that incur significant input VAT and want to recover it.
If you are unsure whether your business qualifies — or which threshold applies to your specific structure — our VAT consultants in UAE can assess your situation and guide you to the right decision without delay. We also handle businesses registered in UAE free zones, which have their own specific VAT treatment rules that require careful navigation.
What we offer
VAT Services We Offer in UAE
Markom Global provides the full spectrum of VAT services in UAE — from the moment you need to register right through to deregistration if and when that time comes.
VAT Registration
We handle your VAT registration with the FTA from start to finish — gathering the required documentation, verifying your eligibility, completing the application accurately and ensuring timely approval. Getting registration right from the beginning prevents compliance issues further down the road.
VAT Return Filing
VAT returns in the UAE must be filed with the FTA on a quarterly basis (or monthly for some businesses) and late or inaccurate filings attract penalties. Our team prepares and submits your VAT returns with precision, reconciling your input and output tax, reviewing transaction records and ensuring every figure submitted is fully supportable. See also our accounting services and bookkeeping services which work hand in hand with accurate VAT filing.
VAT Compliance Review
A VAT compliance review is a proactive internal check on how well your business is meeting its FTA obligations. Our VAT consultants in UAE carry out a thorough assessment of your invoicing, record-keeping, tax calculations and filing history — identifying gaps before the FTA does. This is one of the most valuable services for businesses that have been VAT-registered for some time without a formal review.
VAT Consultancy and Advisory
Every business has unique transactions, contracts and structures. Our VAT advisory service provides clear, practical guidance on how VAT applies to your specific operations — whether you are dealing with cross-border transactions, intra-GCC supplies, mixed supplies, or the specific VAT treatment of your industry. This is not generic advice — it is tailored to your business in the UAE.
FTA Audit Liaison
Being selected for an FTA audit does not have to be a stressful experience. Our VAT consultants represent your business during FTA audits, prepare all required documentation, handle correspondence with the authority and work to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
VAT Reconsideration and Penalty Waiver Requests
If your business has received a VAT penalty from the FTA, all is not necessarily lost. The FTA allows businesses to submit reconsideration requests under certain conditions. Our team prepares well-structured, evidence-backed submissions to request penalty waivers — and we have a strong track record in getting them accepted.
VAT Deregistration
When a business ceases operations, falls below the registration threshold, or undergoes restructuring, VAT deregistration with the FTA is required. We manage the process correctly, ensuring all outstanding returns and liabilities are settled before applying and that the deregistration is completed without penalties.
For a complete picture of how our financial services support your UAE business, explore our corporate tax services and financial consultancy services.
Why Choose Markom Global as Your VAT Consultants in UAE?
There are many firms offering VAT services in UAE. Here is what sets Markom Global apart for businesses across all seven emirates.
We Are UAE-Based and FTA-Familiar
Our team operates from within the UAE and works with FTA regulations on a daily basis. We follow every update issued by the Federal Tax Authority — including public clarifications, Cabinet decisions and amendments to the VAT Executive Regulations — so your business is always aligned with the current rules, not last year's interpretation.
We Serve Businesses Across All Emirates
Markom Global serves clients across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. We understand that VAT obligations do not change by emirate — but the industries, business structures and specific challenges do. We will be covering each emirate in dedicated pages to address the specific needs of businesses in those locations, but this page serves every business in the UAE that needs expert VAT guidance right now.
We Work Across Industries
Our VAT consultants in UAE work with businesses across a wide range of sectors — retail, trading, construction, hospitality, professional services, real estate, healthcare, technology and more. VAT treatment varies significantly across these industries and we bring sector-specific expertise to every engagement.
We Communicate Clearly
VAT legislation can be dense and difficult to interpret. We make it simple. Our clients always understand exactly what they are required to do, why they are required to do it and what we are doing on their behalf. No jargon, no confusion — just clear, professional guidance.
We Are a One-Stop Financial Partner
VAT does not sit in isolation. It connects directly to your bookkeeping, financial reporting and corporate tax obligations. As a full-service financial consultancy in UAE, Markom Global ensures all your compliance obligations work together — reducing duplication, eliminating gaps and giving you a complete picture of your financial position.
How Our VAT Service Process Works
Free Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation discussion to understand your business, your current VAT status and what you need. Book your consultation here.
Assessment and Recommendation
We assess your obligations, review your existing records if applicable and give you a clear recommendation on the right path forward — whether that is registration, a compliance review, return filing support, or something else.
Execution
Our team handles the work — communicating with the FTA, preparing filings, conducting reviews — with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations.
Ongoing Support
We remain your VAT partner on an ongoing basis, handling quarterly returns, flagging regulatory changes that affect your business and being available when questions arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About VAT Services in UAE
The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5%, as set under Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017. Some goods and services are zero-rated or exempt — our VAT consultants in UAE can confirm the correct treatment for your specific business activities. You can also refer to the FTA's official VAT guidelines for the full legislative framework.
Mandatory VAT registration is required when your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per annum. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. You must apply within 30 days of reaching the mandatory threshold — failure to do so results in a penalty.
Late filing and late payment of VAT both attract penalties under UAE tax law. Penalties can be a fixed amount plus a percentage of the unpaid tax. Our team helps businesses avoid these situations — and can assist with reconsideration requests where penalties have already been issued.
It depends on the type of free zone and the nature of transactions. Designated free zones have specific VAT treatments under UAE law and supplies between them and mainland businesses are treated differently. Our VAT consultants in UAE advise free zone businesses regularly — contact us for a free assessment.
Yes. If your input VAT exceeds your output VAT in a given period, you may be eligible to claim a VAT refund from the FTA. Our team handles refund applications accurately and completely to maximise your recovery.
Talk to Our VAT Consultants in UAE Today
Whether you are registering for the first time, worried about compliance, or simply looking for a more reliable VAT partner — Markom Global is ready to help. Our VAT consultants are based across the UAE and are available for a free initial consultation.