VAT Certificate in UAE: How to Apply, Download & Verify

A VAT certificate UAE is a formal FTA certification verifying a company's VAT registration status. It has crucial information like TRN (Tax Registration Number), issue date, and tax liability, which makes it compulsory for compliance, invoices, and trade documents.

The VAT registration certificate is a crucial requirement to verify registration, provide evidence to stakeholders, or comply with regulations. The FTA has made the certificate available online via their site to allow companies to verify or download it easily. 

What is a VAT Certificate in the UAE?

A UAE VAT certificate is a document issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to such firms which have successfully registered for VAT. It is lawful evidence that the company is entitled to charge, collect and remit Value Added Tax as per UAE VAT Law.

It is required of taxable businesses to possess a VAT registration certificate and is usually used in audit, customs transactions, or in interacting with customers and suppliers. It makes the business FTA compliant and allows for transparency in financial transactions under VAT. 

Eligibility Criteria for VAT Registration in the UAE 

UAE businesses are required to meet VAT registration limits as determined by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Registration will either be mandatory or voluntary based on turnover and expenditures.

Mandatory Registration: AED 375,000 Threshold

• Mandatory when taxable supplies and imports are AED 375,000 or higher during the last 12 months, or
• Anticipated to be AED 375,000 or higher within the next 30 days
• Foreign businesses exempted

Voluntary Registration: AED 187,500 Threshold

• Permitted if taxable imports, taxable expenses, or taxable supplies exceeded AED 187,500 over the last 12 months, or
• Expected to exceed AED 187,500 over the next 30 days

Step-by-Step VAT Certificate Application Process

Obtaining a VAT certificate in the UAE is a structured process regulated by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) via the EmaraTax platform. Businesses must complete all procedural steps to ensure compliance and proper documentation.

How to get a VAT certificate

1. Submit Application: Initiate your request through available online channels, primarily the EmaraTax platform.
2. Pay Service Fee: Settle the applicable charges using approved payment methods.
3. Receive Certificate: Upon verification and payment, the VAT registration certificate will be issued.

How to Get a VAT Certificate via EmaraTax (For New Taxpayers)

1. Log in to EmaraTax using your Emirates ID, UAE Pass, or taxpayer credentials.
2. Access your dashboard and go to the “My Correspondences” section under your Taxable Person account.
3. Locate the VAT Registration Certificate.
4. Download the certificate in PDF format directly from the system.

Note: If your VAT certificate was not previously available in PDF format, it may not appear in EmaraTax.

How to Obtain a Hard Copy of VAT Registration Certificate (Post-Registration)

1. File an Application: Submit the VAT Certificate request form via the FTA VAT Certificate service.
2. Receive Request Number: The FTA will assign a Request Number, used to proceed with the payment.
3. Pay Service Fee: Pay AED 250 via EmaraTax using an E-Dirham, credit, or debit card. A payment reference number will be generated.
4. Receive Confirmation: Upon payment, an email confirmation will be sent. The printed certificate will be dispatched to your registered company address.

Note: Businesses may also request the VAT Certificate through Dubai Customs for AED 100 plus additional administrative charges.

Documents Required for VAT Registration in the UAE

Before applying for VAT registration in the UAE, businesses must prepare and submit specific documents. These vary based on business type and registration category.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During VAT Certificate Application

While applying for a VAT certificate in the UAE, businesses often overlook key details that can lead to delays or rejection. Avoiding the following common errors ensures a smoother application process:

• Using outdated financial records: Always provide the most recent financial statements and revenue calculations.
• Incorrect signatory details: Ensure the authorised signatory matches the person listed in official business documents.
• Failure to meet threshold criteria: Applying without crossing the mandatory or voluntary VAT thresholds may lead to automatic rejection.
• Entering incorrect business activity or legal structure: These fields must match the trade licence and legal documents precisely.
• Uploading non-readable or incorrect file formats: Only upload clear, legible scanned documents in accepted formats (usually PDF or JPEG).
• Ignoring payment confirmation steps: The VAT certificate will not be issued until service fees are successfully paid and acknowledged.
• Incorrect or incomplete Emirates ID/UAE Pass login during EmaraTax access: This can prevent users from accessing or downloading certificates.

Why VAT Certificate Matters to UAE Businesses? 

A VAT certificate is not a formality document, but an extremely significant document for enhancing business operations and reputation in the UAE. The following are the reasons why it matters:

• Evidence of tax compliance: With a VAT certificate, it is guaranteed that a business is registered correctly with the Federal Tax Authority and is transparent in its compliance with regulatory standards.
• Improved stakeholders' credibility: Investors, suppliers, and customers are more likely to trust and trade with VAT-compliant businesses.
• Avoid Penalties: Proper VAT registration minimises the possibilities of fines or prosecution because of FTA non-adherence.
• Efficiency in operations: Companies acquire improved knowledge of bookkeeping, return filing, and tax calculation, resulting in fewer mistakes and improved internal controls.
• Support for growth and bidding: VAT-registered businesses tend to be favoured in government procurement and big contracts, offering a competitive edge in growing operations.

Conclusion

Obtaining a VAT certificate in the UAE is an obligatory process for companies reaching the stipulated registration levels. It not only complies with Federal Tax Authority guidelines but also gives your business greater credibility, operating transparency, and market reputation. From document preparation to navigating your way through EmaraTax to acquire certificates, procedure compliance is the answer. Avoiding errors and being knowledgeable about the legal side of VAT registration can keep your business out of trouble with regulations and make your financial transactions smoother in the UAE's business-friendly economy.