Service
Fee (AED)
Process Time
Notes
VAT Registration
Free
20 business days
Mandatory for qualifying businesses.
VAT De-Registration
10-20 business days
For ceased or non-qualifying businesses.
VAT Return Filing
Instant once submitted
Submit quarterly returns online.
Late VAT Return Filing Penalty
AED 1,000 (first offense)
Applied immediately upon delay
Higher penalties for repeated offenses.
Late VAT Payment Penalty
2% of unpaid tax
Applied 7 days after due date
Increases after 7 days late.
Voluntary Disclosure Penalty
5%-50% of unpaid tax
Depends on submission date
Penalty depends on timing.
Excise Tax Registration
Required for excise goods traders.
Excise Tax Return Filing
Monthly return filing required.
Failure to Register for VAT/Excise Tax
AED 20,000
Immediate upon inspection
Penalty for late registration.
Request for VAT Refund
Available for eligible businesses.
VAT Refund for Tourists
Free (admin fee may apply)
Instant at kiosks
Kiosks at airports/malls.
Reconsideration Request (for penalties)
40 business days
Appeal penalties through FTA portal.
Tax Residency Certificate
AED 1,000 (individuals)
5-7 business days
Required for tax treaty benefits.
Business Penalty Payment Plan
Depends on agreement
Arrange installment payment for penalties.
Late Excise Tax Payment Penalty
Penalty increases over time.
FTA is also known as the Federal Tax Authority and was established in 2016. Moreover, it is a key government body that plays an important role in implementing tax policies in the UAE. In this vibrant country, this platform is responsible for managing and collecting Federal taxes. This government body is introduced to boost the economy and improve public services in the UAE.
It is responsible for collecting and enforcing federal taxes. Before its formation, there were no other federal taxes in the UAE. Below are the main responsibilities of FTA:
One of the main responsibilities of FTA is to ensure that businesses follow the laws of tax. For this purpose, registration and paying tax on time is important.
FTA offers clear guidelines and updates to all residents and businesses on how to follow tax rules to avoid penalties.
If your business is eligible for a tax refund then FTA manages the whole process. Furthermore, they ensure that you can get your money back as soon as possible.
Must Visit: TRN Verification Made Simple Quick Steps to Verify Your Tax Registration Number
Create your account by following these steps:
Visit the official website of the Federal Tax Authority. The "Sign up" button will be visible at the top right corner of the page.
You will be taken to the registration page by clicking on "Sign up" and selecting "Create a new account".
You will need to:
Full Name
Email Address
Mobile Number (with UAE Country Code +971)
Password (must not be weak and must be unique)
The system will send you a link for verification to the email address that you have registered. Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
Log in with your credentials once verified. You will now have access to the FTA dashboard.
You must then register your business with the VAT after creating your account. Uploading documents such as a trade license, Emirates ID or financial information is required. ).
Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed by the FTA. You will receive your tax registration number (TRN) if you are approved. This confirms that your registration has been successful.
Many users encounter problems during the account creation process. Avoid these mistakes.
Incorrect Phone Number or Email: Verify that all details of contact are correct.
Weak passwords Use strong passwords using letters, numbers and symbols to prevent security issues.
Uploading the wrong file formats The portal only accepts certain file types (PDF and JPG). Verify that your documents are compliant.
Skip Mandatory Fields Leaving sections blank can cause rejection or delays with approval.
Late registration: To avoid fines and penalties, businesses must register in time. Don't delay.
You'll be able to access a variety of features once your account becomes active:
Online VAT registration- Quick and paperless process.
Tax return filing – File your VAT returns without the need for manual paperwork.
Secure Transactions- All data is encrypted to ensure safe handling of taxes.
Guidance- This portal offers users FAQs and support.
User Friendly Dashboard- Simple navigation for individuals and businesses.
These features can help businesses save time while remaining compliant with the tax laws.
Professional assistance is helpful for new businesses and individuals who are unfamiliar with the UAE's tax system. There are many consultancies that offer services for FTA account registration and VAT filing solutions.
Platforms like Great Dubai, for example, not only offer services such as car rentals, but also provide guidance to individuals and businesses regarding UAE regulatory requirements. Partnering with reliable agencies will simplify the registration of your FTA account and allow you to focus on your core operations.
Create an account in the Federal Tax Authority Portal for individuals and businesses to comply with UAE tax regulations. You can quickly and easily set up your account by preparing all the necessary documents, following the guide and avoiding common errors.
It is important to remember that compliance with the FTA does not come as an option. Registration is important for all businesses, large or small. It ensures smooth operation and prevents unnecessary fines.
Consider consulting trusted service providers, such as Great Dubai, to simplify the FTA registration. If you have the right guidance and preparation, tax management in the UAE will be stress-free and seamless.
A trade license is required by all businesses wishing to register with the FTA portal.
The approval usually takes between 2-5 working days, if all documents are accurate.
Emila is a passionate real estate expert, lifestyle enthusiast, and writer dedicated to showcasing the dynamic charm of Dubai. With 6 in real estate, travel writing, Emila Hales brings insightful perspectives to readers exploring Dubai’s vibrant real estate market, luxurious lifestyle, and diverse cultural offerings. As an avid storyteller, Emila loves sharing tips on finding dream properties, uncovering hidden gems in the city, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Dubai.
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