VAT. The word alone can make new business owners panic. But it’s not as scary as it sounds once you know the process. Whether you’re selling in the UAE, KSA, or the UK — you need to get this right. Messing up taxes can kill your business faster than bad reviews.
VAT in the UAE
If you’re doing business in the UAE, VAT kicks in when your revenue crosses AED 375,000 a year.
Here’s how it usually goes:
- Create an account on the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal.
- Fill out the online VAT registration form — company name, trade license, bank details, etc.
- Upload documents:
- Trade license
- Passport copies of owners
- Emirates ID (if you have one)
- Bank account details
- Submit and wait for approval.
The FTA can take a few days or a couple of weeks. So don’t wait till the last minute.
VAT in KSA
Saudi Arabia has its own rules. If your taxable sales are above SAR 375,000 per year, you must register with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
Steps are similar:
- Register on ZATCA’s portal.
- Fill the online form.
- Attach your business documents and bank details.
The tricky part? KSA is strict about invoices and filing. You’ll need to issue electronic invoices in the proper format — no shortcuts.
VAT in the UK
UK VAT registration is with HMRC. You have to register if your sales hit £85,000 in the past 12 months.
Process:
- Sign up on HMRC’s website.
- Provide details about your business — name, bank account, and nature of products/services.
- Get your VAT number.
The UK is big on compliance. Late registration means fines. And trust me, HMRC doesn’t forget.
Quick Tips
- Keep your business documents organized. A single missing paper can delay your registration.
- File VAT returns on time. Set reminders.
- If it feels complicated, get help. It’s cheaper than making costly mistakes.
Want to skip the headache? Contact Innovex — we’ve done VAT setups for clients across UAE, KSA, and the UK. We know the right way to do things.
