Stay VAT compliant without the guesswork
The UAE standard VAT rate is 5%, applied to most goods and services. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period, and optional above AED 187,500. VAT and corporate tax are separate obligations with different registration triggers, VAT returns are typically filed quarterly (though some businesses file monthly), and free zone status doesn't automatically exempt a business from VAT.
We support with VAT compliance for new and existing UAE businesses. VAT is one of the easier UAE taxes to get technically wrong even when the underlying transactions are simple, because small classification mistakes compound every return period.
Common areas businesses get wrong
Assuming free zone means VAT-free. Some free zones are treated as "designated zones" with specific VAT rules for goods, but most supplies, and virtually all services, are still subject to standard VAT rules regardless of free zone status.
Missing the registration threshold until it's already been crossed. The AED 375,000 threshold is based on a rolling 12-month view of taxable supplies, not a calendar year, so it's easy to cross without noticing.
Treating VAT and corporate tax as the same filing. They're entirely separate obligations, with separate registration thresholds, separate returns and separate deadlines. Being VAT-registered says nothing about your corporate tax position, and vice versa.
VAT and corporate tax are separate systems with separate thresholds, so being registered, exempt or compliant on one says nothing about your position on the other.
Common areas businesses get wrong
Assuming free zone means VAT-free. Some free zones are treated as "designated zones" with specific VAT rules for goods, but most supplies, and virtually all services, are still subject to standard VAT rules regardless of free zone status.
Missing the registration threshold until it's already been crossed. The AED 375,000 threshold is based on a rolling 12-month view of taxable supplies, not a calendar year, so it's easy to cross without noticing.
Treating VAT and corporate tax as the same filing. They're entirely separate obligations, with separate registration thresholds, separate returns and separate deadlines. Being VAT-registered says nothing about your corporate tax position, and vice versa.
VAT and corporate tax are separate systems with separate thresholds, so being registered, exempt or compliant on one says nothing about your position on the other.
Common areas businesses get wrong
Assuming free zone means VAT-free. Some free zones are treated as "designated zones" with specific VAT rules for goods, but most supplies, and virtually all services, are still subject to standard VAT rules regardless of free zone status.
Missing the registration threshold until it's already been crossed. The AED 375,000 threshold is based on a rolling 12-month view of taxable supplies, not a calendar year, so it's easy to cross without noticing.
Treating VAT and corporate tax as the same filing. They're entirely separate obligations, with separate registration thresholds, separate returns and separate deadlines. Being VAT-registered says nothing about your corporate tax position, and vice versa.
VAT and corporate tax are separate systems with separate thresholds, so being registered, exempt or compliant on one says nothing about your position on the other.
What's included
Registration support
We'll flag your need to register long before you cross the mandatory threshold, or suggest voluntary registration where it benefits cash flow or supplier relationships.
Returns
Recovery reviews
Input VAT recovery reviews, so you're reclaiming everything you're entitled to.
Cross-border and threshold guidance
Why Rise Accounting
Chartered Accountants & Tax Experts
Combining local market knowledge and international experience.
Chartered Accountants & Tax Experts
Combining local market knowledge and international experience.
More than compliance
We get close enough to your business to advise on the decisions that actually move the needle: structuring, growth planning, cross-border complexity.
More than compliance
We get close enough to your business to advise on the decisions that actually move the needle: structuring, growth planning, cross-border complexity.
One team, two markets
Our London and Dubai offices share the same standards and approach. If you have afairs in both locations, work directly with one team.
One team, two markets
Our London and Dubai offices share the same standards and approach. If you have afairs in both locations, work directly with one team.
Supporting the UAE's most ambitious founders
Hear from our clients:
S
Salin Awad, Founder at Bakersfield Consulting Group
"Coming to Dubai from Europe we were looking for somebody that could cover all our concerns when it comes to understanding the tax legislative landscape. One year later I can safely say that Rise has been nothing short of excellent."
S
Salin Awad, Founder at Bakersfield Consulting Group
"Coming to Dubai from Europe we were looking for somebody that could cover all our concerns when it comes to understanding the tax legislative landscape. One year later I can safely say that Rise has been nothing short of excellent."
P
Pete Robins, Founder at Project5
"Project5 is the 5th business I’ve started, so I knew the importance of getting a partner to help me on the trials, tribulations, odd rules and hence frustrations of the various accountancy aspects of a start-up. Now in our scale-up stage, I’ll be sticking with Rise Accounting as they've simply delivered on what I needed."
N
Nick Kuan, Director of Finance Fertifa
"Communication was great from the very first interaction, through onboarding and now working together. It was fast and straightforward to progress which is important given how quickly we’re moving."
D
Kim Nguyen
"I'd tried saving money on accountant fees in the past, but it became obvious that the lower cost came with a much lower level of knowledge and expertise. In the end, it actually created more problems and cost me more time and money. Rise has been the complete opposite. It's fantastic value for money. The support is personal, practical and genuinely human. I never feel judged or talked down to. I feel understood, supported and confident that everything is being done properly."
A
Ajay Corotana
"Excellent Firm. The team handle everything professionally and have provided valuable advice on the best ways to save money within my business. They are not just accountants, but genuine business advisors who take the time to support growth and long-term planning."
D
Dimas Urgal, Finance Lead at Proxima Fusion
"Very good and experienced accountants. They are more than service providers, they are partners."
L
Laurent Zhubi
"Fantastic company! Highly professional, responsive, skilled and lovely team to deal with. I honestly could not recommend them enough! I have been using them for years."
T
Timothy Doyle
"Absolutely fantastic company which I highly recommend."
F
Federica Spotti
"I contacted Rise as I needed assistance in Accounting and VAT Advisory. The service is timely and very professional, would definitely recommend."
Supporting the UAE's most ambitious founders
Hear from our clients:
F
Federica Spotti
"I contacted Rise as I needed assistance in Accounting and VAT Advisory. The service is timely and very professional, would definitely recommend."
T
Timothy Doyle
"Absolutely fantastic company which I highly recommend."
L
Laurent Zhubi
"Fantastic company! Highly professional, responsive, skilled and lovely team to deal with. I honestly could not recommend them enough! I have been using them for years."
L
Laurent Zhubi
"Fantastic company! Highly professional, responsive, skilled and lovely team to deal with. I honestly could not recommend them enough! I have been using them for years."
A
Ajay Corotana
"Excellent Firm. The team handle everything professionally and have provided valuable advice on the best ways to save money within my business. They are not just accountants, but genuine business advisors who take the time to support growth and long-term planning."
D
Kim Nguyen
"I'd tried saving money on accountant fees in the past, but it became obvious that the lower cost came with a much lower level of knowledge and expertise. In the end, it actually created more problems and cost me more time and money. Rise has been the complete opposite. It's fantastic value for money. The support is personal, practical and genuinely human. I never feel judged or talked down to. I feel understood, supported and confident that everything is being done properly."
S
Salin Awad, Founder at Bakersfield Consulting Group
"Coming to Dubai from Europe we were looking for somebody that could cover all our concerns when it comes to understanding the tax legislative landscape. One year later I can safely say that Rise has been nothing short of excellent."
A
Aleck O'Neill, Altair Aviation Services
"Setting up a business in the UAE from abroad can feel pretty daunting, and I wasn't sure where to start. Rise Accounting made the whole process a lot more straightforward than I expected. Their insight has had a meaningful impact on my tax position."
P
Pete Robins, Founder at Project5
"Project5 is the 5th business I’ve started, so I knew the importance of getting a partner to help me on the trials, tribulations, odd rules and hence frustrations of the various accountancy aspects of a start-up. Now in our scale-up stage, I’ll be sticking with Rise Accounting as they've simply delivered on what I needed."
N
Nick Kuan, Director of Finance Fertifa
"Communication was great from the very first interaction, through onboarding and now working together. It was fast and straightforward to progress which is important given how quickly we’re moving."
Supporting the UAE's most ambitious founders
Hear from our clients:
S
Salin Awad, Founder at Bakersfield Consulting Group
"Coming to Dubai from Europe we were looking for somebody that could cover all our concerns when it comes to understanding the tax legislative landscape. One year later I can safely say that Rise has been nothing short of excellent."
S
Salin Awad, Founder at Bakersfield Consulting Group
"Coming to Dubai from Europe we were looking for somebody that could cover all our concerns when it comes to understanding the tax legislative landscape. One year later I can safely say that Rise has been nothing short of excellent."
P
Pete Robins, Founder at Project5
"Project5 is the 5th business I’ve started, so I knew the importance of getting a partner to help me on the trials, tribulations, odd rules and hence frustrations of the various accountancy aspects of a start-up. Now in our scale-up stage, I’ll be sticking with Rise Accounting as they've simply delivered on what I needed."
N
Nick Kuan, Director of Finance Fertifa
"Communication was great from the very first interaction, through onboarding and now working together. It was fast and straightforward to progress which is important given how quickly we’re moving."
D
Kim Nguyen
"I'd tried saving money on accountant fees in the past, but it became obvious that the lower cost came with a much lower level of knowledge and expertise. In the end, it actually created more problems and cost me more time and money. Rise has been the complete opposite. It's fantastic value for money. The support is personal, practical and genuinely human. I never feel judged or talked down to. I feel understood, supported and confident that everything is being done properly."
A
Ajay Corotana
"Excellent Firm. The team handle everything professionally and have provided valuable advice on the best ways to save money within my business. They are not just accountants, but genuine business advisors who take the time to support growth and long-term planning."
D
Dimas Urgal, Finance Lead at Proxima Fusion
"Very good and experienced accountants. They are more than service providers, they are partners."
L
Laurent Zhubi
"Fantastic company! Highly professional, responsive, skilled and lovely team to deal with. I honestly could not recommend them enough! I have been using them for years."
T
Timothy Doyle
"Absolutely fantastic company which I highly recommend."
F
Federica Spotti
"I contacted Rise as I needed assistance in Accounting and VAT Advisory. The service is timely and very professional, would definitely recommend."
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick responses to the most common queries. Need more info? Just reach out to us anytime!
What does a tax consultant in Dubai actually do?
What is the Statutory Residence Test and why does it matter?
What is a Qualifying Free Zone Person?
Is there a double taxation treaty between the UK and UAE that protects me?
Not what you're looking for?
Take a look at our other services here:
Company Formation Support
Mainland or free zone, we help you pick the right structure from over 40 free zone options and guide you through the full setup process.
Corporate Tax Advice
Guidance on mainland and free zone-specific compliance, structured to make the most of available reliefs.
Tax Residency Certificates
Full TRC application guidance and support, from eligibility through to how to submit with the FTA.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Real-time bookkeeping and reporting, including IFRS-based financial statements where required, so you always know where you stand.
Annual Accounts
Statutory accounts prepared on time, every time.
Payroll
Payroll processing and wage compliance, including WPS where relevant, so your team is paid correctly every time.
Management Accounts
Monthly or quarterly reporting that gives you a real, current view of performance, not just a look back at last year.
Tax Strategy
Strategic tax advice across the UK and UAE.
Not what you're looking for?
Take a look at our other services here:
Company Formation Support
Mainland or free zone, we help you pick the right structure from over 40 free zone options and guide you through the full setup process.
Corporate Tax Advice
Guidance on mainland and free zone-specific compliance, structured to make the most of available reliefs.
Tax Residency Certificates
Full TRC application guidance and support, from eligibility through to how to submit with the FTA.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Real-time bookkeeping and reporting, including IFRS-based financial statements where required, so you always know where you stand.
Annual Accounts
Statutory accounts prepared on time, every time.
Payroll
Payroll processing and wage compliance, including WPS where relevant, so your team is paid correctly every time.
Management Accounts
Monthly or quarterly reporting that gives you a real, current view of performance, not just a look back at last year.
Tax Strategy
Strategic tax advice across the UK and UAE.
Not what you're looking for?
Take a look at our other services here:
Company Formation Support
Mainland or free zone, we help you pick the right structure from over 40 free zone options and guide you through the full setup process.
Corporate Tax Advice
Guidance on mainland and free zone-specific compliance, structured to make the most of available reliefs.
Tax Residency Certificates
Full TRC application guidance and support, from eligibility through to how to submit with the FTA.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Real-time bookkeeping and reporting, including IFRS-based financial statements where required, so you always know where you stand.
Annual Accounts
Statutory accounts prepared on time, every time.
Payroll
Payroll processing and wage compliance, including WPS where relevant, so your team is paid correctly every time.
Management Accounts
Monthly or quarterly reporting that gives you a real, current view of performance, not just a look back at last year.
Tax Strategy
Strategic tax advice across the UK and UAE.
Ready to build your business in the UAE the right way?
Book a free consultation with a Chartered Accountant based in Dubai.
Ready to build your business in the UAE the right way?
Book a free consultation with a Chartered Accountant based in Dubai.
Ready to build your business in the UAE the right way?
Book a free consultation with a Chartered Accountant based in Dubai.