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VAT Services — Dubai, UAE

VAT Refund UAE

If your input VAT on purchases exceeds your output VAT on sales, you are entitled to claim a refund from the FTA. Our licensed consultants assess your eligibility, prepare the full application, and handle FTA follow-up until your refund is received. Free consultation.

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Service Fee Free Consultation We assess your eligibility and advise on the refund amount before you commit. Fee quoted upfront — no hidden charges.

FTAApplication Handled

FullFollow-Up Included

BothMainland and Free Zone

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Overview

What Is a UAE VAT Refund?

A VAT refund arises when the input VAT you have paid on your business purchases and expenses is greater than the output VAT you have charged on your sales during a tax period. In this case, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) owes you the difference — and you can claim it back through your EmaraTax account.

VAT refund applications are submitted via the EmaraTax portal as part of your quarterly VAT return, or separately after filing. The FTA reviews the claim and may conduct a VAT compliance audit before approving the refund. Well-prepared applications with complete documentation significantly reduce audit risk and processing time.

Who Is Eligible to Claim a UAE VAT Refund?

🚢

Exporters

Businesses that export goods or services (zero-rated at 0%) pay standard-rated VAT (5%) on their local purchases and costs — making them eligible to reclaim a significant amount of input VAT each period.

🏢

Capital Investment Businesses

Businesses that make large capital purchases (machinery, equipment, premises) in a period with lower-than-usual sales often find their input VAT exceeds output VAT — creating a refund position.

🌟

New UAE Businesses

Newly VAT-registered businesses often pay significant VAT on setup costs, office fit-out, and initial stock purchases before generating substantial taxable revenue — creating an early refund opportunity.

How It Works

Understanding Your VAT Refund Position

Input VAT vs Output VAT

Output VAT is the VAT you charge on your sales and taxable supplies during the period. This is collected from your customers and owed to the FTA.

Input VAT is the VAT you pay on your business purchases, expenses, and overheads during the period. This is reclaimable from the FTA, provided the purchases relate to taxable business activities.

When Input VAT > Output VAT, you have a VAT refund position. You can request the excess from the FTA via your EmaraTax account as part of your VAT return.

The FTA typically processes straightforward refund applications within 20 business days. If they select your return for a compliance review or audit, the timeline extends. We ensure your application is complete and well-documented to minimise delays.

Source: Federal Tax Authority — tax.gov.ae

What We Handle

Eligibility and refund amount assessment

Review of all input VAT claims and documentation

Verification that all input VAT is correctly reclaimable

VAT refund application via EmaraTax portal

FTA query and compliance review support

Follow-up until refund is received in your account

Advice on maximising eligible input VAT recovery

What You Get

What Our VAT Refund Service Includes

Free eligibility assessmentWe review your VAT position and confirm whether you have a valid refund claim before any commitment

Input VAT review and verificationWe check every input VAT claim to confirm it is correctly reclaimable and properly documented

Refund application preparation and submissionWe prepare and file your VAT refund application on the EmaraTax portal accurately and completely

FTA query and audit supportIf the FTA raises queries or initiates a compliance review, we handle all responses and documentation on your behalf

Full FTA follow-up until refund receivedWe track the status and follow up with the FTA until the refund is credited to your registered bank account

Advice on maximising future input VAT recoveryWe identify any missed input VAT claims and advise on how to maximise recovery in future periods

The Process

How Our VAT Refund Service Works

Free Eligibility Check

We review your VAT returns and financial records to confirm your refund position and estimated amount. No obligation.

Document Review

We verify all input VAT invoices and ensure every claim is correctly documented and reclaimable under FTA rules.

Application Submission

We submit your VAT refund application on EmaraTax with complete supporting documentation to minimise FTA audit risk.

FTA Review and Receipt

We track the status, handle any FTA queries, and follow up until the refund is credited to your bank account.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — VAT Refund UAE

How do I know if I am eligible for a UAE VAT refund?+

You are eligible if your input VAT (VAT paid on purchases) exceeds your output VAT (VAT charged on sales) in a tax period. Common situations include exporters, businesses with large capital purchases, and new businesses with significant startup costs. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment.

How long does a UAE VAT refund take?+

The FTA typically processes straightforward VAT refund applications within 20 business days. If the FTA selects the return for a compliance review or audit, the timeline can extend to several months. Submitting a complete, well-documented application significantly reduces the risk of delays. We handle the full process and follow up until you receive the refund.

Can I claim VAT on expenses from before my registration date?+

Yes. UAE VAT law allows businesses to claim input VAT on expenses incurred within 6 months before their VAT registration date, provided those purchases directly relate to taxable supplies made after registration. We identify and include all eligible pre-registration VAT claims as part of your application.

Will claiming a VAT refund trigger an FTA audit?+

The FTA may select VAT refund applications for a compliance review before approving the refund — this is standard procedure, not necessarily an indication of a problem. A well-prepared application with complete supporting documentation significantly reduces the risk of a full audit. We ensure your application is thorough and defensible.

Can I claim back VAT on all business purchases?+

Not all input VAT is reclaimable. VAT on purchases related to exempt activities, personal expenses, entertainment, and certain motor vehicles cannot be reclaimed. We review each input VAT claim to ensure only eligible amounts are included in your refund application, protecting you from FTA disputes.

Do I need to be VAT-registered to claim a VAT refund in the UAE?+

Yes. Only VAT-registered businesses can submit VAT refund applications. If you are not yet registered, see our VAT registration service. Registration is available from AED 150 and takes 1 to 7 working days.

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Claim Your UAE VAT Refund — Free Consultation

We assess your eligibility, prepare the application, and follow up with the FTA until your refund is received. Licensed consultants. No hidden charges.