What Is the Process for Registering for Tax in the UAE? A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Shitiz Srivastava

Tax Registration in the UAE: Step-by-Step Process

In the UAE, a businessperson must first complete online tax registration through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) EmaraTax portal. However, depending upon which taxes you are going to register for, the method for registration could differ. Typically, registration will be for Corporate Tax and, if you meet the turnover thresholds for each, Value Added Tax (VAT).

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Basic Registration Steps (FTA Corporate Tax Service Page)

The FTA’s Corporate Tax Service Page outlines the basic steps for registration as follows:

• Create or access an existing EmaraTax account;
• Create or select the taxable person profile;
• Select Corporate Tax Registration.

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Step 1: Determine What Tax Registrations You Have to Do

Whether you are creating a new business or simply continuing to operate your current business, you need to determine if you are subject to Corporate Tax registration and/or VAT registration.

As per the FTA’s VAT website, once the total value of your taxable supplies exceeds AED 375,000 and the total value of your taxable imports exceeds AED 375,000, you are mandated to register for VAT. Voluntary registration may be allowed at a lower threshold of AED 187,500. The FTA also states that a person required to register for VAT must file their application within thirty (30) days of becoming required to register.

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Step 2: Access Your EmaraTax Account or Create a New One

Log onto the FTA’s online services using EmaraTax. If you previously had a Federal Tax Authority account prior to the migration to EmaraTax, the FTA indicates that you may need to reset your password when logging onto your new EmaraTax account for the first time.

To create an account in EmaraTax, you will need to enter your email address and phone number. If you have access to UAE Pass, you may use this as an alternative method to access EmaraTax.

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Step 3: Select/Create the Taxable Person Profile

Once logged into EmaraTax, you will need to create or select the appropriate taxable person profile for the entity/person being registered.

According to the Corporate Tax registration page, you will either create a new taxable person profile or select the appropriate one from the profiles you created, and then proceed to registration.

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Step 4: Select the Type of Registration

When you are registering for Corporate Tax, select the Corporate Tax registration service and complete the application. When you are registering for VAT, select the VAT registration service.

The FTA has provided two different service pages and guidance documents for the registration of each tax inside EmaraTax.

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Step 5: Complete the Registration Application and Upload Supporting Documents

As part of the registration process, you will normally need to provide:

• Business information
• Organizational structure information
• Trade license information (if applicable)
• Identification information
• Contact information
• Financial information relevant to the registration

The FTA’s manuals and service pages show that the registration is submitted through the online application form located within EmaraTax, and supported by taxpayer guides and user manuals.

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Step 6: Submit the Application and Allow the FTA to Review It

After completing the application form, submit the application form through EmaraTax. Once the FTA completes its review of the submission, your corporate tax registration will be updated in EmaraTax.

For VAT registration, businesses need to be particularly mindful of the timing of their application. Failure to submit the application for VAT registration within the allotted time period may result in the imposition of penalties.

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Step 7: Monitor Your Account and Ensure Ongoing Compliance

Once you have been registered, it is your responsibility to maintain accurate records related to filing deadlines, tax returns, tax payments, and any other changes that occur through EmaraTax.

The FTA’s EmaraTax user guide clearly shows that the submissions and payments related to tax returns and payments are made through the same EmaraTax portal.