You stopped making taxable supplies
If your business has ceased making taxable supplies altogether — for example on closure, sale, or a change of activity — you must apply to deregister for VAT.
VAT compliance · UAE
VAT deregistration in the UAE, filed on time
Stopped making taxable supplies, or dropped below the threshold? We handle your VAT deregistration on EmaraTax — final return, liabilities, and application — inside the 20-business-day window.
When you must deregister
Deregistration is not optional once you meet a condition — and the clock is short.
Supplies below AED 187,500 over 12 months
If the value of your taxable supplies over the previous 12 months is below the voluntary registration threshold of AED 187,500, you are required to apply for deregistration.
Within 20 business days
You must submit the deregistration application within 20 business days of the event that makes you eligible. Missing this window can attract an FTA penalty.
Not sure whether to stay registered? Compare with VAT registration or read the UAE VAT guide.
What we handle
From eligibility to FTA approval, we run the whole exit.
Eligibility review
We confirm whether you meet the mandatory or voluntary deregistration conditions, and the exact date the 20-business-day clock started.
Final return & liabilities
We prepare your final VAT 201, settle any outstanding VAT, and account for VAT on assets on hand where required before you exit.
EmaraTax application
We file the deregistration request on the FTA EmaraTax portal with the supporting evidence and track it through to FTA approval.
Clean records handover
We make sure your books, filings, and records are complete and retained for the statutory period after deregistration.
Deregistration in four steps
A clear path that keeps you inside the 20-business-day window.
01
Confirm eligibility
We check your last 12 months of taxable supplies and the trigger event, and pin down your 20-business-day deadline.
02
Clear liabilities
We prepare and file your final VAT 201 and settle any VAT due, including on business assets where the rules require it.
03
File on EmaraTax
We submit the deregistration application with evidence and respond to any FTA queries on your behalf.
04
Confirm & retain
We confirm FTA approval, close out the TRN, and hand over complete records for statutory retention.
Still filing while you wind down? We can keep running your VAT filing until the final return.
FAQ
VAT deregistration questions, answered
When must a UAE business deregister for VAT?
Deregistration is mandatory if you stop making taxable supplies, or if the value of your taxable supplies over the previous 12 months falls below the voluntary registration threshold of AED 187,500. In either case you must apply to the FTA within 20 business days of the event.
How long do I have to apply?
You must submit the deregistration application within 20 business days of the event that makes you eligible — for example ceasing taxable supplies or dropping below AED 187,500. Applying late can attract an FTA penalty, so it is important to act as soon as the condition is met.
Is there a penalty for late deregistration?
Yes. Failing to apply within the required window can attract an FTA administrative penalty, and interest-style charges can build on any unpaid VAT. We help you file on time so you avoid it; if you are already late, we help you regularise your position quickly.
Do I still need to file a return when deregistering?
Yes. You must file a final VAT 201 covering the period up to the effective date of deregistration and settle any VAT due, which can include VAT on business assets you still hold. We prepare and file this final return as part of the service.
Can I deregister voluntarily if I am still trading?
If your taxable supplies over the past 12 months are below AED 375,000 but above AED 187,500, you may apply for voluntary deregistration once 12 months have passed since registration. Below AED 187,500, deregistration becomes mandatory. We review your figures and advise on the right route.
What happens to my TRN after deregistration?
Once the FTA approves your deregistration, your Tax Registration Number is cancelled and you stop charging and filing VAT from the effective date. You must still retain your VAT records for the statutory period in case of a future FTA review.
Enquire
Talk to a UAE VAT specialist
Tell us why you need to deregister and when the trigger event happened — we'll make sure you file inside the 20-business-day window.