Register for VAT in the UK While Operating from The UAE

If you’re a UAE-based entrepreneur or business owner looking to set up or operate a company in the United Kingdom, understanding the UK VAT registration process is essential. Even if you’re managing your business from the UAE, if your business activities are within the scope of UK VAT, you must comply with HMRC regulations.

This guide is designed specifically for UAE-based clients of Vertex UK Ltd, who offer end-to-end corporate, accounting, and consultancy services to help you legally establish and manage a UK business from abroad.

Do You Need to Register for VAT in the UK?

You must register for VAT with HMRC if:

Your UK business’s VAT taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period.
You’re a non-UK-established business (like a UAE company) providing goods or services in the UK.
You expect your UK turnover to go over the VAT threshold in the next 30 days.
You sell digital services or goods to UK consumers and are responsible for UK VAT.

VAT and Non-UK Established Businesses

As a UAE-based entity offering services in the UK, you may be treated by HMRC as a Non-Established Taxable Person (NETP).

If you’re an NETP:

There is no threshold — VAT registration is required before you start supplying in the UK.
You must appoint a UK-based tax agent or manage registration directly.

How to Register for VAT in the UK from the UAE

1. Set up your UK business

If you haven’t yet, register your UK limited company.

We also offer complete company formation and address services. You can Contact Us for more information.

2. Create a Government Gateway account

You have to create your Government Gateway ID. You can make it from https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration Page.

3. Prepare the following information:

Company registration number (CRN)
Business address (can be a registered London address via Vertex UK)
Business activity description
Estimated VAT taxable turnover
Bank account details (UK or international depending on your setup)

4. Submit VAT Registration Online

Fill out the VAT registration form on the HMRC portal. You’ll usually receive your VAT number within 30 working days.

Please note that postal applications generally take longer to process than online applications.

If you need assistance with the VAT registration process or have further questions, feel free to ask.

After You Register

Once registered:

You’ll receive a VAT number, a VAT registration certificate, and a start date for VAT accounting.
You must charge VAT on eligible services or products you offer in the UK.
You’ll need to submit quarterly VAT returns and keep proper records.

How Vertex UK Ltd Helps UAE-Based Clients

At Vertex UK Ltd, we specialise in supporting UAE residents who want to:

Register a UK limited company remotely
Get a prestigious London registered office address
Ensure compliance with HMRC’s VAT and tax obligations
Access full accounting and payroll services from abroad
Optimise tax structure while growing UK operations from the UAE

Important: This guide is based only on information from the official UK government website (GOV.UK) and is accurate as of June 2025. For personal advice, consult with a VAT specialist via Vertex UK Ltd.

Get Expert Help Today

Want to launch your UK company and get VAT registered while sitting in Dubai, Ras al Khaimah, or anywhere in the UAE?

Contact Vertex UK Ltd:

📧 Email: info@vertexuk.co
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 20 4531 1020
🌐 https://vertexuk.co

Ready to take the next step?
👉 Contact us today through our Contact Page or explore our Services to learn more.

FAQs

Do I need to register for VAT in the UK if I’m based in the UAE?

Yes — if your UK-based business exceeds the VAT threshold (£90,000 annual turnover), or if you’re providing goods/services in the UK as a non-established business, VAT registration is mandatory.

How long does VAT registration take?

HMRC does not guarantee a timeframe, but most online applications are processed within 30 working days, unless additional checks are needed.

Do I need a UK address to register for VAT?

Yes. A registered UK business address is required. We can also help you with a London-based registered office that fulfills this requirement.

Can Vertex UK Ltd help me with VAT registration?

Absolutely. We support UAE clients with complete UK company setup, VAT registration, accounting, and ongoing compliance services.

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