How to Download VAT Certificate in UAE

A VAT registration certificate shows that the Federal Tax Authority has approved a business for VAT and given it a TRN. Banks, landlords and clients often ask for this proof before they sign contracts. 

Today most businesses only need a PDF copy. Downloading that VAT certificate in UAE through the EmaraTax portal is possible in a few minutes once registration is active. 

A paid service still exists for a printed certificate that arrives through Emirates Post after the fee is settled.

What Exactly Is A VAT Registration Certificate

A VAT certificate in UAE is an official FTA document that confirms:

• Legal name and address of the taxable person
• Tax Registration Number and effective registration date
• First VAT return period and due date

This certificate proves that the business can charge VAT and claim input tax. It also reassures banks, free zones and customs that the TRN on invoices links to an active account at the FTA.

Main Ways To Get Your VAT Certificate

There are two practical routes to a VAT registration certificate:

Free PDF via EmaraTax

Log in and download the certificate that already sits in your account.

Paid hard copy request

Use the Issuance of Registration Certificates service in EmaraTax. Service fee is AED 250 and the paper certificate arrives through Emirates Post.

Older accounts that never had a PDF version may need a small amendment or a new application before a fresh certificate is issued.

Step By Step: How To Download VAT Certificate In UAE

These steps use EmaraTax, the FTA online platform for VAT and excise.Eservices Tax+1

• Go to the FTA EmaraTax site.
• Log in using UAE Pass, Emirates ID or the usual username and password.
• Open the Taxable Person profile for the relevant trade licence.
• On the dashboard, look for My Correspondences or Certificates.
• Locate the VAT Registration Certificate.
• Click to open and then choose Download to save the PDF.

This route works for most existing taxpayers and many new ones once registration is approved and the TRN issued.

EmaraTax Certificate Options For Different Taxpayers

Existing taxpayers who moved to EmaraTax

Previous users who migrated their FTA e-services account usually see old VAT certificates inside My Correspondences. They can click each certificate title and save the PDF.

Newly registered taxpayers

New registrants often see a Certificates area in their taxable person profile. Once VAT registration is approved, a VAT certificate item appears there. Choose the three dots beside it, then pick Download to save the file as PDF.

Cases where no certificate appears

If no VAT registration certificate shows in EmaraTax, common causes include:

• Registration still under review
• Old certificate never uploaded as PDF in the legacy system
• TRN issued under a different taxable person profile

In such cases, businesses may need to update registration details or use the paid FTA service to obtain a fresh certificate. If a problem still occurs, consult Arnifi for the safest and quickest solution.

Requesting A Printed VAT Registration Certificate

Sometimes banks, tenders or overseas authorities still ask for a stamped hard copy. The FTA covers this need through its Issuance of Registration Certificates service.

Basic steps

• Log in to EmaraTax and open the taxable person account.
• Choose the service that issues registration certificates.
• Select VAT registration certificate as the requested type.
• Pay the AED 250 service fee through online card payment.
• Wait for Emirates Post delivery to the address held by the FTA.

Current FTA guidance notes a service window of around twenty business days once a complete application is in place.

Checks Before Sharing Your VAT Certificate

Use this short checklist every time before sending a VAT certificate to a bank, client or landlord.

• Confirm that the legal name matches trade licence and contracts.
• Confirm that the TRN matches invoices already issued.
• Check that the registration date covers the period where VAT has been charged.
• Keep one secure master copy and send watermarked copies to counterparties when possible.

If any detail looks wrong, contact the FTA through EmaraTax and file an amendment before heavy use of that certificate.

How Arnifi Helps With VAT Certificates And Compliance

Downloading a VAT certificate in UAE is only one small step in wider VAT control. Arnifi guides businesses through registration, EmaraTax setup and VAT return design so certificates, returns and ledgers move in one clean line. 

Our team also reviews contracts, tax codes and supporting documents so certificates support strong VAT positions during reviews and FTA audits, not only basic bank checks.

FAQs

1. What is a VAT certificate in UAE used for?

A VAT certificate proves that a business holds a valid TRN and is registered for VAT with the FTA. Banks, free zones, customs and larger clients often ask for it before they accept invoices or open accounts.

2. Is downloading a VAT certificate through EmaraTax free of charge?

Yes. Once registration is approved and the certificate sits in your EmaraTax account, downloading the PDF is free. Only hard copy requests through the Issuance of Registration Certificates service attract the AED 250 fee.

3. How long after registration can a business download its VAT certificate?

Timing depends on how quickly the FTA approves the VAT registration application. Once approval arrives and the TRN is active, the VAT certificate usually appears in EmaraTax under Certificates or My Correspondences soon after. 

4. What should a business do if no VAT certificate appears in EmaraTax?

First double check that VAT registration has been completed under the correct taxable person profile. If the certificate still does not show, raise a support ticket with the FTA or submit an amendment so the authority issues a new certificate.

5. Can one EmaraTax account hold several VAT certificates?

Yes. Groups that hold several licences under one account may see more than one taxable person profile. Each profile can show its own VAT registration certificate, so always check the correct licence before downloading and sharing any document.