UAE VAT Fundamentals/Module 8: Tax Groups & Group Registration
5 min

Group Registration Process

How to register a tax group, the representative member concept, and ongoing group management.

Group Registration Process

Step 1: Identify the Representative Member

The group must designate a representative member who will:

  • Be the primary contact with the FTA
  • File VAT returns on behalf of the group
  • Be responsible for all group VAT obligations
  • Receive the group TRN

The representative member is typically the parent company or the largest entity.

Step 2: Submit Group Registration Application

Through the EmaraTax portal:

  1. The representative member initiates a tax group registration.
  2. Adds each group member's details (trade license, TRN if already registered, financial details).
  3. Provides evidence of common control (shareholding structure, board appointments).
  4. Submits the application.

Step 3: FTA Review and Approval

The FTA reviews the application and may:

  • Approve the group registration
  • Request additional information
  • Reject if eligibility criteria are not met

Step 4: Group TRN Issued

Upon approval, the FTA issues a single group TRN. All group members use this TRN for VAT purposes. Individual TRNs may be retained or cancelled.

Ongoing Group Management

  • Adding members: New subsidiaries can be added to the group.
  • Removing members: Members can be removed (e.g., upon sale or restructuring).
  • Changes in control: If control changes, the group status may need review.
  • Group deregistration: The entire group can be deregistered.

Effective Date

Group registration is effective from the start of the tax period following approval (or as specified by the FTA).

Practical UAE example

**Abu Dhabi Conglomerate**: A conglomerate has 5 subsidiaries. The parent company applies as representative member, adds all 5 subsidiaries, provides the group structure showing >50% ownership of each. The FTA approves and issues a group TRN. From the next tax period, the parent files one quarterly return covering all 5 subsidiaries. When a new subsidiary is acquired, it is added to the group through an amendment application.

Key takeaways

  • A representative member is designated to file returns and handle FTA communications.
  • Application submitted through EmaraTax with evidence of common control.
  • FTA issues a single group TRN upon approval.
  • Members can be added or removed; group status reviewed on control changes.

Authoritative sources

Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax

United Arab Emirates — Federal Tax Authority · The VAT Law — Articles 1 to 82 (as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2022)

Effective: 1 Jan 2018Verified: 5 Oct 2026View source

Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017 on the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT

United Arab Emirates — Cabinet / Federal Tax Authority · Executive Regulations (as amended by Cabinet Decisions No. 46/2020, 24/2021, 88/2021, 99/2022, 100/2024, and 100/2025)

Effective: 1 Jan 2018Verified: 5 Oct 2026View source

FTA — VAT Registration Services

UAE Federal Tax Authority · Registration thresholds, voluntary registration, deregistration procedures

Effective: 1 Jan 2018Verified: 5 Oct 2026View source
Knowledge check

1. Who files the VAT return for a tax group?

Sign in to save your progress.

This lesson is general educational content, not individualized tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.