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:
The representative member initiates a tax group registration.
Adds each group member's details (trade license, TRN if already registered, financial details).
Provides evidence of common control (shareholding structure, board appointments).
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
This lesson is general educational content, not individualized tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.