WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey handles Excise Tax Registration for the companies we form and for businesses that come to us later, so the process is routine for our tax team. Excise Tax Registration is registering for excise tax on tobacco, energy drinks, carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages, and it applies to importers, producers and stockpilers of excise goods, and operators of excise warehouses. British nationals are a well-established community of more than 100,000 residents, concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so the Excise Tax Registration authority, the banks and the immigration officers see British applications every day and process them without hesitation. On the ground, for British entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 7 hours from London, the UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of the UK depending on daylight saving, and English is the working language of UAE business, so there is no language barrier.
Why Excise Tax Registration
Keeping records for five years, issuing compliant invoices and filing on time are the ongoing obligations that follow Excise Tax Registration. Excise rates are 100% on tobacco and energy drinks and 50% on carbonated and sweetened drinks. For British nationals, the practical advantages of Excise Tax Registration are the ease of travel between United Kingdom and the UAE, English is the working language of UAE business, so there is no language barrier, and a banking system that processes pound sterling (GBP) transfers daily.
Documents required
For excise tax registration for British-owned companies the registrar asks for the following paperwork, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
Pricing
Pricing for excise tax registration for British-owned companies depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. The figures below for excise tax registration for British-owned companies are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 3,500 |
|---|
FTA excise registration for producers, importers or warehouse keepers of excisable goods
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for excise tax registration for British-owned companies and makes international pricing simple. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so excise tax registration for British-owned companies no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for excise tax registration for British-owned companies. Put simply, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for excise tax registration for British-owned companies happen the same day they are ready. Most of our Excise Tax Registration customers come to us through referrals from other business owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
From day one, if you would like a written quotation for excise tax registration for British-owned companies, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Does Excise Tax Registration apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
Importantly, only if you intend to import, produce or stockpile excise goods; registration should be completed before the first transaction.
Is Excise Tax Registration mandatory for a free zone company?
Importantly, excise registration depends on the goods, not the jurisdiction. A free zone company importing or stockpiling excise goods must register, and designated-zone warehousing requires its own approval.
How long does Excise Tax Registration take with the FTA?
The FTA typically responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
Can a British citizen own 100% of a company in Excise Tax Registration?
Yes. British nationals can own the full share capital of a Excise Tax Registration company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
How long does the process take for British applicants?
Processing for British nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from United Kingdom that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
