VAT Registration is registering with the Federal Tax Authority for 5% VAT, and it applies to businesses with taxable supplies and imports above AED 375,000 in the last 12 months (mandatory) or AED 187,500 (voluntary). GoldenKey handles VAT Registration for the companies we form and for businesses that come to us later, so the process is routine for our tax team. Switzerland is one of the UAE's largest trading partners by value thanks to gold and precious-metal flows through DMCC, which gives Swiss entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their VAT Registration licence is issued. On the ground, the most common businesses Swiss nationals open through GoldenKey are in wealth management, commodities, watches and luxury and pharmaceuticals, although VAT Registration supports almost any activity.
Why VAT Registration
As a rule, the steps for VAT Registration are: create an EmaraTax account, upload licence, passport, Emirates ID and bank letter, declare expected turnover and import values and then receive the TRN certificate. Penalties for late VAT Registration or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, which is why GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its customers. GoldenKey has prepared VAT Registration files for Swiss clients in wealth management, commodities, watches and luxury and pharmaceuticals, which means we know which Switzerland documents need attestation and which can be submitted as plain copies.
Documents required
In our experience, the document list for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Customs code and import records where applicable
Pricing
Pricing for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. As we tell every client, use the table below to compare packages for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 2,500 |
|---|
Federal Tax Authority registration for businesses with taxable supplies above AED 375,000 / year
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 UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many entrepreneurs choose it as a base for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, every VAT Registration package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. As a rule, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your VAT Registration licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Our quotations for vat registration for Swiss-owned companies list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss vat registration for Swiss-owned companies.
Frequently asked questions
Can GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
Yes. GoldenKey can prepare and submit filings on your behalf and handle FTA correspondence, so you have one point of contact for licence, visa and tax matters.
Is VAT Registration mandatory for a free zone company?
VAT registration is mandatory for any UAE company, free zone or mainland, once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months. Goods traded inside designated zones have special rules, but services supplied by free zone companies are generally taxable.
Does VAT Registration apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
A new company with no revenue does not need mandatory VAT registration yet, but can register voluntarily once expected taxable supplies or expenses exceed AED 187,500 — useful for reclaiming input VAT on setup costs.
Can a Swiss citizen own 100% of a company in VAT Registration?
Yes. Swiss nationals can own the full share capital of a VAT Registration company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the UAE?
Absolutely. The UAE and Switzerland have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.


