English text status

English translation published by the NBR in its bilingual Regulations file (marked unofficial). The Arabic text published in the Official Gazette remains the legal reference in the event of any discrepancy.

Practical summary

A Person making only zero-rated Supplies may apply for a registration exception. It requires an application and NBR approval, carries an undertaking not to deduct or refund Input VAT for the exception period, and requires notice within 30 days if non-zero-rated Supplies begin.

Who should read this?

Exporters and businesses making only zero-rated Supplies.

Why does it matter?

Zero rating does not create an automatic exception. The exception can sacrifice Input VAT recovery, so the decision needs a documented cost assessment and ongoing monitoring.

Application and approvalNo deduction or refund30-day change notice

Current text

A. The Taxable Person who intends to be excepted from registration shall apply to the Bureau for a registration exception, based on a form prepared for this purpose, and shall include the following information: 1. His name, information and address of his Place of Business in the Kingdom. 2. His commercial registration number. 3. His Tax registration number and any customs records, if applicable. 4. The type and description of the Economic Activity conducted by the Taxable Person, which shows that the Supplies made are subject to Tax at the zero rate. 5. The value of the actual and expected annual Taxable Supplies at the zero rate. 6. A pledge by the Taxable Person not to deduct Input Tax or claim any Tax refund during the period in which he is exempt from registration, if he is registered for Tax purposes at a later date. B. The Bureau shall process the application for registration exception within thirty days from the date of submission of the application, and the Taxable Person shall submit any necessary clarifications and related documents to the Bureau upon their request. C. The Bureau shall review the application to ensure that the conditions for exemption from registration are met and shall notify the Taxable Person of the acceptance or rejection of the application following its review. D. Where a Taxable Person who is excepted from registration makes Supplies other than zero rated Supplies, he shall notify the Bureau within a period not exceeding thirty days from the commencement of such Supplies. E. A Taxable Person who is excepted from registration and who no longer fulfils some or all of the conditions stipulated in this Article shall register for Tax purposes within thirty days from the date the exception from registration no longer applies.

Before requesting the exception

  1. 1

    Confirm all actual and forecast Supplies are zero-rated.

  2. 2

    Compare compliance cost with Input VAT that will not be recovered.

  3. 3

    Submit the activity, Supply and undertaking information.

  4. 4

    Do not treat the exception as effective before NBR approval.

  5. 5

    Monitor the first non-zero-rated Supply or activity change.

Connected provisions

Official guides and tools

Connected Madar tools

Illustrative example by Madar

Exporter with taxable overheads

All sales may be zero-rated, but an exception prevents recovery of VAT on rent and other costs during the exception period. The decision should not be made from the output rate alone.

Questions to help you apply it

  • Are all Supplies genuinely zero-rated?
  • How much Input VAT recovery would be lost?
  • Has approval been issued?
  • How will the first non-zero-rated Supply be detected?