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.
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.
Exporters and businesses making only zero-rated Supplies.
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.
Current text
Before requesting the exception
- 1
Confirm all actual and forecast Supplies are zero-rated.
- 2
Compare compliance cost with Input VAT that will not be recovered.
- 3
Submit the activity, Supply and undertaking information.
- 4
Do not treat the exception as effective before NBR approval.
- 5
Monitor the first non-zero-rated Supply or activity change.
Connected provisions
Official guides and tools
Connected Madar tools
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?