UAE Reverse Charge Mechanism Guide
When and how to apply reverse charge VAT for imported services and specified goods.
What is Reverse Charge?
The reverse charge mechanism shifts VAT liability from the supplier to the recipient. Instead of the supplier charging VAT, the buyer accounts for VAT in their return. This applies when purchasing certain services from non-UAE suppliers or receiving specified goods.
How Reverse Charge Works
- 1. You receive a service from a non-UAE supplier (no VAT charged)
- 2. You calculate the VAT that would have been due (5%)
- 3. You report this as both output VAT (Box 4) AND input VAT (Box 7)
- 4. Net effect: Often zero, but you've met compliance requirements
When Does Reverse Charge Apply?
1. Imported Services
When a UAE VAT-registered business receives services from a supplier who is not registered for VAT in the UAE:
- Consulting and professional services from abroad
- Digital services (software, cloud services, streaming)
- Advertising services from foreign companies
- Intellectual property licenses from overseas
- Management fees from foreign parent companies
Key Condition
Reverse charge only applies if the "place of supply" is the UAE. Most B2B services are supplied where the recipient is established.
2. Specified Goods
Reverse charge applies to certain goods transferred between VAT-registered businesses:
- Hydrocarbons (oil, gas) in specific circumstances
- Other goods specified by Cabinet Decision
How to Account for Reverse Charge
On Your VAT Return
Box 4: Supplies Subject to Reverse Charge
Report the value of the supply (VAT exclusive)
Box 7: Reverse Charge on Expenses
Report the value and recoverable VAT amount
Example Calculation
You receive consulting services worth AED 100,000 from a UK firm:
- Value of supply: AED 100,000
- VAT at 5%: AED 5,000
- Report AED 100,000 in Box 4 (output)
- Report AED 100,000 and AED 5,000 VAT in Box 7 (input)
- Net effect: AED 0 (assuming full VAT recovery)
Invoice Requirements
Even though the foreign supplier doesn't charge UAE VAT, you still need documentation:
- Invoice from the supplier showing the service and amount
- Contract or agreement documenting the arrangement
- Your internal documentation of the reverse charge calculation
Partial Recovery
If you make both taxable and exempt supplies, you cannot recover all the input VAT from reverse charge. Apply your standard apportionment ratio:
- Output VAT: Full amount (AED 5,000 in example)
- Input VAT: Apportioned amount (e.g., AED 3,000 if 60% recovery ratio)
- Net effect: You pay the difference (AED 2,000)
Common Reverse Charge Mistakes
Avoid These Errors
Reverse Charge vs Import VAT
Don't confuse reverse charge (for services) with import VAT (for goods):
- Reverse charge: Services from abroad—you self-account on your VAT return
- Import VAT: Goods entering UAE—VAT paid at customs (often deferred for registered businesses)
Designated Zones
Supplies from UAE Designated Zones (certain free zones) may also be subject to reverse charge when received by businesses in mainland UAE.
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