VAT Record Retention in UAE

Under UAE VAT law, businesses are legally required to keep their VAT records for a minimum period. This is a key compliance area the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) closely checks during audits.
Standard Record Retention Period
VAT records must be maintained for at least 5 years. This applies to most businesses in the UAE and covers both physical and electronic records. The retention period is calculated from the end of the relevant tax period.
Extended Periods:
• Real estate records: 15 years (due to longer asset lifecycles and potential capital gains tax implications).
• Capital assets (machinery, equipment): 10 years( best practice, not statutory), to support depreciation schedules and asset disposal calculations).
• Tax group consolidated financials: Must be retained for 5 years plus any appeal period.

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