This service allows exhibition and conference service providers to apply for a license to recover VAT on their services provided to international clients

• Through E-mail: Exhibitors@tax.gov.ae
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Free.

25 Minutes.

20 business days from the date the completed application was received.

The supplier who grants the right to occupy space for the purpose of holding an exhibition or conference (Scenario A):
• Complete and Submit Supplier’s License Request Form to Grant the Right to Occupy Space
• Valid business license with an activity clause aligned with the type of business according to the qualification criteria (terms and conditions)
• Official document or certificate proving that the premises are registered with the relevant government authority. If this is not available, the supplier must provide the following documents:
o Zoning Compliance Permit
o Site plans (land map) of the area to be leased for hosting an exhibition or conference, including the location, dimensions, and size of the hall
o Company profile. (The document must be signed by the authorized signatory)
• The contract or agreement executed by the owner of the premises, which must include the duration of the lease (in case the applicant does not own the premises)
• Passport/ID of the authorized signatory

Supplier who grants the right to access, attend, or participate in an exhibition or conference (Scenario B):
• Complete and submit License Request Form for Event Organizer to Grant Access to Events
• For suppliers residing in UAE, a valid business license is required, and the licensed business activity must be aligned with event management and organization. For non-resident suppliers, a certificate of incorporation must be provided
• Event permit provided by the competent Government entity
• Sample ticket which illustrates the ticket price and event name (if available)
• Passport/ID of the authorized signatory

1. Download the relevant application form (Declaration Form, Organizer Form, or Space Supplier Form)
2. Fill in the form electronically
3. Prepare the relevant evidence and supporting documents
4. Compose an e-mail to exhibitors@tax.gov.ae and attach the filled application form, as well as the relevant evidence and supporting documents
5. Send the e-mail

When should the supplier apply for license renewal?

The supplier should apply for license renewal one month before the expiry of the license if the license provided is valid for one year

Qualification Criteria – Scenario (A)
• The supplier must be registered for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority
• The supplier must have a place of residence within the country
• The supplier must operate under a lease contract for spaces dedicated to hosting exhibitions and conferences
• The supplier must hold a valid commercial license issued by the competent government authority, with a commercial activity aligned with exhibitions and conferences
• The supplier must own or have the authority to lease or occupy a space for hosting exhibitions and conferences
• The supplier’s premises must be registered with the competent government authority to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements for hosting exhibitions and conferences

License Period:
• The license is valid for one year only
• If the applicant is the owner of the premises, the license will be issued based on the agreed duration in the lease contract (not as the owner)
• If the applicant is not the owner of the premises, the license will be issued for one year only

2. Qualification Criteria – Scenario (B)
• The event duration must be seven (7) days or less
• Obtaining an event permit from the competent government authority

If the supplier is a local event organizer:
• The supplier must be registered with the Federal Tax Authority
• The supplier must hold a valid commercial license for the business activity related to event management and organization
• The supplier must be registered with the competent government authority as an event organizer

If the supplier is a non-resident (international) event organizer:
• Proof of establishment of the supplier in a country outside the United Arab Emirates must be provided.

License Use
• The license is granted for the specified event only and cannot be used for any other events.