Global VAT: FAQs, Articles & Expert Insights

Understanding VAT in a Global Context

Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied in more than 160 countries, yet the rules differ widely. For global businesses, VAT is more than a local filing — it affects pricing, contracts, and cash flow across borders.

Antravia’s VAT Knowledge Hub explains how VAT operates in the EU, UK, UAE, and other key markets, helping companies navigate registration, reclaim procedures, and cross-border compliance with clarity and confidence.

What you’ll find here

This section brings together practical content for finance leaders, accountants, and entrepreneurs expanding internationally.

VAT Guides – Country-specific overviews explaining rates, thresholds, and registration rules.

VAT Refund and Reclaim Articles – How non-resident businesses recover VAT on travel, trade fairs, and supplier invoices.

FAQs – Concise answers to common questions such as “Can U.S. companies reclaim EU VAT?” and “What documents do I need for a UAE VAT refund?”

Expert Insights – Commentary on new legislation, reciprocity updates, and best practice in indirect-tax management.

Common VAT Questions

Who can reclaim VAT?
Businesses that are not established in the country where VAT was paid but incurred legitimate business expenses, and that operate from a country with reciprocity rights.

What expenses qualify?
Hotel stays, event participation, supplier invoices, professional services, logistics, and marketing — provided VAT appears on a valid tax invoice.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines vary: typically by 30 June or 30 September of the following year in the EU, and 31 August for UAE claims.

How are refunds received?
Approved refunds are paid directly by each tax authority, usually in EUR, GBP, or AED, within 4–9 months of submission.

For detailed country guidance, see our VAT Refund Directory.

Featured Articles

Travel & Accommodation

Hotels, car hire, local transport, but must relate to business travel

a group of people standing around a booth

Events & Exhibitions

Trade fairs, congress fees, booth build, but Admission tickets are not used

white printing paper with Marketing Strategy text

Professional Services

Legal, accounting, consultancy, but services linked to local sales or operations

Marketing & Promotion

Printing, advertising, design, but marketing aimed solely at UAE consumers

cargo ships docked at the pier during day

Transport & Logistics

Freight, local transfers, car hire for business but not usually reclaimable are personal vehicle or taxi use

Antravia verifies each invoice to confirm that UAE VAT has been correctly charged, the supplier is VAT-registered, and the service is eligible for refund under FTA rules.

How the UAE Refund Scheme works

Where Travel meets Smart Finance

Start your free eligibility check

Eligibility check

Antravia assesses whether your business qualifies under the reciprocity list and whether each expense meets FTA criteria.

Invoices must display the supplier’s TRN (Tax Registration Number), your business details, and a clear business purpose. Proof of payment (bank transfer or card statement) is required.

Refund applications are filed annually via the Federal Tax Authority’s online portal, usually between 1 March and 31 August for the previous calendar year.

Documentation & filing

Submission & tracking

Approved refunds are transferred directly to your business’s bank account, either in AED or converted to the preferred currency.

Refund Payment

The FTA reviews each claim and may request clarifications or additional documentation. Claims are typically processed within 4–8 months.

FTA Review

How Antravia simplifies your UAE VAT Reclaim

End-to-end management of the FTA submission process

Eligibility screening by jurisdiction and transaction type

Translation and formatting of invoices to FTA standards

Representation during review and clarification stages

Refund tracking and reconciliation in your accounting records

Secure document storage and audit-ready documentation

Why choose Antravia

Specialists in travel, hospitality, and international finance

We understand complex supplier chains and expense reporting.

FTA-compliant submissions

No missed details or rejected claims.

Transparent fees

Contingent or blended models based on refund success.

Multi-currency refund support

Direct reconciliation in your GBP, EUR, or USD books.

Global coverage

Seamless VAT recovery across the EU, UK, and GCC under one coordinated system.

Who can claim?

Travel & hospitality

Hotels, DMCs, agencies attending Conferences

Tech & SaaS

Attending European trade shows (Web Summit, IFA, VivaTech)

Medical & Life Sciences

Conferences, training, equipment demos

Events & Exhibitions

Global expo companies

Professional services & consulting

EU client visits, workshops

Ready to Reclaim UAE VAT?

Upload your sample invoices or contact our team to confirm your eligibility.

We’ll estimate potential refunds, prepare documentation, and manage the submission directly with the FTA.

Contact Us

How to Stay HMRC-Ready: Compliance Tips for Travel and Hospitality Businesses

Practical compliance tips for UK travel and hospitality businesses. Learn how to stay HMRC-ready and avoid penalties with structured financial controls. Link

Digital Record-Keeping and Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Travel Agents and Hotels

The UK’s Making Tax Digital rules expand in 2026, changing how travel agents and hotels file VAT and report income. Learn what systems to use, how to stay compliant, and how to prepare your accounting records with Antravia UK. Link

a pile of british coins sitting on top of each other

VAT for UK Travel Agents and Tour Operators: What you need to know about TOMS

Understand how VAT and the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS) affect UK travel agents. Learn how to stay compliant and protect your margins.. Link

Antravia Advisory

Where Travel Meets Smart Finance

Not legal advice, always verify with your Accountant

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Contact us:

Antravia LLC

contact@antravia.com