How it works: 3 simple steps
Send us any booking confirmations you have. We'll handle the back-and-forth with hotels and deliver VAT-compliant invoices ready for your next filing cycle.
STEP 01
Upload the online confirmations for any UAE hotel stay from the last 6 months.
PDFs and CSV both accepted.
STEP 02
We'll contact each hotel directly, requesting VAT tax invoices issued under your company's name and TRN.
STEP 03
We'll deliver the invoices to your inbox within 48hrs. You include them in your next VAT return and recover what's owed.
Can UAE companies claim VAT on hotel stays?
Yes. VAT-registered UAE companies can usually recover the 5% VAT charged on hotel accommodation when the stay is directly related to business activities, such as employee business travel, conferences, or project work. To claim the VAT, the company must retain a valid tax invoice showing the hotel’s TRN and ensure the expense is recorded as a business cost.
What hotel expenses qualify for VAT recovery in the UAE?
Businesses can generally recover VAT on: Hotel accommodation during employee business trips Conference or training accommodation Lodging related to company projects or site visits However, VAT recovery may be blocked if the stay is classified as entertainment or hospitality for clients, rather than a direct business expense.
Can VAT be reclaimed on hotel bookings made through Booking.com or other OTAs?
VAT recovery depends on the tax invoice issued. If the hotel provides a UAE tax invoice with TRN and VAT amount, the business may claim input VAT in its VAT return. However, if the invoice is issued by a foreign platform or lacks proper VAT details, the claim may be rejected during an audit.
What documents are required to claim VAT on hotel stays in the UAE?
To recover VAT on hotel accommodation, businesses must retain: A valid tax invoice from the hotel The hotel’s TRN (Tax Registration Number) The VAT amount charged Evidence that the stay was for business purposes These documents must be retained for FTA audit compliance.
Why do many UAE companies fail to recover VAT on hotel expenses?
Common reasons include: Missing TRN on hotel invoices Booking through platforms that do not issue compliant tax invoices Expenses categorized as entertainment Lost or incomplete receipts Poor expense documentation
How much VAT can companies recover from hotel bookings in the UAE?
Hotels in the UAE charge 5% VAT on accommodation and related services, which may be reclaimable if the stay is for business purposes and supported by proper documentation. For companies with significant travel spend, recovering this VAT can meaningfully reduce travel costs.
