15/10/2026
UAE VAT UPDATE: INPUT TAX RECOVERY ON EMPLOYEE EXPENSES
The UAE FTA has issued Decision No. 17 of 2026, clarifying the cases and conditions for recovering input VAT on certain employee expenses.
Effective Date: 1 October 2026
Key areas where input VAT recovery may be allowed:
Employee Transportation: Business-related transportation between residence, workplace or client premises, subject to conditions.
Food & Beverages: Meals provided to employees working in remote or isolated locations, where the specified conditions are met.
Employee Accommodation: Work-related accommodation required by operational needs, subject to specific criteria.
New Employee Accommodation: Temporary accommodation for new employees for a period of up to 30 days.
Mobile & Internet Services: Work-related mobile phones, data packages and internet access, with documented usage policies and monitoring.
Parking Fees: Business-related employee parking expenses, supported by an internal policy and payment records.
What should businesses do?
β Review employee expense policies and reimbursement procedures.
β Maintain supporting invoices, receipts and relevant records.
β Establish documented internal policies for eligible expenses.
β Assess compliance with the new requirements before the effective date.
Stay compliant and review your VAT recovery practices ahead of the new rules.