Bahrain’s National Bureau for Revenue released guidance version 1.5 on March 11 2026 clarifying that VAT paid as deposits during import is not immediately recoverable. Registered persons must obtain a customs declaration receipt confirming a ‘VAT confiscation’ status before they can reclaim the VAT, and the recovery must occur within five years from the end of the calendar year in which the deposit becomes recoverable.
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Bloomberg Tax · 6 months ago
The Bahraini National Bureau for Revenue released updated guidance on VAT treatment of real‑estate lease incentives on 29 January 2026. The guide clarifies that rent reductions and rent‑free periods are exempt, while reimbursements for fit‑out contributions are taxable. It also provides examples of common lease incentives used by landlords.
Bloomberg Tax · 6 months ago
The Bahrain Tax Agency released an updated VAT general guide in English on Jan. 28, 2026. The guide clarifies that outsourced services are taxable, VAT is due on full consideration when third‑party providers assign roles under direct supervision, and employee salaries remain outside VAT. These updates aim to provide clearer guidance for businesses operating in Bahrain.
KPMG · about 19 hours ago
UAE: The Ministry of Finance has announced a phased implementation of mandatory e-invoicing, starting 1 January 2027. The requirement applies to all businesses and government entities, regardless of VAT registration status, with deadlines for appointing accredited service providers and go-live dates based on annual revenue thresholds.
InnovateTax · 3 days ago
The UAE's e-invoicing mandate introduces a voluntary pilot starting 1 July 2026, with mandatory adoption for large businesses from January 2027. The pilot allows eligible firms to test structured electronic invoicing via accredited service providers before full implementation. The mandatory phases will extend to all in-scope businesses and B2G transactions by October 2027.
Deloitte · 5 days ago
UAE: The Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline for appointing an Accredited Service Provider to 30 October 2026, while the e-invoicing go-live date remains 1 January 2027. Businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more must now plan for ASP selection and onboarding before the new deadline.
Sni Technology · 9 days ago
The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority have launched the pilot phase of the country's e-invoicing system, starting 1 July 2026. The pilot will test the 5-corner model and voluntary implementation is available, while mandatory deadlines for high-revenue businesses are set for 30 October 2026 and 1 January 2027.
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Key Takeaways
The deposit must be officially transferred to a ‘VAT confiscation’ state by Customs Affairs.
A customs declaration receipt or equivalent confirming the confiscation status is required.
VAT can be recovered within five years from the end of the calendar year in which it became recoverable.
The guidance was released on March 11 2026.
Primary source
Read the full article at DocnovaThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 27 March 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Bahrain. The original source is Docnova.
