A company is required to register for VAT if its taxable supplies and imports surpass the mandatory registration threshold of 375,000 AED. However, there’s also the option for voluntary registration under specific circumstances:

1. If a business’s supplies and imports fall below the mandatory vat registration threshold but exceed the voluntary registration threshold of AED 187,500, they can still opt for voluntary registration.

2. Alternatively, if a business’s expenses surpass the voluntary registration threshold, they can register for VAT voluntarily. This provision is particularly beneficial for startups with no turnover yet, allowing them to register for VAT based on their expenses.