Tharaa guide · Saudi Arabia & UAE
The short answer: once your income from creative work passes 375,000 a year, in riyals in Saudi Arabia or dirhams in the UAE, registration becomes mandatory. Here's how to work out where you stand.
Saudi Arabia
Mandatory above SAR 375,000. Optional from SAR 187,500. Rate 15%. Registered with ZATCA. Returns due by the end of the month after each quarter.
UAE
Mandatory above AED 375,000. Optional from AED 187,500. Rate 5%. Registered with the FTA. Returns due by the 28th of the month after each period.
Generally, income from the services you provide as a creator: brand partnerships, sponsored posts and stories, paid appearances and events, content production, licensing your content and similar work. A salary from an employer doesn't count. Payments from clients or platforms outside the country can be treated differently, so check how each type of income is classified.
1. Add up the last 12 months. Total everything you've been paid for your creative work over the past 12 months, not just this calendar year.
2. Look ahead. Add the deals you've signed or expect over the next 12 months. Registration can be required based on what you expect to earn, not only what you've earned.
3. Compare with the threshold. Above 375,000, you need to register. Between 187,500 and 375,000, you can choose to. Below that, you don't need to yet.
You add VAT to the work you bill, issue proper tax invoices, keep your records, and file a return every period, usually quarterly, paying the VAT you collected minus the VAT you can reclaim on business costs. It's routine once your records are in order.
We track your income as it comes in, tell you before you reach the threshold, and once you're registered we prepare your VAT figures and supporting documents every period so your return is ready to submit. You stay in control of the submission.
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Rules can change; confirm your situation with ZATCA, the FTA or a licensed adviser.
Tell us about your income and we'll help you work it out. No commitment.