If you run a business in the UAE or you are setting up a new one, you will quickly come across two important terms: TIN and TRN. They often get used in the same way, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing. The key is knowing which one applies to you, how to get it, and how to comply with UAE tax rules.
This guide helps you understand what a TIN number is in the UAE, what a TRN means, how to register for VAT, how to get your TRN number in the UAE, and how to complete a TRN verification before doing business with another company.
What Is a TIN Number in the UAE?
A TIN is your Tax Identification Number. It is a general tax ID that countries use to identify taxpayers. When you register for VAT or Corporate Tax in UAE, the tax ID you receive is known as your TRN, which stands for “Tax Registration Number.”
So whenever someone asks for your UAE TIN number, they are usually referring to your TRN number that the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) issues through the EmaraTax portal.
What is a TRN Number?
Your TRN is a 15-digit Tax Registration Number that you receive after completing your tax registration. So when someone talks about the TRN full form, it simply means Tax Registration Number. If you qualify as a taxable person, you should get a TRN to legally operate, charge VAT, and claim input VAT in UAE.
TIN vs TRN in the UAE
A TIN refers to your Tax Identification Number. A TRN refers to your Tax Registration Number that the FTA issues when you register for VAT or corporate tax. In the UAE, you use your TRN as your TIN because the FTA treats the TRN as the official tax identification number for registered businesses.
Who Needs a TRN in the UAE?
You need a TRN number in the UAE if your taxable business revenue is more than AED 375,000 during the last twelve months. You can also choose voluntary VAT registration if your revenue exceeds AED 187,500.
You may need a TRN if you fall into any of these categories:
- You operate a free zone or mainland company
- You own a sole establishment that crossed the VAT threshold
- You are a freelancer with taxable revenue in the UAE
- You own a foreign company operating in the UAE
- You are required to register for corporate tax
If you cross the mandatory VAT threshold, you must register. If you fall below it but meet voluntary criteria, you can register to strengthen your compliance profile.
What is a TRN Used For?
Your TRN number is used in several parts of your business:
- You will need it to file corporate tax returns within nine months of your financial year end.
- You must enter it when filing VAT returns, which are due by the 15th day of the month following your VAT period.
- You must include your TRN on every VAT invoice you issue.
- You need a TRN to stay compliant with UAE tax laws and legally conduct taxable business activities.
Without a TRN, you are not allowed to charge VAT, claim input VAT, or file VAT or corporate tax returns.
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How to Get a TRN Number in the UAE
If you want to know how to get a TIN number in the UAE, follow the same steps as getting a TRN. If you’re new to business setup Dubai, our tax advisory team can help set everything up for you.
1. Create an EmaraTax account
Start by registering with your email address, phone number, and personal identification details.
2. Select the type of registration
Choose whether you want to register for VAT, corporate tax, or both depending on your business requirements.
3. Provide your business information
You will be asked to enter:
- Your legal structure
- Details of the owner and authorized signatory
- Your business activities
- Trade license details
- Business location and contact information
You will also need to upload all required supporting documents.
4. Submit your application
Once you submit your form, the FTA may take up to 20 business days to review it. You might be asked for additional documents during this period. When your registration is approved, your TRN will be available in your EmaraTax account and displayed on your Tax Registration Certificate.
How to Find Your TRN Number
You can find your TRN by checking:
- Your EmaraTax profile under the Taxable Person section
- Your Tax Registration Certificate
- Any VAT invoice you have issued
Your TRN is always displayed in these locations once your registration is approved.
How Does TRN Verification in the UAE Work?
Before you work with a supplier, you may want to complete a TRN verification UAE check. This helps you confirm that a TRN is valid and belongs to a registered taxable person.
To complete a TRN check or a TRN number check UAE, you should:
- Visit the FTA TRN verification service online.
- Enter the 15-digit TRN.
- Review the registered legal name that appears.
This protects you from dealing with companies that issue VAT invoices without a valid TRN.
How to Find a TRN Number by Company Name
If you want to know how to find a TRN number by company name, you cannot search for it on the FTA website because the system does not allow name-based searches. You must already have the TRN to verify it. If you need another company’s TRN, you can request their VAT invoice or ask them for a copy of their Tax Registration Certificate.
How to Register for VAT in the UAE for a New Company
If you are setting up a new company in the UAE and your business activities require VAT registration, you can complete the entire process online through the Federal Tax Authority’s EmaraTax portal. Registering early helps you avoid penalties and ensures you can issue proper VAT invoices from day one.
1. Create your EmaraTax account
Start by creating an account using your email address, mobile number, and personal identification details.
2. Add your new company to your profile
Once you log in, add your business by entering your trade license number, legal name, and Emirates ID details for the owner or authorized signatory.
3. Choose VAT registration
Select the VAT registration option under the Taxable Person section. Since you are a new company, you will register based on expected taxable revenue or because your activities require VAT compliance.
4. Enter your business details
Provide all required information, including your legal structure, activities, business location, contact information, and ownership details. You will then upload your supporting documents.
5. Submit your VAT application
After you submit your application, the FTA reviews it and may request additional information. Once approved, your VAT account becomes active and your TRN number appears in your EmaraTax dashboard.
6. Download your TRN certificate
You can download your Tax Registration Certificate from EmaraTax. You must display your TRN on every VAT invoice you issue and use it for all VAT filings.
Documents Required for VAT Registration in the UAE
The following documents are typically required when applying for VAT registration:
- Copy of trade license
- Owner identification documents (Passport, Emirates ID)
- Authorized signatory identification documents (Passport, Emirates ID)
- Shareholder certificate (if necessary)
- Certificate of Incorporation (if necessary)
- Memorandum of Association (if necessary)
- Financial statements
Some of these documents may require an Arabic version, so make sure you have the necessary translations completed ahead of time.
About A&A Associate
Registering for VAT or corporate tax can feel overwhelming the first time. Our expert tax advisory team handles the entire process for you, from preparing documents to completing the application and troubleshooting any requests from the FTA.
We can assist with:
- VAT registration and TRN issuance
- Corporate tax registration
- VAT filing and corporate tax filing
- TRN amendments and updates
- TRN deregistration
