Every business in the UAE will need a tax registration number (TRN) if they conduct business activities in the country and are considered legal tax residents. Getting a tax registration number is essential to stay tax compliant, and it can be made easier if you work with tax consultants who can help you through the whole process.
What is a Tax Registration Number?
A TRN is a 15-digit unique numeric code that is assigned to tax residents of the UAE when they register for corporate tax or VAT. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is the regulatory body in charge of issuing tax registration numbers.
If you qualify as a “taxable person” under UAE tax law, you must get a tax registration number (TRN) so that you can file your returns on time. Below are some qualifying persons and entities:
- Free zone companies and entities (even if they are a Qualifying Free Zone Person)
- Sole establishments with revenue over AED 375,000
- Local businesses with revenue over AED 375,000
- Freelancers who are UAE tax residents with revenue over AED 1 Million
- Foreign-owned businesses (including holding companies) with owners who are legal tax residents and with revenue over AED 375,000
Taxable persons with revenue over AED 187,500 in the past 12 months can also choose to register for corporate tax and/or VAT to receive their tax registration number. However, this must be a voluntary undertaking as there is no law that mandates it.
What is a Tax Registration Number Used For?
The tax registration number in UAE has multiple uses:
- File corporate tax returns: Corporate tax in UAE is levied at 9% on eligible individuals and entities. Tax returns have to be filed within nine months of the end of a business’ financial year.
- File VAT returns: VAT is levied at 5% on eligible businesses and the necessary tax returns have to be filed by the 15th of every month.
- Issue tax invoices: When a company issues a VAT invoice to a customer, their tax registration number must be included in the form.
- Conduct business activities in the country: Without a valid tax registration number (TRN), businesses established in the UAE cannot legally conduct their activities.
How to Get a Tax Registration Number in the UAE?
All the steps to get a tax registration number can be done online through the EmaraTax portal. If you work with A&A Associate, the leading provider of business setup in Dubai and tax advisory services, our consultants will guide you through the whole thing.
- Create an account: You need to get a new account if you want to get a tax registration number for your business.
- Select the relevant tax option: Choose between registering for corporate tax or VAT under the “Taxable Person” section. Certain businesses may need to do both, depending on their business activity.
- Enter your business details: This includes legal structure, owner’s personal details, business activity, location address, authorized signatory details, and your business contact information. You will also need to upload supporting documentation.
- Submit the application: Once you’ve reviewed your application details and all the documents you uploaded, you can submit the form.
It will take around 20 business days for the FTA to review your application and issue your tax registration number UAE. Keep an eye on your email during this time as you may be asked to provide extra documentation for your application.
List of Documents to Get a Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- 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.
How to Find Your Tax Registration Number
You can find your tax registration number by:
- Logging into the EmaraTax portal and viewing your “Taxable Person” profile
- Checking your tax invoice if you’ve registered for VAT
- Checking your Tax Registration Certificate
Get Your Tax Registration Number UAE With A&A Associate
A&A Associate provides expert tax registration and tax advisory services to businesses and entities across the UAE. We can help you register for corporate tax and VAT along with helping you file your returns before the deadlines. Book a free consultation with us today!
FAQ's
Dubai’s tax ID is the tax registration number that is issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to eligible taxable persons.
EID stands for Emirates ID and is the number issued to residents of the UAE to signify their legal residence status in the country. A TRN is a tax registration number given to businesses and entities for tax compliance purposes.
A tax registration number (TRN) is a 15-digit code. It generally starts with the numbers “123”.
Your tax registration number can be found on your Tax Registration Certificate (TRC) and on any tax invoice you issue a customer. It is also available in your EmaraTax profile.
The Federal Tax Authority has an EmaraTax portal that allows individuals to apply for a tax registration number.
You can get a tax registration number in UAE by applying on the EmaraTax platform. You should submit details of your trade license, owner, and authorized signatory.
You can download your tax registration certificate from the EmaraTax platform by signing into your profile.
The deadline for getting a tax registration number depends on the date you started your company. Consulting with a tax expert can help you stay compliant.
You should de-register your company to cancel your tax registration number (TRN). You can do it on the FTA website.
