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Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) in UAE

How to Get a Tax Residency Certificate in the UAE?
A Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) is a certificate issued by the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to companies that operate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), certifying the company's tax residency and granting it benefits under double taxation avoidance agreements.

A TRC is typically required to prove UAE tax residency to foreign authorities and claim benefits under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements. This is granted to qualified government organizations, companies, and individuals to take advantage of revenue-sharing agreements, including those that avoid double taxation, in which the UAE participates.


Tax Domicile Certificate

A tax residency certificate is also known as a tax domicile certificate. It is valid for the residents of the UAE, as well as organizations and legal entities. Any business operating in the UAE for at least one year, whether in a free zone or on the mainland, can apply for the tax residency certificate.

Offshore companies registered under jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC are not eligible for a TRC, as they are excluded from the UAE’s DTAAs. Instead, they may apply for a Tax Exemption Certificate. Furthermore, obtaining a tax residency certificate requires at least 180 days of residency in the United Arab Emirates.

People who do not have a double taxation agreement between their home country and the UAE can benefit from this; however, to apply, they must possess a valid UAE resident visa for a period longer than 180 days.
 

Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a TRC in the UAE


For Natural Person

The person must have lived in the UAE for at least 180 days. An annual lease agreement attested by the appropriate authorities—such as EJARI in Dubai, municipalities in other Emirates, and free zone authorities—must be included with the application.

For Legal Person

To be eligible to apply for a TRC, the legal person must have been in business for at least a year. Audited financial accounts by a certified audit company must be included in the application.

The report must include the certification and stamp of the auditing company. The year for which the certificate is requested must be covered by the applicant's audited financial report. If a certificate for the current year is required, the audit report must also cover the previous year.
 

The Checklist of Required Documents for TRC in UAE


For Natural Person

  • A bank statement from a local bank for the previous six months of the fiscal year

  • Entry and exit reports from local or federal authorities with jurisdiction over citizenship and identity issues.

  • Residential lease agreement copy (tenancy contract).

  • Source of income/salary certificate.

  • Valid Residence Permit.

  • Passport.

  • Emirates ID
     

For Legal Person

  • Trade License.

  • A certified copy of the audited financial statements or bank statements.

  • Establishment Contract or the Power of Attorney.

  • A bank statement from a local bank for the previous six months of the fiscal year

  • A certified copy of the Articles of Association (if applicable).
     

For Legal Government Entities

  • A copy of the decree or the incorporation certificate.

  • The individual's letter of request (the Government entity).

 

Procedure to Get a Tax Residence Certificate

    1. Set up an account for a tax certificate.

    2. View the dashboard for your Tax Certificate account.

    3. Select "Create Tax Residency Certificate" in Step 3.

    4. Complete the creation procedure.

    5. Pay certificate fees after FTA clearance.

   6. If a tax form requires FTA certification, send it via mail with a return receipt (the applicant pays fees for shipping and returning papers). The form must be completed and include the certificate's fiscal year.
 


The time frame associated with TRC

Pre-approval Procedure

After completing the application form and providing all relevant papers, the UAE Federal Tax Authority will take 4 to 5 working days to approve the application and check that all submitted documents are valid.

Process of Issuing Certificates

After approval and confirmation from the UAE Federal Tax Authority and payment of application fees, it may take five working days.

Validity of Certificate

The Tax Residency Certificate or Tax Domicile Certificate is valid for one year. After that, it can be renewed annually with a new application.


Benefits of Having a Tax Residence Certificate in the UAE

  • Validates a person's or a company's legal recognition in the UAE.

  • Covers income for individuals and corporations.

  • Enables UAE citizens to avoid double taxation and gain tax benefits.

  • It enhances international commerce links and provides residents with access to global markets.
     

Tax Residency Certification Services in UAE – GAAP Associates

As the leading tax consultant in the UAE, GAAP Associates offers services related to the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC). Our team of experts will assist you and ensure the quick and efficient completion of the process to get your TRC. 

Obtain your Tax Residency Certificate now through the FTA's Emaratax Portal.
 

Contact us to learn more about the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) in the UAE and to get yours!

 

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