How to Apply for Tax Registration Number in UAE?

What’s TRN?

A Tax Registration Number (TRN) is a unique 15-digit identifier issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) when a business registers for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE. It acts like your VAT number, confirming your business is legally registered to charge VAT, file VAT returns, and comply with tax obligations. Only companies with a valid TRN can issue VAT-inclusive invoices and claim input tax credits.

TRN is sometimes interchangeably called VAT registration number, but they mean the same thing in the UAE’s tax framework. If your business meets the registration criteria set by the FTA, you must apply for a TRN to remain compliant. Obtaining a Tax Registration Number in UAE is a legal requirement under Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 for businesses with taxable turnover above AED 375,000 and an important step for those who want to reclaim VAT, build transparency, and comply with FTA rules.

Who Needs to Apply for a TRN in the UAE?

• Businesses whose taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months must mandatorily register for VAT and get a TRN. 
• Businesses that expect their taxable supplies/imports will exceed AED 375,000 in the next 30 days are also required to register. 
• Businesses with taxable supplies or imports between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 have the option of voluntary VAT registration, and thus can apply for a TRN even if not legally required. 
• Companies with business expenses exceeding AED 187,500 (even if they don’t have a matching turnover) can opt for voluntary registration and acquire a TRN. 
• Non-UAE resident businesses making taxable supplies in the UAE may also need to register for VAT and obtain a TRN, depending on whether there is someone else obligated to pay the tax on those supplies.

Documents Needed for TRN Application 

To register successfully for a Tax Registration Number in UAE (VAT Registration) via FTA’s EmaraTax portal, businesses generally need to submit:

• Valid Trade License copy 
• Company’s Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Articles of Association 
• Passport and Emirates ID copies of owner(s) or authorized signatory(ies)
• Business address proof and contact details
• Bank account details 
• Last financial year’s income statement and books, if applicable
• Sample invoices (supplier/customer) are sometimes requested to confirm transactions

How to Apply for TRN in UAE?

1. Create an EmaraTax account on the FTA official website. Sign up using email, mobile number, and business details.
2. Log in and start VAT registration. Under the “Taxable Person” profile, fill in the company name, trade license info, business activity, projected turnover, and contact details.
3. Upload the required documents listed above. Be precise with names matching the trade license and the MoA.
4. Submit all required business and owner documents, ensuring details exactly match your trade license to prevent delays.
5. Once approved, receive your VAT Registration Certificate. Log in to your EmaraTax account and download the certificate, which includes your TRN, effective date, and business info.

How to Verify a TRN Number in the UAE?

The following are the detailed steps for TRN verification in UAE online:

1. Go to the FTA / EmaraTax Website

Visit the Federal Tax Authority’s official site and look for the “TRN verification” or “Status Check / TRN verify” option.

2. Enter the 15-digit TRN

Type in the complete 15-digit TRN exactly, without extra spaces or symbols. Accuracy matters.

3. Complete any CAPTCHA or Security Code

Fill out the CAPTCHA (or similar security measure) to ensure you’re a real user and not a bot.

4. Click Submit / Verify

Submit the TRN through the verification tool. The system will process your request.

5. View Verification Results

If the TRN is valid, you’ll see the legal business name associated with that TRN. If not valid, a message will indicate that the TRN is not found or is inactive. 

6. Cross-check Business Name

Make sure the name returned matches the business that gave you the TRN (on the invoice or documents). Discrepancies could mean errors or fraud. 

7. Keep Proof of the Verification

Save a screenshot or print the verification result. It’s useful for audit purposes or in case there’s a dispute. 

How The Controller Helps You Stay Compliant with Online Accounting Solutions?

The Tax Registration Number in UAE can be obtained easily by following the registration processes. The TRN Registration and verification must be done accurately on the EmaraTax portal to avoid delays or penalties. The Controller.ai, an online accounting platform, simplifies this process by assisting with error-free TRN applications, maintaining VAT-ready accounts, monitoring regulatory changes, and providing secure cloud access and expert support, helping your business stay fully compliant with UAE tax laws while focusing on growth. Contact us today and subscribe to one of our plans to stay compliant with the UAE tax laws.