STEP 01
Register on EmaraTax
Create an account, or log in, on the Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax portal. This is where every tax residency certificate application is now filed.
Tax guide
UAE tax residency certificate, step by step.
Updated June 20265 min readBy FZM Solutions
A tax residency certificate, or TRC, is the official proof from the UAE Federal Tax Authority that you are tax resident here. It unlocks double-taxation treaty benefits abroad and proves your status for banks and authorities. Here is who qualifies, what you need and how to apply.
Quick answer
You register on the FTA EmaraTax portal, submit the TRC form with your documents and pay the fee. You generally qualify after 183 days in the UAE in a 12-month period, or with your main home and work here. The certificate is usually valid for one year.
- Issued by
- Federal Tax Authority
- Qualify with
- 183+ days in the UAE
- Validity
- Usually 1 year
- FTA fee from
- AED 50 + tiers
STEP 02
Gather your documents
Prepare the right set for an individual or a company. In short: your ID and visa, a tenancy contract, validated bank statements, and proof of your days in the UAE. The full lists are below.
STEP 03
Submit the TRC application
Complete the TRC application form on EmaraTax, attach the supporting documents and pay the FTA fee. Choose thetreaty country if you need the certificate for a specific double-tax agreement.
STEP 04
FTA review
The Federal Tax Authority reviews your application and documents. It may ask for extra information or clarification, which we respond to on your behalf.
STEP 05
Receive your TRC
Once approved, the FTA issues the certificate confirming your UAE tax residency. You can then submit it abroad to claim treaty benefits or prove your residency.
Documents you need
The set depends on whether you apply as an individual or a company. Get these right the first time and the application moves quickly.
Individuals
- Passport copy
- UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Residential tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Latest salary certificate
- A validated 6-month personal bank statement
- An ICP / GDRFA report of your days in the UAE
- Tax forms from the destination country, if any
Companies
- Valid trade license copy
- Establishment contract (unless a sole company)
- Shareholder and manager passports and visas
- Shareholder and manager Emirates IDs
- Latest audited financial statements
- A validated, bank-stamped 6-month company statement
- Company tenancy contract or lease
- Tax forms from the destination country, if any
FTA fees
The Federal Tax Authority charges a submission fee plus a tier that depends on your tax-registration status. Our service fee for handling the application is on top, confirmed up front.
- Application submissionAED 50
- Tax registrantsAED 500
- Non-registrant individualsAED 1,000
- Non-registrant companiesAED 1,750
Need the certificate fast? We file it for you.
We prepare the documents, register on EmaraTax, handle the FTA queries and deliver your issued TRC. Faster still if we already keep your books.
Common questions
- What is a UAE tax residency certificate (TRC)?
- A TRC is an official document issued by the UAE Federal Tax Authority that confirms your tax residency in the country. It is used mainly to claim benefits under double-taxation treaties, to claim tax refunds, and to prove residency for financial or legal matters abroad. Both individuals and companies can obtain one.
- Who qualifies for a UAE tax residency certificate?
- Anyone who is a UAE tax resident can apply. Under the UAE rules in force since 2023, you generally qualify if you spend 183 days or more in the country during a 12-month period, or if the UAE is your usual home and the centre of your work and financial interests. Companies qualify through their UAE registration and substance. We confirm your eligibility before you apply.
- How much does a TRC cost?
- The FTA charges AED 50 to submit the application, then AED 500 for tax registrants, AED 1,000 for non-registrant individuals or AED 1,750 for non-registrant companies. Our service fee for handling the application is on top, and we confirm the all-in figure before we start.
- How long is a UAE TRC valid?
- A tax residency certificate is usually valid for one year and is tied to a specific financial period. If you need ongoing treaty cover you renew it each year. We track your renewal date so the certificate never lapses when you need it.
- What documents do I need for a TRC?
- For an individual: your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, a tenancy contract, a salary certificate, a validated six-month bank statement and a report of your days in the UAE. For a company: the trade license, audited financials, a stamped six-month bank statement and a tenancy contract, among others. The full lists are above.
- How long does it take to get a TRC?
- Once the FTA has a complete application, processing typically takes a couple of weeks, though it varies with the authority's workload and whether any clarification is requested. Having the documents right the first time is the biggest factor, which is what we make sure of.
- Can you obtain the TRC for me?
- Yes. We prepare the document set, register and file on EmaraTax, respond to any FTA queries and deliver the issued certificate. For clients whose company or accounts we handle, the audited financials and bank letters are already in place, which makes the application faster.
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