Understanding your tax registration number in the UAE is important if you own a business, work as a freelancer, or plan to register for VAT or corporate tax. Many people hear the term but are unsure what it really means or how it applies to their business.

A TRN is simple once you break it down and learn why the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) issues it. Knowing how it works helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and keep your records clean. Keep reading to learn what a TRN is, how to apply for one, and how to use it correctly.

What Is a Tax Registration Number in the UAE

A Tax Registration Number (TRN) in the UAE is a unique 15-digit number issued by the Federal Tax Authority. It identifies taxable persons for VAT and other federal taxes, including corporate tax.
A TRN helps the FTA organize records, link tax filings, and ensure that businesses follow UAE tax requirements.

Why the UAE Uses Tax Registration Numbers

✅ Identifies businesses registered for tax
✅ Records VAT and corporate tax activity
✅ Ensures valid tax invoices
✅ Supports compliance reviews and audits

Why Your Business Needs a UAE Tax Registration Number

A TRN is required for any legal entity or natural person who must register for VAT or corporate tax. This includes most companies and many freelancers or e-commerce sellers once they meet the relevant tax thresholds.

Freelancers and digital sellers may also need a TRN if they qualify as Taxable Persons under the Corporate Tax Law or reach the VAT threshold.

 

📚 Also read: How to Register for Corporate Tax in UAE: 2025 Guide

 

Situations Where a TRN Is Required

✅ Charging VAT
✅ Filing VAT returns
✅ Registering for corporate tax
✅ Issuing tax invoices
✅ Importing or exporting goods
✅ Managing your tax profile in EmaraTax

Who Needs a TRN?

✅ Businesses meeting VAT thresholds
✅ Free zone and mainland companies
✅ Natural persons with over AED 1,000,000 annual business turnover (calendar year)
✅ E-commerce businesses crossing mandatory VAT thresholds

How the UAE Tax Registration Number Looks and Works

A UAE TRN is always 15 digits. The exact sequence varies per business, but the length and structure remain the same.

Example Format:

100123456700003
(Sample only. Your actual TRN is issued by the FTA.)

Where You Will See Your TRN

✅ VAT registration certificate
✅ EmaraTax dashboard
✅ Corporate tax profile
✅ Approval email from the FTA
✅ Tax invoices

VAT Registration and Your Tax Registration Number

VAT registration requires a TRN because it becomes your official identifier for all VAT activities. Once registered, this number must appear on tax invoices and VAT returns.

When VAT Registration Becomes Mandatory

• Mandatory: AED 375,000 taxable supplies in the last 12 months
• Voluntary: AED 187,500 taxable supplies

How Your TRN Is Used for VAT

• Appears on all VAT invoices
• Used to file VAT returns
• Required for VAT refunds
• Helps track taxable transactions

Corporate Tax Registration and the TRN

Most UAE legal entities and many natural persons must now register for corporate tax. Even if income is low or exempt, registration is still required if you fall under the definition of a Taxable Person.

Your TRN helps the FTA organize and link your VAT and corporate tax accounts under your EmaraTax profile.

 

📚 Also read: How to Calculate Corporate Tax in UAE: Step-by-Step Process

 

 Why Corporate Tax Registration Matters

✅ Required for all taxable persons

✅ Needed for annual submissions

✅ Applies to companies, free zone entities, and qualifying natural persons

How the TRN Connects to Corporate Tax

• Links your VAT and corporate tax accounts
• Helps organize your corporate tax profile
• Ensures accurate filings in EmaraTax

How to Apply for a Tax Registration Number in the UAE

You can apply for a TRN through the EmaraTax portal. The process is online and straightforward.

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your EmaraTax Account

• Visit EmaraTax
• Sign in or create an account
• Use your Emirates ID and email address

Step 2: Select the Registration Type

• Choose VAT registration or Corporate Tax registration
• Enter trade license details

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Documents may vary, but typically include:

• Trade license
• Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• Contact details
• Business information

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Review your details
• Submit for approval

Step 5: Receive Your TRN Certificate

• FTA sends an approval email
• TRN appears in your EmaraTax dashboard

 

📚 Also read: Best Accounting Software UAE 2025: Tools for Businesses

 

Where to Find Your UAE Tax Registration Number

Your TRN is easy to locate once approved.

Check Your EmaraTax Dashboard

• Log in
• Open your tax profile
• TRN displayed under registration details

Check Your Email

• Look for FTA approval messages
• TRN included in confirmation email

Check Your Certificates

• Download your VAT certificate
• TRN printed at the top

 

Many TRN issues are simple and can be resolved quickly. Knowing the common mistakes helps avoid delays.

Incorrect TRN on Invoices

• Compare invoice TRN to your certificate
• Correct errors immediately

Missing TRN in EmaraTax

• Application may still be under review
• Contact FTA if delay is long

Delayed TRN Approval

• Ensure documents are clear and accurate
• Re-upload if FTA requests corrections

How to Verify a UAE Tax Registration Number

Verification confirms that a TRN belongs to a registered taxable person, helping prevent fraud or incorrect VAT charges.

Using the FTA Verification Tool

• Go to the FTA website
• Enter the 15-digit TRN
• System displays legal name if valid

Why Verification Matters

• Ensures correct VAT application
• Protects against penalties
• Helps detect fraudulent invoices

When You Should Update or Change Your TRN Information

Businesses must keep their tax information up to date in EmaraTax.

Update Your TRN Details When You Have:

✅ Change in legal business name
✅ New ownership
✅ Office relocation
✅ Updated phone or email

How to Update Your Information

• Log in to EmaraTax
• Submit an update request
• Attach supporting documents

TRN for Freelancers, Small Businesses, and Ecommerce Sellers

Freelancers and small businesses must register for corporate tax when their annual business turnover exceeds AED 1,000,000 (calendar year).

Freelancers

✅ Corporate Tax: Required if turnover is greater than AED 1,000,000/year
✅ VAT: Required if activity meets VAT thresholds

E-commerce Sellers

✅ Often reach VAT thresholds quickly
✅ Must register once mandatory limits are surpassed

Troubleshooting When You Cannot Find or Access Your TRN

Losing your TRN or EmaraTax access can be resolved easily. Most issues can be fixed directly in the portal.

Reset Your Login Details

• Use EmaraTax password recovery

Download a New Certificate

• Log in
• Re-download your VAT certificate

Contact the FTA

• Use the built-in support options in EmaraTax

Providers like OPAB can also assist with TRN issues if needed.

Conclusion

Your UAE tax registration number plays a key role in keeping your business compliant with VAT and corporate tax rules. It helps the Federal Tax Authority identify your business, maintain accurate records, and process your returns smoothly. Managing your TRN carefully ensures clean filings, reduces errors, and protects your operations.

If you need expert support for setting up accounting software or ensuring smooth compliance with tax and accounting requirements, consider reaching out to Outsource Prime Accountants and Bookkeepers, also known as OPAB. 

OPAB works with businesses across Dubai and the UAE to implement and optimize software such as Odoo, Zoho Books, and QuickBooks, ensuring clarity and compliance. Contact OPAB today for tailored guidance that fits your business.

FAQs About Tax Registration Number 

What is the tax registration number in the UAE?

A TRN is a unique 15-digit number issued by the FTA. It identifies businesses and individuals registered for VAT or corporate tax. You use it on all official tax records and submissions.

How do I find my tax registration number?

You can check your TRN in your EmaraTax dashboard. It also appears on your VAT certificate. The FTA approval email includes it as well.

Where can I find my company’s tax registration number?

Your TRN is shown in your EmaraTax account. It appears on VAT and tax certificates. You can also find it in official approval emails.

Is a TRN number the same as a tax ID?

Yes, your TRN functions as your main tax identification number. It is used for VAT and corporate tax filings. The FTA uses it to track all registered tax activities.

Is TRN the same as TIN in the UAE?

Yes, the UAE uses a 15-digit TIN that is commonly referred to as a TRN. “TIN” is the general term, and “TRN” is the specific number you use. Both refer to the same identifier issued by the FTA.