If you are starting a business in the UAE, one important step is to register for VAT and get a Tax Registration Number (TRN). This number is issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and is required for many legal and financial activities.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know – step by step.

What is a Tax Registration Number (TRN), and why is it important?
How to get Tax Registration Number (TRN)
Required documents to get TRN
Procedure to apply for a TRN in the UAE
There is another way
What are the eligibility criteria for VAT registration and obtaining a TRN in the UAE?
Common challenges and mistakes to avoid
How to avoid it: Stay VAT-compliant with movingo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about TRN in the UAE

What is a Tax Registration Number (TRN), and why is it important?

Tax Registration Number (TRN) is a unique 15-digit number issued to businesses when they register for Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE.

Why is it needed?

It shows that your business is legally registered for VAT.
You must include your TRN on all invoices because without it, you cannot charge VAT or claim input tax.
Government entities and clients often request it to verify that your business is compliant.

Read more: Download VAT registration certificate UAE

If you want to work in the UAE, it is very important to work legally and comply with local laws. Doing so will help you work efficiently and avoid problems and fines. We help businesses operate legally, and we can help you, too. Why not give us a call to learn more?

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How to get Tax Registration Number (TRN)

It's quite easy to obtain this document. Here's what you'll need to do:

Required documents to get TRN

Trade License (valid copy)
Passport copy of the business owner or partners
Emirates ID copy of the owner or partners
Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Contact details (email and mobile number)
Business address and tenancy contract (Ejari or similar)
Bank account details and IBAN
Expected turnover (projected revenue)
Financial documents (invoices, purchase orders, contracts if available)

Procedure to apply for a TRN in the UAE

You can apply online through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) website. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Create an account on the FTA portal.
Login and start a new VAT registration application.
Fill in details about your business:
- Legal name
- Trade license info
- Contact and business activities
Upload documents (as listed above).
Declare your estimated turnover (must be above AED 375,000 for mandatory registration).
Submit your application.

Once submitted, the FTA will review your application. If everything is correct, they will issue your TRN within 5–20 business days.

There is another way

To avoid mistakes and save time and resources, you can delegate certification to professionals. At movingo, we can help you quickly and inexpensively obtain this certificate and any other documents you need. All you need to do is click the button below. We will contact you to provide more details, help you gather the necessary documents, and assist you in obtaining the certificate.

Delegate your paperwork

What are the eligibility criteria for VAT registration and obtaining a TRN in the UAE?

You will need the certificate when you apply for VAT. Here is a brief reminder of when you should apply:
✅ Your business turnover is more than AED 375,000 in the last 12 months or expected in the next 30 days. It’s mandatory.
✅ You can register voluntarily if your turnover is above AED 187,500 (Voluntary registration).

💡 Note: Freelancers, consultants, e-commerce sellers, and other individuals must also register for VAT.

Common challenges and mistakes to avoid

Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents
Using a personal bank account instead of a business account
Underreporting or overestimating turnover without proof
Failure to keep invoices and financial records
Thinking TRN = trade license. They are not the same!

How to avoid it: Stay VAT-compliant with movingo

At movingo, we guide you through the full TRN registration process — from preparing the right documents to dealing with the FTA. We ensure that your business meets all legal requirements, freeing you from stress and delays:

Clear advice
Fast registration
Full compliance

We also help with visas, business documents, trade licenses, and other business-related matters in the UAE. Would you like to have a quick chat to discuss how we can help you?

Talk with movingo

Need a hand running your business in the UAE? movingo'll take care of it:

Accounting: financial order for businesses and freelancers.
Taxes: meeting deadlines, compliance, avoiding penalties.
Company formation: paperwork you could need, from business plan to company incorporation.
Visas: documents for entry and stay, employees and families relocation.