🇦🇪 Guide · United Arab Emirates · Published 2026-09-03
How to get a TRN in United Arab Emirates
Who needs a TRN in United Arab Emirates, how to register with Federal Tax Authority (FTA), what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed September 2026
Figures and dates in this guide come from public sources as of 2026-09-03 and have not yet been checked against Federal Tax Authority (FTA)'s current publications. Confirm anything you rely on.
What the TRN is
The TRN is the number Federal Tax Authority (FTA) assigns to a taxpayer in United Arab Emirates. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to Federal Tax Authority (FTA) by this number.
TRN: 15 digits.
Who needs one
Businesses register for a TRN once they cross the VAT threshold; since 2023 every licensed business, including free-zone companies and many freelancers, must also register for corporate tax.
How to register, step by step
Create an EmaraTax account with UAE Pass or email.
Register for corporate tax with the trade licence, owners' Emirates IDs and passport copies; this is compulsory for all licensed businesses.
Register for VAT when taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months, or are expected to within 30 days.
Download the registration certificate; the TRN is printed on it.
How to find or check a TRN
Verify any TRN on the FTA's TRN Verification page on tax.gov.ae.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The United Arab Emirates invoice generator has a TRN field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a TRN?
Registration with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a TRN?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no TRN, and you cannot charge VAT without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the TRN the same as VAT registration?
Not necessarily. The TRN identifies you as a taxpayer; VAT registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate VAT number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Tools for United Arab Emirates
Invoices, quotations, purchase orders, credit notes and waybills in AED, with VAT and the TRN on the document. Plus a VAT calculator. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.