What a TRC does (and why it matters)
The UAE has signed double-taxation avoidance treaties (DTAs) with 130+ countries. These treaties protect you from being taxed twice on the same income — once in the UAE, once in your home country. To claim treaty benefits, you need a Tax Residency Certificate from the UAE Federal Tax Authority — official proof that you (or your company) are tax-resident in the UAE for the year in question.
Without a TRC, foreign tax authorities can — and often do — refuse treaty benefits. With one, you can substantially reduce or eliminate withholding taxes on dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains in your home country.
Who can apply
IndividualUAE residents who have been physically present 183+ days in the year and meet residence-permit conditions.
CorporateUAE-incorporated companies that have been operating for at least one full financial year.
New residentsAvailable from the second year of UAE residence (first-year residents need to wait or use alternative arrangements).
Treaty countryTRCs are usually issued for a specific treaty country — we apply for whichever treaty matters most to you.
What the FTA requires
- Individuals: passport copy, residence visa, Emirates ID, tenancy contract or title deed, salary certificate or business income proof, 6-month bank statements, entry/exit report from GDRFA showing 183+ days in the UAE.
- Companies: trade license (active for 1+ year), MOA, audited financial statements, lease/Ejari, 6-month bank statements, list of activities and a brief description.
- Treaty information: name of the country and the specific tax treaty under which you’re claiming benefits.
- Application fee: AED 1,000–1,750 paid to the FTA, depending on certificate type.
What we do
- Eligibility check — we tell you honestly if you qualify before you spend money on the application
- Document collection and pre-submission review (we catch the issues before the FTA does)
- Compilation of GDRFA entry/exit report for individual applications
- FTA portal application submission and fee payment
- Liaison with FTA on queries and additional document requests
- Certificate collection and delivery (digital + physical, in your name and the relevant treaty country)
- Re-applications in subsequent years
Common reasons applications get rejected
- Fewer than 183 days physical presence in the UAE (you need entry-exit report evidence)
- Tenancy contract not in your personal name (hotel stays don’t count)
- Bank statements show predominantly foreign activity (suggests center of life is elsewhere)
- Recent UAE residence (first year of residence — wait until year two)
- Inactive company or no audited financials available
