TaxResidencyCertificate

A Tax Residency Certificate is not mandatory for every company, but it is needed if you want to claim benefits under a double taxation treaty or prove tax residency to a foreign authority or bank. Whether you need one depends on where your customers, suppliers or investors are based and what they ask you to evidence.

The cost depends on whether the certificate is for a company or an individual, and for domestic or international purposes, since the FTA fee structure and supporting work differ. We review your situation and provide a fixed quote before starting the application, rather than a standard published rate.

Processing time depends on the FTA's review of the application and supporting documents, and on how quickly outstanding queries are answered. Delays are usually caused by incomplete financial records or missing proof of physical presence or economic activity in the UAE, so having documents ready in advance speeds things up.

A UAE registered company can generally apply if it has been operating for at least one year and can show a real physical presence and financial activity in the country. Individuals can apply if they meet the UAE's tax residency criteria, such as days spent in the country. Eligibility is assessed case by case against FTA rules.

Typical requirements include a trade licence, memorandum of association, audited financial statements or bank statements, a certified lease agreement, and immigration or passport records for individuals. The exact list varies depending on whether the application is for a company or an individual, and for domestic or international purposes.

A Tax Residency Certificate is generally issued to cover a specific one year period, matching the financial or calendar year for which residency is being confirmed. If you need to prove residency for a later year, a fresh application and updated supporting documents are required.