Tax Residency Certificate
- Home
- Services
- Tax Residency Certificate
Are you looking to grow your business?
Trusted us by over 3,000 local businesses
Tax Residency Certificate in Sharjah, UAE
A UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) confirms that an individual or a company is tax resident in the UAE. It is issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and is mainly used to claim benefits under the UAE’s double taxation agreements, such as reduced withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties earned abroad.
At Hussain Al Shemsi Chartered Accountants, we check whether you meet the residency rules, prepare the supporting documents and manage the application on EmaraTax, so it goes through without delays or rejections.
UAE tax residency at a glance
- Issued by: the Federal Tax Authority, through the EmaraTax portal.
- Individuals: resident under Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022 if the UAE is their usual place of residence and centre of financial and personal interests, or they spend 183 days or more in the UAE in a 12-month period, or 90 days or more with UAE or GCC nationality or a valid residence permit plus a permanent home or job or business in the UAE.
- Companies: resident if incorporated or established in the UAE, or effectively managed and controlled in the UAE, in line with the Corporate Tax Law.
- Two types: a certificate for a specific double taxation agreement, or one for domestic purposes.
- Period: each certificate covers a 12-month period chosen in the application.
How can we help you?
Get in touch with Hussain Al Shemsi Chartered Accountants for expert auditing, accounting, tax, and advisory services in the UAE.
- +971 50 3636231
Our Tax Residency Certificate Services
Eligibility check
Reviewing your days in the UAE, visa, home, work or company set-up against the residency tests before you apply.
Document preparation
Collecting and checking the documents the FTA asks for, so the file is complete the first time.
EmaraTax application
Submitting the application, paying the fee and following up with the FTA until the certificate is issued.
Company TRCs
Preparing certificates for mainland and free zone companies, including audited accounts and evidence of management in the UAE.
Treaty review
Checking which double taxation agreement applies and what relief your certificate can support.
Renewals and FTA queries
Planning renewals before the period ends and answering FTA requests for more information.
Who Needs a Tax Residency Certificate?
- UAE residents earning dividends, interest or royalties from abroad
- Companies receiving payments from countries with a UAE tax treaty
- Expatriates who need to prove UAE residence to a home-country tax authority
- Investors and holding companies with foreign subsidiaries
- Freelancers and consultants invoicing overseas clients
- Businesses asked by a foreign bank or client for proof of UAE tax residence
Our Process
- Assess: we confirm which residency test you meet and which type of certificate you need.
- Prepare: we gather and review your documents, such as passport, visa, Emirates ID, tenancy, licence and financial statements.
- Apply: we submit the application on EmaraTax and pay the fee.
- Follow up: we respond to any FTA questions until the certificate is issued.
- Plan ahead: we note your renewal date and keep your file ready for next year.
Why Choose Hussain Al Shemsi
- Tax and audit together: company applications are backed by accounts we understand. See our Corporate Tax services.
- Right first time: careful document checks reduce rejections and repeat applications.
- Treaty know-how to make sure the certificate actually supports the relief you need.
- Based in Sharjah, helping individuals and businesses across all seven emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UAE Tax Residency Certificate?
An official certificate from the Federal Tax Authority confirming that an individual or company is tax resident in the UAE, mainly used to claim double taxation agreement benefits.
Who can apply as an individual?
Individuals who meet one of the residency tests in Cabinet Decision No. 85 of 2022: the UAE is their usual place of residence and centre of interests, or they spend 183 days or more in a 12-month period, or 90 days or more with UAE or GCC nationality or a residence permit plus a permanent home or job in the UAE.
Can a company get a Tax Residency Certificate?
Yes. Companies incorporated in the UAE, or effectively managed and controlled from the UAE, can apply, usually with audited financial statements and proof of their UAE operations.
How long is the certificate valid?
Each certificate covers a 12-month period selected in the application. A new application is needed for each further period.
Can free zone companies apply?
Yes. Free zone companies can apply if they meet the residency conditions and provide the required documents.
What is the difference between a treaty TRC and a domestic TRC?
A treaty TRC is issued for use with a specific country under a double taxation agreement. A domestic TRC confirms UAE tax residence for other purposes.
How long does the FTA take to issue a TRC?
Usually a few working days once a complete application is submitted. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays.
Get Your Tax Residency Certificate
Tell us about your situation and we’ll confirm whether you qualify and what you need.
Official guidance: Federal Tax Authority.
