When applying for a Tax Registration Number (TRN) in the UAE, companies often need to submit a trade license as part of their documentation. However, businesses registered under certain free zones, such as the RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC), may encounter situations where a trade license is not issued. In such cases, there are alternative steps to take to ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide for TRN Application Without a Trade License

Upload Alternative Certificates:

If you do not have a trade license, you can upload other certificates provided by the free zone authority. The RAK ICC typically issues various certificates that can serve as proof of registration and business operation. Ensure that the certificate you choose clearly indicates your company’s registration details and status.

Draft a Letter Explaining the Situation:

When you reach the part of the application that requires the trade license, include a letter on your company’s headed paper. This letter should address the following points:

• Explain that the authority, The Registrar of RAK International Corporate Centre, does not issue a trade license.
• Mention the alternative certificate you have uploaded.
• Request that the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) consider this certificate and the explanation provided when reviewing your TRN application.

Sample Cover Letter

[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Contact Information]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

We are writing to inform you that our company, [Company Name], registered under The Registrar of RAK International Corporate Centre, does not have a trade license. The RAK ICC does not issue trade licenses to companies registered within its jurisdiction. Therefore, we are unable to provide this document as part of our TRN application.

In lieu of the trade license, we have uploaded a copy of our [Name of Certificate], which has been issued by the RAK ICC. This certificate serves as proof of our company’s registration and operational status.

We kindly request that you consider this certificate, along with our explanation, and proceed with the issuance of the TRN for our company.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]

Filling in Application Gaps

If there are mandatory fields in the TRN application form that do not apply to your situation, such as those specifically asking for trade license details, you can fill these fields with placeholder text such as “N/A” (Not Applicable). Mention in your cover letter that these placeholders were used because the required document is not issued by your governing free zone authority.

By following these steps, you provide the FTA with a clear understanding of your unique situation and present alternative documentation that supports your TRN application. This proactive approach can help in ensuring that your application is not rejected due to the absence of a trade license.

Conclusion

Navigating the TRN application process without a trade license can be challenging, but with the right documentation and clear communication, you can effectively address any issues that arise. Always ensure your explanations are thorough and backed by legitimate alternative documents provided by your free zone authority, in this case, the RAK ICC. This strategy increases the likelihood of your TRN application being accepted without unnecessary delays.

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