How to Download Corporate Tax Registration Certificate in Dubai?

A corporate tax registration certificate is now a core proof of status for UAE entities. Every taxable person must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and obtain a Tax Registration Number, using the method and timeline set by the Authority.

After approval, EmaraTax provides an electronic certificate that banks, regulators and counterparties often ask to see before opening accounts or processing contracts. 

Let’s know how to find and download the certificate and keep it on file as part of a wider corporate tax registration certificate in UAE process.

Why Does The Corporate Tax Registration Certificate Matters?

The certificate is the FTA’s official confirmation that a taxable person is registered for Corporate Tax and holds a valid Tax Registration Number. It records basic entity details, the effective date of registration and the assigned number.

Banks, free zone authorities and some government portals now require a copy when updating KYC records or issuing licences. For multinational groups, the certificate also supports global tax reporting and treaty claims. Keeping a current version reduces delays when opening accounts, signing leases or proving tax status during audits and due diligence.

Legal and Administrative Background

The duty to register for Corporate Tax sits in Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. It states that any taxable person must register with the Authority in the form and manner it prescribes and obtain a Tax Registration Number.

The Ministry of Finance guidance confirms that all taxable persons, including free zone persons, are required to register and hold a Corporate Tax Registration Number, even where income is fully exempt.

The FTA runs EmaraTax as the online system for registration, filing and certificates. The platform consolidates VAT, excise and Corporate Tax functions and offers self-service options for taxpayers.

Information to Keep Ready Before Logging In

A smooth download process depends on accurate records. Before accessing EmaraTax, most entities benefit from assembling the following items:

• Valid EmaraTax login tied to the taxable person, either with UAE Pass or email credentials.
• Trade licence copy and legal name as registered with the licensing authority.
• Corporate Tax Registration Number as shown in prior FTA messages.
• Internal contact details for the person authorised to handle tax correspondence.

Keeping these details aligned with FTA records reduces the risk of login problems, misfiled certificates or mismatched entity names in banking and regulatory files.

Step 1: Access EmaraTax

The corporate tax registration certificate is only issued through the FTA’s electronic systems. Access starts at the EmaraTax portal.

A typical sequence is:

1. Open the EmaraTax portal in a secure browser session.
2. Sign in using UAE Pass or the registered email and password.
3. Select the correct taxable person profile if the user manages more than one entity.

Important Advice: If the taxable person is not yet registered for Corporate Tax, the registration application must be filed and approved first using the “Corporate Tax registration” service described in the FTA’s service guide.

Step 2: Navigate to the Corporate Tax Registration Section

After login, EmaraTax displays a dashboard that lists tax types and active services. Third-party user manuals and firm guides show a consistent route to the certificate: navigate to the Tax Registration area, then select “Corporate Tax.”

Within that section, the profile usually shows:

• Application status and approval date.
• The Corporate Tax Registration Number.
• A list of associated documents, including the registration certificate.

Important Advice: If the Corporate Tax profile is missing, the entity may still be in processing or may have used a different taxable person record during registration, which needs reconciliation.

Step 3: Locate and Download The Certificate

In EmaraTax, registration certificates are provided as electronic documents, typically PDFs. Guides from UAE advisory firms note that the corporate tax registration certificate appears under the documents or “Correspondence” tab of the Corporate Tax registration record.

The practical steps are:

1. Open the Corporate Tax registration record.
2. Go to the documents or correspondence section.
3. Find the item labelled “Corporate Tax Registration Certificate” or similar.
4. Use the download action to save a copy in PDF format.

That’s it! A clean copy should then be stored in the entity’s tax folder and referenced in the corporate tax compliance calendar and banking KYC records.

Feeling stuck during the process? Consult expert accounting services in UAE from Arnifi to get instant assistance for applying and downloading corporate tax registration certificate in Dubai.

Handling Updates and Re-issues

Entity details sometimes change after registration. Examples include legal-name changes, trade-licence updates, mergers or migrations between free zones. Where such changes are approved by the licensing authority, the taxable person must update EmaraTax records and, in many cases, request an updated certificate.

The FTA already offers issuance services for other registration certificates, such as VAT registration and clearance certificates, through its online service catalogue. Corporate Tax follows a similar model, where updated certificates reflect the latest approved details but keep the underlying Tax Registration Number stable unless the Authority decides otherwise.

Important Advice: If registration details are incorrect, entities should file an amendment request through EmaraTax, attach supporting documents and wait for approval before relying on the certificate in banking or contractual processes.

Record Keeping and Security

The Corporate Tax Law requires taxable persons to keep records and documents as prescribed by the Authority, including registration information and correspondence.

In practice, many groups adopt the following record-keeping approach:

• Maintain a digital folder structure organised by a taxable person, with subfolders for registration, returns and correspondence.
• Store the current certificate in PDF format with a clear file name that includes the entity name and date of issue.
• Keep copies of earlier versions where material details changed, marked as “superseded.”
• Restrict editing and download rights internally, while allowing read-only access to authorised finance and legal staff.

Important Advice: When banks, landlords or regulators request a copy, sending the PDF over secure channels or through portal uploads helps protect confidential information and shows organised governance.

How Arnifi Supports Corporate Tax Registration Governance

Arnifi assists UAE businesses that want their corporate tax registration process to be demonstrably robust. We begin with a review of existing EmaraTax profiles, registration decisions and saved certificates across groups with multiple entities. 

After that, our team checks whether legal names, licence numbers, tax registration numbers and authorised contacts align with current records. Based on that map, Arnifi designs a simple registration-governance file for each company. 

This usually includes a registration summary sheet, copies of the corporate tax registration certificate in UAE, a log of amendments and a checklist of who may share the certificate with banks, regulators or counterparties.

Where new entities are being formed or where historic registrations contain gaps, Arnifi’s accounting and bookkeeping services support application filing, amendment requests and document retrieval so senior management can see one consistent picture of corporate tax status across the group.

FAQs

1. What is a Corporate Tax Registration Certificate in the UAE?

It is the FTA’s official document confirming that a taxable person is registered for Corporate Tax and holds a valid Tax Registration Number.

2. Who needs a Corporate Tax Registration Certificate?

Any taxable person required to register for Corporate Tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 must obtain a Tax Registration Number and the related certificate.

3. Is a VAT registration certificate enough for Corporate Tax purposes?

No. Corporate Tax registration is a separate process. A corporate tax registration certificate is required even where an entity already holds a VAT registration.

4. How often should the certificate be updated?

The Tax Registration Number normally stays constant, but a new certificate should be downloaded whenever licensing details, legal name or trade-licence references change in EmaraTax.

5. How long should the certificate be kept on file?

Best practice is to retain Corporate Tax registration certificates and related correspondence for at least the statutory record-keeping period, alongside tax returns and supporting documentation.