# How to complete the TRN update UAE procedure with the FTA

> Learn the full TRN update UAE procedure to change your Tax Registration Number details with the FTA. Covers documents, timelines, and common

Source: https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae/trn-update-uae-procedure  
Last updated: 2026-06-05  
Publisher: EInvoice Direct (Massive FZCO), UAE e-invoicing software.

## What is the TRN update UAE procedure?

The TRN update UAE procedure is the formal process of amending the details linked to your Tax Registration Number (TRN) through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Businesses must notify the FTA whenever registered information changes, such as a trade name, address, legal structure, or authorised signatory. Failing to update promptly can trigger penalties and create mismatches on VAT returns and e-invoices.

This guide walks you through every step, lists the documents you need, and explains the timelines the FTA expects. For broader context on staying compliant, see our [FTA compliance UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae) hub.

## When do you need to update your TRN details?

UAE tax law requires you to inform the FTA of any change to the information you provided during registration. The obligation comes from Federal Decree-Law 17 of 2024 on tax procedures. You must submit the update within 20 business days of the change taking effect.

### Common scenarios that trigger a TRN update

- **Trade name change.** You amended your trade licence with the Department of Economic Development or a free zone authority.

- **Address change.** Your office, warehouse, or registered agent address changed.

- **Legal structure change.** You converted from an LLC to a sole establishment, merged with another entity, or changed partners.

- **Authorised signatory change.** A new director, manager, or tax agent now signs on behalf of the business.

- **Contact details change.** Updated email, phone number, or P.O. Box.

- **Banking details change.** New bank account for refund purposes.

- **Activity change.** You added or removed business activities on your trade licence.

- **Turnover threshold crossed.** Your taxable supplies now exceed or fall below the mandatory VAT registration threshold of AED 375,000.

If you are unsure whether your TRN is still valid after a corporate restructure, you can [check TRN validity UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae/check-trn-validity-uae) through the FTA portal before starting the amendment.

## Step-by-step TRN update procedure

The entire process happens online through the FTA's EmaraTax portal. No paper forms are accepted for amendments.

### Step 1: Log in to EmaraTax

Visit [tax.gov.ae](https://tax.gov.ae) and sign in with your registered email and password. If you have lost access to your account, follow the [lost TRN recovery UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae/lost-trn-recovery-uae) steps first.

### Step 2: Open your tax registration

From the dashboard, select the relevant tax type (VAT, corporate tax, or excise tax). Click on the registration record to view your current details.

### Step 3: Start the amendment request

Click "Edit" or "Amend Registration" depending on the tax type. The system will display all editable fields. Change only the fields that need updating. Leave everything else as is.

### Step 4: Upload supporting documents

The FTA requires evidence for every change. Upload clear, legible copies in PDF or JPEG format. File size limits are typically 5 MB per document.

### Step 5: Review and submit

Double-check every field. Once submitted, the FTA assigns a reference number. Save this number for tracking.

### Step 6: Wait for FTA review

The FTA reviews most amendment requests within 5 to 20 business days. Complex changes, such as legal structure amendments, may take longer. The FTA may request additional documents through EmaraTax notifications.

### Step 7: Confirm the update

Once approved, your updated TRN certificate becomes available for download. Verify the new details match your trade licence and other official records.

## Documents required for a TRN update

The exact documents depend on the type of change. The table below covers the most common scenarios.

| Change type | Required documents |
| --- | --- |
| Trade name | Updated trade licence, board resolution (if applicable) |
| Address | Updated trade licence or tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent) |
| Legal structure | Updated trade licence, memorandum of association, partner passport copies |
| Authorised signatory | Board resolution, new signatory passport copy, Emirates ID |
| Contact details | No supporting document usually required |
| Banking details | Bank letter or bank statement header showing account name and IBAN |
| Business activities | Updated trade licence listing new activities |

All documents must be current. Expired trade licences will cause the FTA to reject the request.

## Timelines and deadlines

The 20-business-day notification window is strict. Missing it can result in administrative penalties under Cabinet Decision 106 of 2025. Penalties for failing to notify the FTA of changes range from AED 2,500 to AED 50,000 per violation, depending on severity and repetition.

| Milestone | Timeframe |
| --- | --- |
| Change takes effect (e.g., new trade licence issued) | Day 0 |
| Deadline to submit amendment on EmaraTax | Within 20 business days |
| Typical FTA processing time | 5 to 20 business days after submission |
| Updated TRN certificate available | Immediately after FTA approval |

## TRN updates and e-invoicing

Starting January 1, 2027, UAE businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more must issue e-invoices through the Peppol-based Decentralized Continuous Transaction Control and Exchange (DCTCE) model. Your TRN is embedded in every e-invoice in the PINT AE format. If your TRN details are outdated, your e-invoices may fail validation.

Businesses approaching the Phase 1 go-live should confirm their TRN details are accurate well before the October 30, 2026 deadline to appoint an accredited service provider (ASP). For more on what a TRN is and how it connects to your tax obligations, read [what is TRN UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae/what-is-trn-uae).

## Common mistakes to avoid

- **Updating the wrong tax type.** If you hold both a VAT and corporate tax registration, you must amend each one separately.

- **Uploading expired documents.** Always renew your trade licence before submitting the amendment.

- **Ignoring FTA notifications.** The FTA sends follow-up requests through EmaraTax. Missing these delays approval.

- **Assuming the TRN number changes.** An update changes the details linked to your TRN, not the 15-digit TRN itself. Your TRN number stays the same unless you deregister and re-register.

- **Skipping the amendment after a merger.** The surviving entity must update its registration to reflect absorbed activities and addresses.

## TRN update vs. new TRN registration

An update amends existing details. A new registration creates a fresh TRN. If your business undergoes a full legal dissolution and a new entity is formed, you need a new registration, not an update. For the full registration process, see [how to get TRN UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae/how-to-get-trn-uae).

If you are unsure which path applies, check the [Ministry of Finance](https://mof.gov.ae) guidance or consult a registered tax agent.

## Checklist: before you submit your TRN update

- Confirm the change is reflected on your trade licence or other official document.

- Gather all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format (under 5 MB each).

- Log in to EmaraTax and verify your current registration details.

- Submit the amendment within 20 business days of the change.

- Save the FTA reference number.

- Monitor EmaraTax for follow-up requests.

- Download the updated TRN certificate once approved.

- Update your invoicing system, letterheads, and contracts with the new details.

Keeping your TRN details current is a basic but critical part of [FTA compliance in the UAE](https://einvoicedirect.ae/fta-compliance-uae). As e-invoicing mandates roll out, accurate registration data becomes even more important. Outdated details can block invoice validation and attract penalties.

If your business is preparing for UAE e-invoicing and wants software that includes an accredited service provider at no extra charge, [get UAE e-invoicing pricing](https://einvoicedirect.ae/for-businesses#contact) from EInvoice Direct to see how it works.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I update my TRN details in the UAE?

Log in to the FTA's EmaraTax portal at tax.gov.ae, open your tax registration, and click "Amend Registration." Change the relevant fields, upload supporting documents such as an updated trade licence, and submit. The FTA typically processes amendments within 5 to 20 business days.

### What documents are needed to update a TRN in the UAE?

The documents depend on the type of change. A trade name update requires an updated trade licence. An authorised signatory change needs a board resolution and the new signatory's passport copy. Banking updates require a bank letter showing the account name and IBAN. All documents must be current and not expired.

### How long does a TRN update take with the FTA?

Most TRN amendment requests are processed within 5 to 20 business days after submission. Complex changes like legal structure amendments may take longer. The FTA may also request additional documents, which extends the timeline if you do not respond promptly.

### Is there a deadline to update TRN information in the UAE?

Yes. You must notify the FTA of any change to your registered details within 20 business days of the change taking effect. Missing this deadline can result in administrative penalties ranging from AED 2,500 to AED 50,000 per violation under Cabinet Decision 106 of 2025.

### Does my TRN number change when I update my details?

No. Your 15-digit TRN stays the same. An update only changes the information linked to that number, such as your trade name, address, or authorised signatory. The TRN itself only changes if you fully deregister and then register a new entity.

### Can I update my TRN details offline or by email?

No. The FTA only accepts TRN amendments through the EmaraTax online portal. Paper forms and email submissions are not accepted. You must log in to your EmaraTax account, make the changes digitally, and upload supporting documents through the system.

### What happens if I do not update my TRN after a trade name change?

Your tax registration will show outdated information, which can cause mismatches on VAT returns and e-invoices. The FTA may impose penalties under Cabinet Decision 106 of 2025 for failing to notify them within the 20-business-day window. It can also delay refund processing.

### Do I need to update both my VAT and corporate tax TRN separately?

Yes. If you hold registrations for multiple tax types, such as VAT and corporate tax, you must amend each registration individually through EmaraTax. A change submitted under your VAT registration does not automatically carry over to your corporate tax registration.


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This content is informational and is not tax, legal, or financial advice.
For UAE e-invoicing pricing, see https://einvoicedirect.ae/for-businesses#contact