Is your TRN valid in the UAE? Here's how to check

When you move to the UAE, there are many things that you will need to take care of, including your residence permit, or TRN Verification Dubai as it's more commonly known. What is TRN? How do you apply for one? We're here to help with everything you need to know about how to get an entry visa and residency in the UAE, including what your TRN card can and can't do in the country.

What is a TRN?
A Temporary Residence Visa, also known as a TRV, is a visa used by travelers who plan on entering Canada for less than six months. If you plan on staying longer than six months, you need to apply for an extension or a change of status.

How do I get my TRN number?
To obtain a TRN, you must first register as a legal business entity. To register as a company, you must first be either: An individual who owns 100% of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) that is incorporated in Dubai. An individual who owns at least 50% of an LLC that is incorporated outside of Dubai and has obtained a license from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED).

How can I check if my number is valid?
You can check if a phone number is valid by dialing it. If you receive a connection, you know that it is good. However, if you are unable to reach a person at that number, then it may not be a working number. If you are abroad and have an incoming call from another country, there are additional steps involved. Your service provider should be able to assist with determining whether or not they will accept international incoming calls on your line.

Where can I use my TRN card once it’s issued?
The benefit of having a Transit Card is that it allows you to pay for all transportation services across Dubai. It’s applicable on Dubai’s Metro, Light Rail, buses, and water taxis (Abras). You can use it on any mode of transport without having to pay an additional charge. And like any other form of payment, if you lose your card or forget it at home, you can simply get another one issued for free at any Metro station.

Can I make online purchases with a TRN card?
To make an online purchase, you need a virtual Visa credit card or a virtual MasterCard debit card. (Your bank will issue these cards.) If you don’t have one of these, you can still buy items online with a TRN card by linking them to either of these cards before making a purchase.

Is there an expiry date on my card?
Your card has a 15-year lifespan; however, you’ll have to renew it after five years. And, just like a passport or driving license, your e-gate card expires at midnight on its expiry date.

What are the fees associated with using a TRN card in UAE stores?
There are some fees associated with using a TRN card in stores, although these vary slightly depending on which country, you're shopping in. In addition to sales tax, most major retailers will charge a 1-2% foreign transaction fee for credit cards and debit cards.

What kinds of discounts can I receive from using my UAE TRN card at home or abroad?
There are discounts offered by Emirates Airlines, and banks including the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, just to name a few. Even when you don’t fly or bank with these companies, it’s still worth it! Some places will offer you discounts on foreign currencies even if you already have foreign currency—no need for any extra hassle. Be sure to ask about all existing offers at home before embarking on any major trip.

How will I know when a fee or discount will be charged to my account and where does this information appear on my statement of transactions, if at all?
You will receive an email or text alert when a fee or discount will be charged to your account. You can also log into Online Banking and click on View Statements. From there, you'll be able to click on Account History and find each monthly statement of transactions. The fees/discounts will appear under other fees at the bottom of each monthly statement of transactions. If no fee was charged that month, you will not see anything listed under other fees.

Do I need two cards – one personal and one professional – like when you are working with traditional credit card companies such as MasterCard and Visa?
This isn’t standard practice. However, depending on your business needs, you may wish to consider obtaining a second card for business purposes only – but with no annual fee attached. This way, you’ll have a backup card available should your primary card fail. Should you choose to go down that route, we would advise using Visa as it is accepted more widely than MasterCard.
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