Tax residency certificate: avoid being taxed twice

When your Saudi business earns income from another country, that country may deduct tax from your payment. If the Kingdom has a double taxation treaty with that country, the deduction can often be reduced — but only if you prove you are a Saudi tax resident.

What it is

A certificate issued by ZATCA confirming that your business (or you, as an individual) is resident in the Kingdom for tax purposes during a given period.

When you need it

• A foreign client is about to withhold tax on your invoice.
• You receive dividends, royalties or service fees from abroad.
• A foreign bank or authority asks you to prove treaty eligibility.

How to get it

Apply through ZATCA's online services, with your registration details and the period requested. The foreign party may also ask for its own form to be completed.

Tip

Ask for the certificate before the first payment, not after. Recovering tax that was already deducted abroad is slow.