What is TIN (Tax Identification Number)
Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number assigned to individuals or businesses for Tax purposes by the state.
Tax identification numbers (TINs) are issued by local tax authorities and may have different formats from country to country. In many jurisdictions, TINs are automatically assigned to individuals upon registration with tax authorities or civil registries, streamlining the process and ensuring compliance with local and international tax regulations.
If you're applying for a blocked account in Germany through Expatrio, it's important to understand the requirements related to your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
During the account opening process, you will be asked to indicate your tax residency and provide a valid TIN. Please make sure to get your TIN from the local authorities when you are still in your home country, because if you are Tax residence of one of the countries we listed below like India, Pakistan; at a later stage, when you arrive in Germany and activate your blocked account to receive your monthly payouts, you will not be able to proceed until you provide your correct TIN.
How can I get my TIN?
In many countries, TINs are not automatically issued when individuals register with tax authorities or civil registries.
This article offers an overview of countries where TINs are not automatically assigned and guidance on how to apply for one in your country.
If your Tax residency is from a country where TINs are automatically assigned, like China, Turkey or Mexico, please check this article.
Most popular countries:
Other countries (select the respective continent to find your country)
Important!:
The information provided in this FAQ is based on general knowledge gathered from publicly available sources, including the OECD website and other reputable online resources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered official or comprehensive guidance. Please be aware that tax regulations and administrative procedures may vary by country and are subject to change. We strongly recommend that individuals and entities consult their respective government institutions, official tax authority websites, or legal/tax professionals to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). We do not accept any responsibility or liability for actions taken based on the content provided in this FAQ.
🇮🇳 India
TIN in India (Hindi) is typically referred to as स्थायी खाता संख्या (PAN Permanent Account Number).
Who Should Apply?
Indian citizens (including minors).
Foreign citizens (e.g., NRIs or international students planning to study abroad).
Any individual required to file income tax or engage in financial transactions in India.
Step-by-Step PAN Application (For Indian Citizens)
Step 1: Choose Application Platform
Two authorized agencies:
-Protean eGov (formerly NSDL) - https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
-UTIITSL - https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN/
Note: While you can apply directly through these official platforms, it's also common in India to apply via an authorized PAN card agent for a nominal service fee. These agents assist with form filling, document submission, and tracking. To find one, visit your local Common Service Center (CSC), search online for NSDL/UTIITSL authorized PAN agents in your city, or inquire at nearby cyber cafes or tax consultant offices, which often offer this service.
Step 2: Select the Correct Form
Form 49A - for Indian citizens.
Form 49AA - for foreign citizens.
Step 3: Fill out the Online Form
Provide full name, date of birth, and gender.
Address (residential and communication).
Aadhaar number (if available; mandatory for Indian residents).
Source of income.
Representative Assessee (if applicant is a minor).
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
For Indian Citizens:
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card / Voter ID / Passport / Driving license.
Proof of Address: Utility bill / Aadhaar / Bank statement.
Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate / Passport / Aadhaar / SSC certificate.
For Foreign Citizens:
Passport + PIO/OCI Card + foreign bank statement.
Step 5: Payment of Fee
INR 93 (within India address).
INR 864 (foreign communication address).
Payment via credit/debit card, net banking, or demand draft.
Step 6: Submit Application
After online submission, download the acknowledgment (with a 15-digit number).
Send signed copy + photos + documents to:
Income Tax PAN Services Unit, NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, 5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411016.
Step 7: Track Application
Track using the 15-digit acknowledgment number here - https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html
Step 8: PAN Issued
PAN will be issued in 10–15 working days.
Both a physical PAN card and an e-PAN will be provided.
Note: PAN for Minors
Legal guardian/parent applies on behalf of the minor.
A minor's Aadhaar and birth certificate are required.
🇵🇰 Pakistan
TIN in Pakistan (Urdu) is typically referred to as قومی ٹیکس نمبر (NTN, National Tax Number).
In Pakistan, once you're registered with the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR), your CNIC number can be used as your TIN, but only if you’ve gone through the proper process.
Important: Your CNIC number can not be used as your TIN if you have not registered with the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR). Here are the steps on how to register yourself on the FBR website:
Who Should Apply?
Any citizen earning income.
Individuals wishing to open a business, apply for visas, or study abroad.
Required for most financial transactions and property dealings.
Step-by-Step NTN Application via FBR IRIS
Step 1: Visit the IRIS Portal
Go to https://iris.fbr.gov.pk
Step 2: Create a New User Account
CNIC: Enter your 13-digit number
Full Name: As per your CNIC.
Mobile Network: Choose (Jazz, Telenor, Zong, Ufone).
Cell Number: Must be registered under your CNIC.
Email Address: Use an active one you can access.
Address: Choose "Residential" as the address type, and enter your complete address, including house number, street name, area, city, and district. Select the measurement unit (such as Marla or Square Feet) and provide the total area (e.g., 5 Marla). Then, specify your capacity as either "Owner" or "Tenant". If you’re a tenant (renting) and using one portion of a double-storey house, enter 50% as shares after selecting ‘Tenant’ in capacity. If you are renting the entire place, you can write 100%.
Contact: Mobile number (must match NADRA records) and email.
Source of income (In case of students, select “Student” or “Others”)
Step 3: Submit Form and Verify
Once completed, click the submit button to submit your NTN registration application. After submission, verification codes will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS and email address.
Enter the verification codes separately in the relevant fields and submit them.
Step 4: Get Your FBR Username and Password
Once your details are verified, you’ll get your FBR login information:
- Username: Your CNIC number
- Password: Sent to your email and mobile phone
Keep these safe — you’ll need them to log into the FBR system.
Step 5: Log in and Get Your NTN
Now that you have your login info, go to the IRIS portal and sign in.
If you are registering for study abroad, your CNIC number is your NTN (National Tax Number).
The FBR uses your 13-digit CNIC as your NTN for all individual taxpayers. You’ll see your CNIC listed as your NTN (sometimes shown as “Registration Number”) on your FBR profile once you’re logged in and have successfully done the registration.
How to check your registration status on the FBR website:
You can check your NTN status using your CNIC on the FBR’s Active Taxpayer Verification tool:
- Select "Taxpayer Profile Inquiry"
- Enter your CNIC
-
It will confirm whether you’re in the tax system and show your details.
Optional: Offline NTN Registration Process
Visit Regional Tax Office (RTO).
Fill Form 181 manually.
Submit with:
- Copy of CNIC.
- Electricity bill of your residence.
- Recent photograph.
- Proof of income (if any).
🌏 ASIA
🇧🇭 Bahrain
TIN in Bahrain (Arabic) is typically referred to as بطاقة الهوية (Bahrain ID card number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: All Bahraini citizens and residents are required to possess a Bahrain ID, which serves as the primary identification number.
2) Application:
In-Person: Visit the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) service centers.
Online: Access the iGA portal - https://www.iga.gov.bh/ - and navigate to the Identity Card Services section.
3) Required Documents:
Valid passport.
Proof of residence in Bahrain.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Processing Time: Typically, the ID is issued within a few working days after all required documents are submitted.
🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam
TIN in Brunei Darussalam (Malay) is typically referred to as Nombor Kad Pengenalan (NRIC National Registration Identity Card number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Mandatory for citizens and residents aged 12 and above.
2) Application:
In-Person: Visit the National Registration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3) Required Documents:
Birth certificate.
Passport or other valid travel documents.
Proof of residence.
4) Processing Time: The NRIC is usually issued within a few weeks after application.
🇰🇼 Kuwait
TIN in Kuwait (Arabic) is typically referred to as الرقم المدني (Civil ID number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: All residents, including expatriates, must obtain a Civil ID.
2) Application:
In-Person: Apply at the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) offices.
Online: Use the PACI e-services portal - https://www.paci.gov.kw/
3) Required Documents:
Valid residency visa.
Passport.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Processing Time: Civil IDs are typically issued within 10 working days.
🇱🇧 Lebanon
TIN in Lebanon (Arabic) is typically referred to as الرقم الضريبي (Tax Number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Individuals engaged in taxable activities or requiring a tax number for official purposes.
2) Application:
In-Person: Visit the nearest Ministry of Finance office.
3) Required Documents:
Valid identification (e.g., Lebanese ID or passport).
Proof of residence.
Completed application form.
4) Processing Time: The tax number is usually issued within a few days after application.
🇲🇴 Macau, China
TIN in Macau (Chinese) is typically referred to as 居民身份证号码 (Resident Identity Card Number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Mandatory for residents of Macau.
2) Application:
In-Person: Apply at the Identification Services Bureau (DSI).
By Post: For applicants outside Macau, use the DSI Postal Application Service - https://www.dsi.gov.mo/certificate_e.jsp
3) Required Documents:
Completed application form.
Valid travel documents.
Proof of residence in Macau.
4) Processing Time:
Standard Service: 5 business days.
Express Service: 2 business days.
🇲🇻 Maldives
TIN in the Maldives (Dhivehi) is typically referred to as ސޯޓު ނަންބަރު (Tax Number) but English (TIN) is commonly used in official documents.
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Individuals engaging in taxable activities or requiring a TIN for official purposes.
2) Application:
In-Person: Register with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
Online: Use the MIRA online services - https://www.mira.gov.mv/
3) Required Documents:
Valid identification (e.g., National ID or passport).
Proof of residence.
Completed registration form.
4) Processing Time: TINs are typically issued within a few working days after application.
🇴🇲 Oman
TIN in Oman (Arabic) is typically referred to as رقم المدني (Civil Number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: All residents are required to obtain a Civil Number.
2) Application:
In-Person: Apply at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Civil Status offices.
Online: Use the ROP e-services portal.
3) Required Documents:
Valid residency visa.
Passport.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Processing Time: Civil Numbers are usually issued within a few working days.
🇶🇦 Qatar
TIN in Qatar (Arabic) is typically referred to as الرقم الشخصي (Qatar ID Number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Mandatory for all residents in Qatar.
2) Application:
In-Person: Apply at the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Passports.
Online: Use the Ministry of Interior e-services - https://portal.moi.gov.qa.
3) Required Documents:
Valid residency permit.
Passport.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Processing Time: Qatar IDs are typically issued within a few working days.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
TIN in Saudi Arabia (Arabic) is typically referred to as الرقم الضريبي (Tax Identification Number).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: Individuals engaged in taxable activities or requiring a TIN for official purposes.
2) Application:
Online: Register through the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) portal - https://zatca.gov.sa/en/eServices/Pages/eServices_029.aspx
3) Required Documents:
Valid identification (e.g., Saudi ID or Iqama).
Proof of residence.
Completed registration form.
4) Processing Time: TINs are typically issued upon successful registration.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
TIN in UAE (Arabic) is typically referred to as بطاقة الهوية الإماراتية (UAE ID card).
Step-by-Step
1) Eligibility: All UAE residents are required to obtain an Emirates ID.
2) Application:
In-Person: Apply at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) centers.
Online: Use the ICA e-services portal - https://ica.gov.ae/
3) Required Documents:
Valid residency visa.
Passport.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Processing Time: Emirates IDs are typically issued within 7 to 10 working days.
🌎 NORTH AMERICA
For the jurisdictions listed below, please consult their respective government institutions, official tax authority websites, or legal/tax professionals to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).
Bahamas (resource: https://inlandrevenue.finance.gov.bs/)
Bermuda (resource: https://www.gov.bm/office-tax-commissioner)
British Virgin Islands (resource: https://www.bvi.gov.vg/inland-revenue)
Cayman Islands (resource: https://www.ditc.ky/)
Montserrat (resource: https://www.gov.ms/2022/12/29/inland-revenue-announces-online-payment-for-property-tax/)
Turks and Caicos Islands (resource: https://www.tcig.gov.tc/inland-revenue)
🌏 OCEANIA
For the jurisdictions listed below, please consult their respective government institutions, official tax authority websites, or legal/tax professionals to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).
Marshall Islands (resource: https://www.rmi-mof.com/)
Nauru
Niue
Samoa
Vanuatu (resource: https://www.customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/)
Important!:
The information provided in this FAQ is based on general knowledge gathered from publicly available sources, including the OECD website and other reputable online resources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered official or comprehensive guidance. Please be aware that tax regulations and administrative procedures may vary by country and are subject to change. We strongly recommend that individuals and entities consult their respective government institutions, official tax authority websites, or legal/tax professionals to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the issuance of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). We do not accept any responsibility or liability for actions taken based on the content provided in this FAQ.