Yes. A bank reports you to every country where it treats you as resident for tax purposes. That can be two countries if you are resident in both, or if its records point to both.
When it happens
- You are resident in two countries under their own laws, and you list both on your self-certification.
- Your bank finds signs of residence in another country, such as an old address or phone number, and treats you as resident there too.
- You hold a joint account. Under the UAE rules, each reportable holder is reported with the full balance.
The bank does not decide which country has the stronger claim. It reports the residences shown by its checks. Which country can tax you is a separate question, covered in Two countries say I'm tax resident. Which one wins?
If the report is right
If you really are resident in both countries, both reports are correct. Make sure your tax returns in each country are consistent with the accounts reported.
If the report is wrong
- Ask the bank which countries it has on file and why.
- Give it a new self-certification listing only your true residence.
- Supply documentary evidence of residence there, such as a government certificate of residence.
- Update any old address, phone number or payment instruction.
A self-certification alone may not be enough. Under the UAE guidance, an old address or phone number is set aside only with both a form that leaves the country out and evidence of residence elsewhere. See Does Dubai residence stop my old country receiving my bank data?
An example
Ahmed Karimi moved to Dubai from Australia and opened a Dubai bank account years ago. His file still shows an Australian address and an Indian phone number, with no UAE number. The bank treats him as resident in both countries. Ahmed is resident in neither now, so he sends a new self-certification showing the UAE only, his UAE tax residence certificate and his current contact details. The bank can then stop treating him as resident in Australia and India.
Quick questions
Will a wrong report in past years be withdrawn?
That depends on the bank and the countries involved. Ask the bank, and keep your evidence in case the other country asks questions.
Is being reported the same as owing tax?
No. A report shares information. Whether tax is due depends on each country's rules and any tax treaty.
Sources: UAE Ministry of Finance, CRS FAQs; UAE Ministry of Finance, Guidance Notes for the Common Reporting Standard.
General information as at October 2026, not advice. The examples are fictional and simplified, and the rules have conditions and exceptions not covered here. Take advice on your own circumstances, in each country involved, before acting.