Laid out around the FTA's list of tax invoice details: TRNs, sequential number, VAT rate per line and amounts in AED.
Word (.docx)PDFWhat a full UAE tax invoice must show
According to the FTA, a valid tax invoice includes:[1]
- The words "tax invoice", clearly displayed.
- A sequential or unique tax invoice number.
- The date of issue.
- The date of supply, if it is different from the issue date.
- The supplier's name, address and TRN.
- The recipient's name and address, and their TRN if they are registered.
- A description of the goods or services.
- For each good or service: unit price, quantity or volume, VAT rate and amount payable in AED.
- The gross amount payable in AED.
- Any discount offered.
- The total VAT in AED, with the exchange rate and its source if the invoice is in another currency.
- For reverse-charge supplies: a statement that the customer must account for VAT, with a reference to the relevant provision of the VAT law.
Simplified tax invoice
You may issue a simplified tax invoice instead if the recipient is not VAT-registered, or if they are registered and the VAT-inclusive price is AED 10,000 or less. It must show at least: the words "tax invoice", your name, address and TRN, the date of issue, a description of what you supplied, and the total amount and VAT charged.[1]
Timing, rounding and corrections
- Issue and deliver the tax invoice within 14 calendar days of the supply.[1]
- If VAT works out to a fraction of a fils, round it to the nearest fils.[1]
- Amounts in a foreign currency must be converted to AED at a rate approved by the Central Bank.[1]
- Errors are corrected with a tax credit note or an additional tax invoice.[1]
Who issues tax invoices
- The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5%.[3]
- A business must register for VAT when its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months (or are expected to in the next 30 days). It may register voluntarily above AED 187,500.[2]
- Not registered? Don't add VAT and don't show a TRN. Say clearly that the price has no VAT.
- If a price already includes 5% VAT, the VAT part is the price divided by 21.[4]
E-invoicing is coming
PDF, Word files, images, scans and emails are not e-invoices under the UAE e-invoicing system.[5] E-invoicing is being phased in: businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more go live on 1 January 2027, and other businesses on 1 July 2027, for invoices to businesses and government.[6] Check the Ministry of Finance portal for the date that applies to you.
Tax invoices with DuneQuote
On Pro+, you turn an accepted quote into a tax invoice titled "Tax Invoice / فاتورة ضريبية", in English or English + Arabic, with your TRN and your client's details. You can send payment reminders and issue credit notes for corrections. DuneQuote creates PDF tax invoices; it is not an e-invoicing service provider. Always check your invoices against the FTA list above.
With DuneQuote you send the quote as a WhatsApp link. Your client opens it, sees the AED total with VAT, and accepts with one tap. If they go quiet, we remind you on day 2, 5 and 10 with a ready-to-send follow-up. Documents can be in English, or English + Arabic.
Start free: 5 quotes a monthTry the demo, no sign-upPlans: Free (5 quotes a month), Pro AED 29/month and Pro+ AED 49/month, VAT included. Pro+ adds e-signature, tax invoices (English + Arabic), payment reminders, credit notes, your logo and PDF sharing.
FAQ
What must a UAE tax invoice include?
The words "tax invoice", a sequential number, the date of issue (and date of supply if different), your name, address and TRN, the recipient's name and address (and TRN if registered), a description, unit price, quantity, VAT rate and amount in AED for each line, the gross amount, any discount, and the total VAT in AED.
When can I use a simplified tax invoice?
When the recipient is not VAT-registered, or when they are registered and the VAT-inclusive price is AED 10,000 or less.
How long do I have to issue a tax invoice?
The FTA says a tax invoice must be issued and delivered within 14 calendar days of the supply.
Is a PDF tax invoice an e-invoice?
No. The Ministry of Finance states that PDF, Word, images, scans and emails are not e-invoices. E-invoicing is being phased in from 2027.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I am not VAT-registered?
No. Only VAT-registered businesses issue tax invoices and charge VAT. If you are not registered, issue a regular invoice without VAT.
Related guides
Sources
- [1] FTA, "Tax invoices" guide (VAT11)
- [2] FTA, Registration for VAT
- [3] Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT, Article 3 (FTA)
- [4] FTA, Taxable Person Guide for VAT, section 3.5
- [5] Ministry of Finance, eInvoicing portal
- [6] Ministerial Decision No. 244 of 2025, as amended by Ministerial Decision No. 66 of 2026 (FTA)
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules can change; check the FTA and the Ministry of Finance for your situation.