UAE VAT Invoice Guide
What a VAT-compliant invoice typically needs to show for UAE clients, and where to confirm the current rules.
This guide is general information, not tax advice
VAT rules can change and can vary by business type, transaction, and registration status. This page gives a general, practical overview to help you understand what a UAE VAT invoice typically includes — it is not a substitute for official guidance. Always confirm current requirements with the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) or a qualified tax advisor before relying on any invoice for VAT compliance purposes.
Who this applies to
If your business is registered for VAT in the UAE, invoices you issue for taxable supplies generally need to include specific VAT-related details so your client can see how much VAT was charged and reclaim it where applicable. If you're not VAT-registered, these requirements typically don't apply to you — check your registration status and obligations with the FTA if you're unsure.
Information commonly expected on a UAE VAT invoice
Based on the FTA's published guidance, a VAT invoice commonly includes:
- The words "Tax Invoice" clearly displayed.
- Your business name, address, and Tax Registration Number (TRN).
- The client's name and address (and their TRN, if they are also VAT-registered).
- A unique invoice number and the invoice date.
- A description of the goods or services supplied.
- The quantity and unit price for each item.
- The VAT rate applied and the VAT amount, shown separately from the price excluding VAT.
- The total amount payable, inclusive of VAT.
Simplified invoicing rules may apply for smaller transaction amounts. Requirements can also differ for specific cases (such as zero-rated or exempt supplies). The FTA's official publications are the authoritative source for exactly what applies to your situation.
The standard VAT rate
The UAE's standard VAT rate has been 5% since VAT was introduced in 2018, with some categories of goods and services treated as zero-rated or exempt. Rates and categorizations can be subject to change, so confirm the current rate and how it applies to your specific goods or services via the FTA before invoicing. Our VAT calculator defaults to 5% for convenience, but lets you enter any rate.
Sample UAE tax invoice
A worked example at the 5% standard rate. The VAT is shown separately from the amount excluding VAT, and the total payable includes it.
Tax Invoice
Invoice no. INV-2026-0042
Date: 19 October 2026
Example Studio LLC
Office 12, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
TRN: 100000000000003 (example)
Bill to
Sample Trading FZE, Sharjah, UAE
TRN: 100000000000099 (example)
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT rate | Amount (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website design (fixed fee) | 1 | AED 1,200.00 | 5% | AED 1,200.00 |
| Monthly hosting | 3 | AED 100.00 | 5% | AED 300.00 |
| Subtotal (excl. VAT) | AED 1,500.00 | |||
| VAT at 5% | AED 75.00 | |||
| Total payable (incl. VAT) | AED 1,575.00 | |||
Building a UAE-style tax invoice
In the invoice generator, set the document title to Tax Invoice, add your Tax Registration Number in the business tax/VAT number field, and set the VAT percentage on each line item. The tool will calculate and display the VAT breakdown automatically. Double-check the result against your own records and current FTA guidance before sending it to a client.
Where to check current requirements
For authoritative, up-to-date VAT invoicing requirements, refer directly to the UAE Federal Tax Authority's published guidance, or consult a licensed tax advisor familiar with your specific business activity: