Invoicing Software for the UAE
A short checklist for UAE businesses: the VAT points the Federal Tax Authority sets out, what to look for in a tool because of them, and Billed's own description of its features.
Before comparing invoicing tools in the UAE, look at what VAT asks of the business behind the invoices. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) explains, on its What Is VAT? page (UAE, page last updated May 16, 2024): "End consumers generally bear the VAT cost while registered businesses collect and account for the tax, in a way acting as a tax collector on behalf of the Federal Tax Authority." So whichever tool you choose, the VAT you charge should be easy to see on each invoice and easy to total later.
The UAE invoicing guide sets out what a tax invoice has to include. Questions about your own supplies belong with the FTA or a registered tax agent.
Worked example in UAE dirham, with sample figures: a VAT-registered firm bills a client AED 6,000.00 for a month of bookkeeping. The FTA's FAQ (UAE, page last updated May 22, 2024) says: "The standard rate of VAT in the UAE is 5%." At that rate the VAT is 5% of AED 6,000.00 = AED 300.00, so the client owes AED 6,000.00 + AED 300.00 = AED 6,300.00.
Invoicing rules in United Arab Emirates
Local rules change over time; use these themes as a checklist and confirm details with a qualified adviser for your situation.
VAT shown on each invoice
The FTA's FAQ (UAE, page last updated May 22, 2024) says: "The standard rate of VAT in the UAE is 5%." Look for a tool where you choose the rate per supply and the VAT appears separately from the price.
When you have to register
The FTA's Registration For VAT page (UAE, page last updated Apr 06, 2026) says: "The mandatory registration threshold is AED 375,000." and "The voluntary registration threshold is AED 187,500." Check that you can start adding VAT to invoices from the date you register.
Returns every tax period
The FTA's page on filing returns (UAE, page last updated May 16, 2024) says: "Once you have registered for VAT in the UAE, you are required to file your VAT return and make related VAT payments within 28 days from the end of your tax period." Check that you can pull together each period's invoices quickly.
Businesses based abroad
On the same Registration For VAT page, the FTA notes: "This threshold is not applicable to foreign businesses." If your business is based outside the UAE, check the FTA's guidance before you bill UAE clients.
Billed features
Customisable Invoices
Billed's invoice software page says: "Choose an invoice template, add your logo and business details, and save the products and services you sell so you can pull them into an invoice instead of retyping them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Invoicing Software in Other Countries
Start Invoicing With Billed
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| What to check | Where the FTA explains it |
|---|---|
| The VAT rate on each supply | Its FAQ |
| Whether you must register | Its Registration For VAT page |
| When returns are due | Its page on filing VAT returns and making payments |
| Businesses based abroad | Its Registration For VAT page |
When this isn't for you
If the way you invoice clients today already works for you, there's no need to switch.