If you sell goods or services in Saudi Arabia, the invoice you hand your customer is also a tax document. Getting its fields right keeps you organised, helps your VAT-registered clients reclaim their input VAT, and avoids awkward corrections later. This guide explains exactly what goes on a Saudi VAT invoice, then shows the fastest free way to create one.
What is a tax invoice in Saudi Arabia?
A tax invoice is the document a VAT-registered business issues for a taxable sale. It records what was sold, the price before tax, the VAT charged, and the total due. It is the evidence of the transaction that both the seller and the buyer keep for their records, and it is what allows a registered buyer to reclaim the VAT they paid.
One important point up front: only a business that is registered for VAT with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) may charge VAT and issue a tax invoice. If you are not registered, you can still send a normal invoice or a receipt — you just cannot add VAT or label it a "tax invoice".
The mandatory fields on a Saudi VAT invoice
A standard tax invoice should clearly show all of the following. Missing fields are the most common reason an invoice is rejected or has to be re-issued.
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Title | The words "Tax Invoice" (فاتورة ضريبية) |
| Seller details | Your legal business name, address, and VAT registration number (TIN) |
| Buyer details | Customer name and address; their VAT number too if they are a registered business |
| Invoice number | A unique, sequential number that identifies the invoice |
| Dates | Date of issue, and the date of supply if it differs |
| Line items | Description, quantity, and unit price of each good or service |
| Taxable amount | The price excluding VAT for each line and the subtotal |
| VAT | The VAT rate (usually 15%) and the VAT amount in SAR |
| Total | The grand total including VAT |
| Currency | Amounts shown in Saudi Riyals (SAR) |
Skip the spreadsheet
WasliPay fills these fields in for you and does the VAT maths automatically — free.
How the 15% VAT is calculated
The standard VAT rate in Saudi Arabia is 15%. The calculation is simple once you know whether your prices are quoted before or after tax.
When your price excludes VAT
Multiply the net amount by 15% and add it on. For a service priced at SAR 1,000: VAT = 1,000 × 0.15 = SAR 150, so the total is SAR 1,150.
When your price already includes VAT
To find the VAT inside a tax-inclusive total, divide by 1.15 and subtract. For a SAR 1,150 total: net = 1,150 ÷ 1.15 = SAR 1,000, so the VAT portion is SAR 150. A good invoice tool lets you switch between "VAT exclusive" and "VAT inclusive" per line so you never do this by hand.
Why Arabic matters (and how bilingual invoices help)
A Saudi tax invoice must be issued in Arabic. You are free to add an English translation next to it, which many businesses do so that international clients and their own accountants can read it easily. A side-by-side Arabic/English layout satisfies the Arabic requirement and keeps the document clear for everyone — it is the most practical format for freelancers and small businesses working across the Gulf.
Create a Saudi VAT invoice in four steps
- Add your details and your customer's. Include both VAT/Tax numbers where they apply.
- List your items. Enter each description, quantity, unit price, and the 15% VAT — let the tool total it.
- Choose language and template. Pick Arabic, English, or bilingual, and a clean template.
- Download or print. Export a tidy A4 PDF and send it to your customer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate on a Saudi invoice?
The standard VAT rate in Saudi Arabia is 15%, applied to most goods and services. Some supplies are zero-rated or exempt, so confirm the correct rate for what you sell.
Does a Saudi tax invoice have to be in Arabic?
Yes — a tax invoice must be issued in Arabic. You may add an English translation, and a bilingual Arabic/English layout satisfies the requirement while staying readable for international clients.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I'm not VAT-registered?
No. Only businesses registered for VAT with ZATCA may charge VAT and issue a tax invoice. If you are not registered, you can still issue a regular invoice or receipt without VAT.
Is a PDF invoice ZATCA Phase 2 compliant?
Not by itself. Phase 2 requires a compliant electronic system that produces a cryptographic stamp and reports to ZATCA. A PDF invoice is fine for record-keeping and for businesses outside the mandate, but it is not a certified Phase 2 e-invoice.
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This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. VAT rules and ZATCA e-invoicing requirements change over time — always verify the current rules with ZATCA or a qualified tax advisor before relying on them.