BLOGS

September 30, 2025

UAE E-Invoicing: New Rules, Timelines, and What Your Business Needs to Do

E-invoicing is officially here for UAE businesses. On 1 July 2026, the UAE will begin rolling out its electronic invoicing system, with mandatory phases tied to business size and sector. These requirements are set out under Ministerial Decisions No. 243 and 244 of 2025 and they will impact almost every VAT-registered business in the country.

At Nishe, we’ve guided clients through e-invoicing in Saudi Arabia, and now we’re helping businesses in the UAE prepare for a smooth transition. Here’s what you need to know.

  1. What is changing?
    From July 2026, all invoices and credit notes must be issued, transmitted, and reported through the UAE’s new Electronic Invoicing System, based on international PEPPOL standards.

Instead of simple PDFs or paper, businesses will need to work with an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to issue structured e-invoices that are automatically processed and shared with both the customer and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

  1. Key dates and phases
  • 1 July 2026: Pilot Programme launches (voluntary participation possible).

  • 31 July 2026: Large businesses with revenue ≥ AED 50m must appoint an Accredited Service Provider.

  • 1 Jan 2027: Mandatory go-live for businesses with revenue ≥ AED 50m.

  • 31 Mar 2027: All other businesses below AED 50m revenue must appoint an Accredited Service Provider.

  • 1 Jul 2027: Mandatory go-live for businesses below AED 50m revenue.

  • 1 Oct 2027: Government entities must go live.

Note: B2C transactions are excluded for now, but may be brought in by later decision.

  1. What businesses must do now
     Preparation is not optional. Delaying could mean rushed changes, system errors, or compliance risks. Every business should:
  • Assess systems & data against the new e-invoicing data dictionary.

  • Appoint an ASP early and map out ERP integration.

  • Run a gap analysis of current invoicing processes.

  • Prepare staff with training and change management.

  1. Common pitfalls to avoid
  • Treating e-invoicing as “just another PDF format.”

  • Waiting until 2027 to start — leaving no time for testing.

  • Ignoring reconciliation processes (credit notes will be mandatory for amendments).

  • Failing to plan for data storage and reporting obligations.

  1. How Nishe can help
    We’ve already supported businesses across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and global markets with e-invoicing rollouts. Our team of compliance and finance transformation specialists will:
  • Conduct a gap analysis of your systems and processes.

  • Help you choose and integrate an Accredited Service Provider.

  • Provide hands-on support from planning to go-live.

  • Train your team to avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion
The UAE’s e-invoicing system is more than a compliance requirement, it’s a shift toward smarter, digital finance operations. Businesses that act early will enjoy smoother workflows, faster payments, and fewer admin headaches.

Get in touch with Nishe today to prepare your business for e-invoicing 2026–2027.

Get Connected

@nisheconsulting