VAT invoices in the UAE
The UAE charges VAT at 5%, administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Businesses must register once their taxable supplies pass the mandatory threshold (AED 375,000 a year), and can register voluntarily from a lower amount. Registered businesses receive a 15-digit Tax Registration Number (TRN).
BillDoodle sets up a UAE invoice for you: amounts in dirhams (AED), dates as DD/MM/YYYY, an A4 PDF, VAT at 5%, zero-rated and exempt presets, and the total in words.
What to put on a UAE tax invoice
- The words “Tax Invoice” – choose Tax Invoice as the document type
- Your name, address and TRN
- The customer’s name, address and TRN if they are registered
- A sequential invoice number, the date of issue and the date of supply if different
- A description, quantity and unit price of each item
- The VAT rate and amount for each item, and the total VAT in AED
A simplified tax invoice can be used in some cases, for example when the customer isn’t VAT-registered. The UAE is also introducing mandatory e-invoicing in phases from 2026; BillDoodle creates PDF documents only. Check the FTA’s latest guidance for your business.
Frequently asked questions
Can I invoice in US dollars?
Yes, you can issue the invoice in another currency, but the VAT amount should also be shown in AED. Pick USD from the Currency menu and add the AED VAT amount in Notes.
What is zero-rated VAT?
Some supplies, such as many exports, are taxable at 0%. Choose “Zero-rated – VAT 0%” so the invoice shows VAT at 0% rather than leaving it out.
I’m a freelancer and not registered. Can I still invoice?
Yes. Issue a normal invoice without VAT by choosing “Exempt / no VAT”, and don’t call it a tax invoice.
Is it really free?
Yes. You can create and download as many documents as you like without paying and without creating an account.
Where is my data stored?
Everything you type stays in your own browser. Drafts and your history are saved locally on this device, so nothing is uploaded to our servers.