Invoice Template UAE: What to Include & Free Format

An invoice is the document you send a customer to request payment for goods or services. In the UAE, a clear, correctly formatted invoice matters both for getting paid on time and for VAT compliance. This guide explains what a UAE invoice should include, the difference between a simple invoice and a VAT tax invoice, and gives a template you can adapt.

What a UAE invoice should include

Every invoice, at a minimum, should show:

• the word “Invoice” and a unique invoice number;
• the invoice date (and due date/payment terms);
• your business name, address and contact details;
• the customer’s name and address;
• a description of the goods or services, quantity and unit price;
• the total amount due and accepted payment methods.

If your business is VAT-registered, you must issue a proper tax invoice with additional fields – see below.

Simple invoice vs VAT tax invoice

A simple invoice is fine if you are not VAT-registered. If you are VAT-registered, UAE law requires a tax invoice, which must additionally show your Tax Registration Number (TRN), the words “Tax Invoice”, the VAT rate and VAT amount, and the total including VAT. For the detailed rules on VAT invoices, see our guides to the UAE VAT invoice template and tax invoice requirements. To check whether you need to register for VAT at all, use the VAT threshold calculator.

Invoice template

Adapt this simple structure:

INVOICE
[Your Business Name]
[Address, Phone, Email]
[TRN, if VAT-registered]

Invoice No: [0001]   |   Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]   |   Due: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Bill To: [Customer Name, Address]

Description   |   Qty   |   Unit Price   |   Amount
[Item 1]   |   [1]   |   AED [x]   |   AED [x]
[Item 2]   |   [2]   |   AED [x]   |   AED [x]

Subtotal: AED [x]
VAT (5%): AED [x]  (if VAT-registered)
Total Due: AED [x]

Payment details: [bank / method]   |   Terms: [e.g. payment within 30 days]

Tips for getting paid on time

Number your invoices sequentially, state clear payment terms and a due date, and send the invoice promptly. Keep copies for your records – VAT-registered businesses must retain tax invoices. Being specific about what was delivered and how to pay reduces disputes and speeds up payment.

Related

If you are VAT-registered, follow the VAT invoice template and tax invoice requirements. Check your obligations with the VAT threshold calculator.

FAQ

What should a UAE invoice include?

At minimum: the word “Invoice” and a unique invoice number, the date and payment terms, your business name and contact details, the customer’s details, a description of goods or services with quantity and price, the total due, and payment methods. VAT-registered businesses must issue a tax invoice with extra fields.

What is the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice in the UAE?

A simple invoice is fine if you are not VAT-registered. If you are VAT-registered, UAE law requires a tax invoice, which must also show your Tax Registration Number (TRN), the words “Tax Invoice”, the VAT rate and amount, and the total including VAT.

Do I need to put a TRN on my invoice?

Only if your business is VAT-registered. In that case your tax invoice must show your Tax Registration Number, along with the VAT rate and amount. If you are not VAT-registered, you do not have a TRN and issue a simple invoice.

Do I have to keep copies of my invoices?

Yes – keeping copies is good practice for any business, and VAT-registered businesses are required to retain their tax invoices as part of their record-keeping obligations.