UAE Ministry of Finance’s eInvoicing Consultation Closes on 27 February

The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of a public consultation on eInvoicing, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed data requirements. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and industry alignment as businesses transition to electronic invoicing.

UNDERSTANDING EINVOICING

eInvoicing is a structured form of invoice data that is electronically issued, exchanged between a supplier and a buyer, and reported to the UAE Federal Tax Authority. It is important to note that unstructured invoice formats—such as PDFs, Word documents, images, scanned copies, and emails—do not qualify as eInvoices.

CONSULTATION PROCESS AND OBJECTIVES

The consultation document is now available for public review, and all interested parties are encouraged to provide their insights by completing a survey. The consultation period will remain open until 27 February 2025.

The key objectives of this consultation are:

• To gather feedback from UAE businesses and eInvoicing service providers on the proposed UAE eInvoicing Framework.

• To establish a shared understanding of the requirements, enabling businesses to prepare for eInvoicing adoption.

• To create a standardized approach for eInvoicing data elements, ensuring consistency across different document types for seamless integration and processing.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE EINVOICING FRAMEWORK

1. eInvoicing Data Dictionary (PINT AE) – This document outlines essential data elements and attributes for commonly used invoice types in the UAE. Standardization is emphasized to facilitate integration across the business ecosystem.

2. Excluded Transactions – Certain business transactions may not be subject to eInvoicing exchange and reporting requirements. The consultation seeks to clarify these exemptions.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The Ministry of Finance is particularly interested in gathering diverse perspectives, including input from industry experts, accounting firms, and eInvoicing service providers. Specific areas of interest include:

• Establishing a common understanding of eInvoice data elements across business communities.

• Identifying any gaps or additional data fields necessary for regulatory, operational, or analytical purposes.

• Ensuring that the framework aligns with business needs and facilitates compliance.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The UAE will implement eInvoicing in a phased manner, with a comprehensive rollout strategy to be communicated in due course. Importantly, eInvoicing requirements will apply not only to taxable persons but to all businesses operating in the UAE, irrespective of their VAT registration status.

The UAE has adopted a Decentralized Continuous Transaction Control and Exchange (DCTCE) model, a modern approach that leverages decentralized technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency in electronic invoicing.

Businesses are encouraged to participate in the consultation and contribute to shaping the future of eInvoicing in the UAE. To review the consultation document and submit feedback, please visit the official consultation page: 

• UAE-eInvoicing-Public-Consultation-document.pdf 

Please refer to official UAE authorities’ communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tax-related matters.  

SOURCES/RECOMMENDED READ: 

• EInvoicing - Ministry of Finance - United Arab Emirates

• UAE-eInvoicing-Public-Consultation-document.pdf