PEPPOL e-Invoicing
E-Invoicing in the UAE
Stay Compliant with PEPPOL – Simplified by Brainstorm Accounting & Bookkeeping
What is E-Invoicing?
E-Invoicing (Electronic Invoicing) is the process of creating, transmitting, and storing invoices electronically using FTA-approved software that connects to the PEPPOL network. In the UAE, e-invoicing is regulated by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
“An e-Invoice is a structured form of invoice data that is issued and exchanged electronically between a supplier and a buyer and reported electronically to the UAE-FTA.” — Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
Unlike traditional PDF invoices, e-invoices follow a structured format (XML or JSON) and must be securely stored for at least five years in compliance with UAE VAT law.
Why the UAE Introduced E-Invoicing
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Enhancing VAT compliance and real-time tax reporting
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Increasing accuracy and efficiency in financial transactions
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Preventing fraudulent or duplicate invoices
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Promoting a paperless, smart, and connected economy
All VAT-registered businesses will soon be required to adopt PEPPOL-based e-invoicing systems.
How the E-Invoicing Process Works
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Invoice Creation – Generated through your accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks, Zoho, Tally).
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Transmission via PEPPOL – Sent through an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) connected to the PEPPOL network.
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Validation by FTA – Verified by the FTA system and assigned a unique reference number (IRN) and QR code.
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Storage & Sharing – The approved invoice is shared with the buyer and stored in both parties’ systems.
What is an ASP?
An Accredited Service Provider (ASP) is an FTA-approved PEPPOL access point provider that enables businesses to issue, validate, and report e-invoices in the correct structured format.
How Brainstorm Accounting Helps
At Brainstorm Accounting & Bookkeeping, we help UAE businesses seamlessly transition to PEPPOL-based e-invoicing through end-to-end support — from planning to compliance.
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Assessing your FTA phase and readiness
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Recommending and integrating FTA-approved PEPPOL ASPs
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Configuring your accounting software for XML/JSON invoice creation
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Conducting staff training and system testing
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Providing ongoing monitoring and VAT compliance advisory
Key E-Invoicing Deadlines in the UAE
Category
Appoint ASP By
Go-Live Date
Category
Appoint ASP By
Go-Live Date
Large Businesses (Revenue ≥ AED 50M)
31 July 2026
31 July 2026
Large Businesses (Revenue ≥ AED 50M)
31 March 2027
1 July 2027
Large Businesses (Revenue ≥ AED 50M)
31 March 2027
1 October 2027
Pilot Phase: Begins 1 July 2026
Storage Requirement: All e-invoices must be kept for at least 5 years
What Businesses Should Do Now
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Determine Your Phase
AED 50 million or more → Phase 1 (start 1 Jan 2027)
Below AED 50 million → Phase 2 (start 1 Jul 2027) -
Select a PEPPOL-Compliant ASP – Brainstorm will help you choose and integrate the right service provider.
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Update Your Systems – Ensure your accounting software supports XML/JSON formats and required FTA fields.
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Test & Train – Conduct test runs and train your finance team with Brainstorm’s assistance.
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Go Live & Monitor – Start issuing e-invoices through your ASP and maintain secure data backups.
Required E-Invoice Fields
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Invoice Type
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Currency Code
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Place of Supply
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Payment Terms
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Tax Category & Rate per Item
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Unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN)
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QR Code
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Digital Signature (System or Supplier)
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Exchange Rate (if applicable)
Compliance Requirements
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Include all mandatory VAT information (supplier TRN, buyer details, VAT %, etc.)
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Generate invoices in structured XML/JSON format
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Report electronically to the FTA through your ASP
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Retain all e-invoices for at least five years
The Future of E-Invoicing in the UAE
E-Invoicing marks a major leap toward a digitally advanced economy. The PEPPOL-based system brings transparency, standardization, and efficiency to VAT reporting while making business operations smoother and smarter.
With early adoption and expert support from Brainstorm Accounting, your business will stay ahead of regulatory deadlines and embrace the UAE’s digital future confidently.
Get E-Invoicing Ready with Brainstorm
Let our experts help you prepare for PEPPOL-compliant e-invoicing — from system setup to full FTA integration.