Is QR Code Mandatory for E-Invoicing in UAE? Complete Compliance Guide

Is QR Code Mandatory for E-Invoicing in UAE?

The United Arab Emirates will enforce mandatory e-invoicing for all business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) transactions starting 1 January 2027, with a voluntary pilot phase available from 1 July 2026. A business will issue invoices in the FTA-approved XML format and exchange them through an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) approved by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for validation and compliance.

Companies that sell only to end consumers (B2C) are not required to issue e-invoices at this stage. However, they may still receive supplier invoices digitally to stay ready for future requirements.

QR codes are not mandatory for UAE e-invoicing, but understanding their role will help a business prepare for potential updates and organize records. This blog will explain the function of QR codes in e-invoicing, their presence in digital transactions, the steps a business will take to stay ready, and how  flick network will support smooth invoice creation, validation, and secure submission on the FTA system.

What is a QR Code in E-Invoicing

A QR code in e-invoicing holds structured details of an invoice including the supplier, VAT number, invoice number, issue date, total amount, and tax applied. Scanning the code allows a buyer, auditor, or tax authority to verify the invoice quickly. It helps reduce errors and maintain organized records. In countries where QR codes are required, they simplify audits and confirm transaction details.

In the UAE, the FTA-approved PINT AE XML format contains all invoice details needed for validation. The data is automatically checked when transmitted through an Accredited Service Provider. Printing a separate QR code is not needed. Businesses can rely on the digital invoices for compliance, secure storage, and smooth submission on the FTA system.

Businesses that wish to use QR codes can add them voluntarily for internal tracking or customer reference. Using a QR code in this way will not affect compliance but can make invoice information easily accessible for quick verification or reporting.

Is QR Code Mandatory in UAE E-Invoicing

No, QR codes are not required for e-invoicing in the United Arab Emirates. The Federal Tax Authority requires every invoice of B2B and B2G transactions to be created in the FTA-approved XML format and validated through an Accredited Service Provider (ASP). A supplier issuing an invoice to a government department or another business will generate the invoice in XML and submit it through the ASP system for verification and compliance.

The ASP will automatically check the accuracy of every detail of the invoice including tax amounts, supplier information, and transaction data. Printing or displaying a QR code is not necessary for compliance or record keeping. Businesses will focus on generating XML invoices, validating them on the FTA system, and ensuring secure delivery to the buyers or government authorities.

How Businesses Should Prepare for UAE E-Invoicing

Although QR codes are not required on UAE e-invoices, businesses handling B2B and B2G transactions still need to make significant changes to comply with the 2027 mandate (or voluntarily opt in from July 2026). Preparation steps include:

1. Upgrade ERP or Accounting Systems
    Businesses will need systems that generate invoices in FTA-approved XML. Popular solutions such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Odoo, Tally, Sage, Focus 9, and ERPNext will require proper integration to comply with e-invoicing rules.

2. Integrate with the Peppol Network
   Every invoice will be validated and exchanged through an Accredited Service Provider approved by the FTA. Companies will need an accredited provider or a solution like Flick Network to handle this securely and efficiently.

3. Enable Real-Time Validation
    Systems must allow instant validation of invoices to prevent delays or rejections in B2B and B2G transactions.

4. Manage Corrections and Credit Notes
    Businesses should issue corrected invoices and credit notes in XML format and ensure validation on Peppol.

5. Onboard Even if Only B2C
   Companies that sell only to consumers are not required to issue e-invoices but may still need to receive purchase invoices digitally through the system to align with suppliers.

How Flick Network Supports Businesses with UAE E-Invoicing

As a pre-approved e-invoicing provider by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), Flick Network provides an end-to-end e-invoicing solution that integrates with existing ERP or billing systems. The platform ensures compliance with all FTA rules and simplifies the entire invoicing process across B2B, B2G, and B2C workflows.

• FTA-Approved XML Generation
   Flick will generate invoices in the PINT AE XML format required by the FTA. This ensures every invoice meets the structured data requirements of the authority for accurate reporting and validation.

• Direct Peppol Validation and Submission
   Every invoice will be validated in real time and submitted securely to the buyer or government entity through an Accredited Service Provider, reducing errors and delays in transactions.

• Corrections and Credit Notes
   Businesses will be able to issue corrected invoices or credit notes in the FTA-approved XML format without manual mistakes and maintain audit-ready records.

• ERP Integrations
   Flick works on SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Odoo, Tally, Sage, Focus 9, and ERPNext to generate, validate, and submit invoices directly on the FTA system.

• Support for B2C-Only Businesses
   Even companies that sell only to consumers will be able to receive digital purchase invoices from suppliers using Flick Network and stay ready for future compliance needs.

• Local Expertise
   UAE-based support of Flick Network will ensure smooth onboarding of a business, ongoing validation of invoices, and continuous compliance with FTA rules.

Conclusion

The United Arab Emirates will require e-invoicing for all business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) transactions from 1 January 2027, with a voluntary pilot phase available from 1 July 2026. B2C transactions are excluded from the mandatory scope at this stage, but businesses may still receive supplier invoices digitally.

QR codes will not be part of the requirement. Companies will focus on preparing ERP or accounting systems, connecting with an Accredited Service Provider, and completing compliance testing to avoid delays in transactions or mistakes in reporting.

Switching to e-invoicing will streamline the generation of invoices, reduce errors on tax calculations, and ensure every record aligns with the standards of the Federal Tax Authority. Flick Network provides a full solution to handle the creation of invoices, real-time validation, secure submission on the FTA system, digital storage, and audit readiness. This will allow businesses across industries to maintain smooth workflows, accurate records, and complete compliance without interruptions.

Make the shift today by reaching out to our team or visiting:  flick network

FAQs

1. Is a QR code required for UAE e-invoicing?
    No, a QR code will not be required. The FTA only requires invoices in the approved XML format submitted through an Accredited Service Provider.

2. Why do some think QR codes are part of UAE e-invoicing?
    Many assume QR codes are needed because they are required in Saudi Arabia. In the UAE, e-invoicing will focus on XML submission, and QR codes are not included.

3. Will a business face penalties if a QR code is missing?
    No, penalties will not apply. Compliance depends on generating XML invoices and validating them through an ASP.

4. Can businesses add QR codes voluntarily?
    Yes, a QR code can be added for internal tracking or customer convenience, but it will remain optional.

5. What is the main compliance requirement?
    The main requirement is generating invoices in the FTA-approved XML format, validating them, and submitting them securely through an Accredited Service Provider.