Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to the GCC Unified VAT Agreement, formalising a 5% minimum VAT rate across the Gulf and confirming Saudi Arabia's 15% and Bahrain's 10% rates. The reforms introduce a first‑port‑of‑entry model for import VAT, a VAT settlement mechanism for onward movements, and enhanced information sharing between GCC tax authorities.
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Rtcsuite · 27 days ago
Saudi Arabia’s e-invoicing regime is fully live, requiring all VAT‑registered businesses to issue invoices through a compliant Electronic Generation Solution (EGS) connected to the Fatoora platform. In 2026, two SME‑scale integration waves—Wave 23 and Wave 24—will bring additional businesses into the real‑time clearance system, with deadlines of 31 March 2026 and 30 June 2026 respectively, while the penalty‑waiver initiative expires on 30 June 2026.
The Invoicing Hub · 3 months ago
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a comprehensive e‑invoicing mandate led by ZATCA, requiring all companies to issue and transmit electronic invoices via the Fatoora platform. The phased implementation includes mandatory clearance for B2B/B2G and e‑reporting for B2C, with progressive waves based on turnover thresholds. As of March 31, 2026, companies with annual turnover above SAR 750 000 must comply, with further thresholds set for June 2026.
Deloitte · 6 months ago
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued amendments to the VAT Implementing Regulations that clarify the responsibilities of electronic marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. The changes define when a marketplace is deemed to facilitate a supply and therefore liable for VAT, and introduce phased effective dates for compliance. Businesses operating in the Kingdom should review their operating models and contractual arrangements to ensure alignment with the updated framework.
EY · 7 months ago
ZATCA continues expanding Phase 2 e-invoicing integration throughout 2025, with Wave 24 covering businesses with turnover above SAR 375,000. Non-compliance penalties range from SAR 5,000 to SAR 50,000.
InnovateTax · about 21 hours ago
The UAE's e-invoicing mandate introduces a voluntary pilot starting 1 July 2026, with mandatory adoption for large businesses from January 2027. The pilot allows eligible firms to test structured electronic invoicing via accredited service providers before full implementation. The mandatory phases will extend to all in-scope businesses and B2G transactions by October 2027.
Deloitte · 3 days ago
UAE: The Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline for appointing an Accredited Service Provider to 30 October 2026, while the e-invoicing go-live date remains 1 January 2027. Businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more must now plan for ASP selection and onboarding before the new deadline.
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Key Takeaways
The minimum VAT rate is 5%.
Saudi Arabia has 15% and Bahrain has 10%.
Import VAT may be collected at the first GCC port of entry before being transferred to the destination member state.
Article 12 introduces a VAT settlement mechanism allowing VAT adjustment and recovery between member states.
Article 71 enhances tax authority information sharing, giving wider access to intra‑GCC supply data.
Primary source
Read the full article at VatCalcThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 19 June 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Saudi Arabia. The original source is VatCalc.
