How to Invoice as a Freelancer in the UAE

Updated June 2026

Short answer: how you invoice as a freelancer in the UAE depends on one thing — whether you're registered for VAT. If you're not registered (most freelancers earning under AED 375,000), you send a simple invoice with no VAT. If you are registered, you must issue a proper tax invoice with your TRN and 5% VAT. Here's what to include either way, and how to get paid on time.

This is general guidance, not tax advice. Check the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) or a qualified advisor for your situation.

First, are you VAT-registered?

This decides everything about your invoice.

  • VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable income passes AED 375,000 over 12 months, and voluntary from AED 187,500.
  • Many freelancers are below these thresholds and are not registered.

Not sure? See our guide on whether you need to register for VAT in the UAE.

If you're NOT VAT-registered

You must not charge VAT, and you must not call your document a "Tax Invoice" or add a 5% line — only VAT-registered businesses do that. You send a simple invoice with:

  • Your name (or freelance/trade name) and contact details
  • Your client's name and details
  • A unique invoice number and the date
  • A description of the work and the amount in AED
  • Payment details (bank/IBAN) and a due date

If you ARE VAT-registered

You must issue a tax invoice:

  • The words "Tax Invoice", your business name, address, and TRN
  • A unique, sequential invoice number and date
  • Your client's details (most freelance work is B2B, so you'll usually need a full tax invoice with the client's name, address, and TRN if they're registered)
  • A description of the services, the amount, 5% VAT, and the total in AED

See the difference between full and simplified tax invoices.

What to put on a freelancer invoice (checklist)

  • Your name / business name and contact details (and TRN if registered)
  • Client name and details
  • Unique invoice number + date
  • Clear description of the work
  • Amount in AED — plus 5% VAT only if you're registered
  • Payment terms: how to pay (bank/IBAN) and a due date

Getting paid on time

  • Set clear payment terms (e.g. "due within 14 days") on every invoice.
  • Include your bank details or IBAN so there's no friction.
  • Send the invoice promptly — ideally as soon as the work is delivered.
  • Follow up politely on anything overdue.

Do freelancers need a permit?

To operate formally in the UAE, freelancers generally need a freelance permit or licence (from a free zone or the relevant authority), and your legal/trade name should appear on your invoices. Requirements vary, so check with the relevant authority for your activity.

A few good habits

  • Number your invoices sequentially.
  • Keep copies of your invoices (VAT-registered businesses must keep records for at least 5 years).
  • Make your invoices look professional — it helps you get taken seriously and paid faster.

How Fatura Go helps

Fatura Go lets you create clean, professional invoices on your phone in seconds — with your TRN and 5% VAT if you're registered — and send them to clients by email or WhatsApp.

Use Fatura Go free →Try the demo →

Frequently asked questions

Do freelancers charge VAT in the UAE?

Only if they're VAT-registered. If you're below the threshold and not registered, you don't charge VAT and shouldn't issue a "tax invoice."

Do I need a TRN as a freelancer?

Only if you're VAT-registered — you'd get one when you register with the FTA.

Can I invoice a company as a freelancer?

Yes. If you're VAT-registered, issue a full tax invoice with the client's details and 5% VAT; if not, a simple invoice with no VAT.

How do I get paid faster?

Send invoices promptly, set clear payment terms and a due date, and include your bank/IBAN.