DAMMAM: Saudi Arabia has recorded a leap in the implementation of the electronic invoicing system, with the number of electronic invoices exchanged via the “Fatoorah” platform exceeding 8.2 billion during 2025, achieving a growth rate of 64 percent, as explained by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority to Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper.

This remarkable increase comes within the integration and linking phase of the electronic invoicing system, an indicator that reflects the accelerated progress achieved by the authority in the digital transformation path, and its role in enhancing tax compliance and raising the efficiency of financial and commercial transactions.

The authority clarified that the number of electronic invoices shared with the “Fatoorah” platform during 2024 exceeded 5 billion, compared to about 3.1 billion invoices in 2023, reflecting gradual growth in the adoption of digital solutions and compliance with regulatory requirements.

ZATCA explained that the number of electronic services provided to its clients and taxpayers during the past year exceeded 196, achieving a satisfaction rate of 91 percent, which reflects the accelerated development in the authority’s digital infrastructure and its ability to provide integrated services that enable taxpayers to complete their transactions with high efficiency and in record time.

The expansion of digital platforms and system updates contributed to raising the level of compliance and improving service quality, alongside enhancing integration with other government entities, which strengthened the reliability of the zakat, tax, and customs system in Saudi Arabia, according to the authority.

The past year witnessed a noticeable expansion in developing procedures aimed at accelerating the flow of incoming and outgoing goods through various customs ports, most notably the launch of the updated version of the Saudi Authorized Economic Operator program with the participation of 14 government entities. The number of establishments registered in the program reached 753.

The initiative provides a package of benefits that contribute to enhancing supply chains, raising the efficiency of logistical operations, and providing customs services according to the highest standards.

The authority pointed out that the achievements made during the past year in the fields of zakat, tax, and customs work, supported by digital developments and qualitative operational initiatives, enhanced ZATCA’s role in supporting the national economy, and contributed to consolidating Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistical center for trade and logistics services, in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Two phases for implementing electronic invoicing

It is worth noting that the application of electronic invoicing began in two phases. The first phase, “Issuance and Storage,” launched in December 2021 and included all those subject to the Electronic Invoicing Regulation. 

The second phase, “Integration and Linking,” began in January 2023 and includes additional requirements, most notably linking taxpayers’ invoicing systems with the “Fatoorah” platform and issuing invoices in an approved electronic format. The number of targeted establishment groups in this phase reached 15.

The application of electronic invoicing aims to convert the issuance of paper invoices and notes into an integrated digital system that allows the exchange and electronic processing of debit and credit invoices between seller and buyer with high efficiency and reliability.