In short: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) mandates e-invoicing for Saudi businesses in two phases: Generation and Integration. Time Solution builds your readiness directly on Odoo, compliant e-invoices, QR codes, XML (UBL) format, and integration with the Fatoora platform, with no separate tax system needed.
What is ZATCA e-invoicing?
E-invoicing is a system ZATCA imposes on VAT-registered businesses in Saudi Arabia, replacing paper and manual invoices with structured electronic invoices issued and stored digitally in a unified format. The goal: greater transparency, less tax evasion, and an automated relationship between the business and the authority.
The two phases, what's the difference?
Phase 1, Generation: businesses must issue and store invoices electronically in a structured format, with a QR code on simplified invoices. There is no direct link to the authority yet, the invoice is issued and stored in a compliant system.
Phase 2, Integration: the company's system connects directly to ZATCA's Fatoora platform, so invoices are transmitted or cleared through a technical integration, in XML (UBL 2.1) format, with the cryptographic stamp and the approved QR code. Businesses are enrolled in waves by revenue size.
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Generation | Integration |
| Fatoora link | No | Yes (API) |
| Format | Structured electronic | XML / UBL 2.1 |
| Cryptographic stamp | , | Required |
| QR | Simplified only | Yes |
How Time Solution gets you ready on Odoo
- Compliant issuance: tax invoices and simplified invoices in the required format, with every mandatory field (VAT number, tax details).
- QR code: generated automatically on invoices.
- XML (UBL 2.1): invoice generation in the format approved for Phase 2.
- Fatoora integration: connecting your system to the authority's platform to transmit and clear invoices.
- Multi-company and branches: each company with its own tax registration and independent invoices.
- Archiving: electronic invoice storage compliant with retention requirements.
The rule: we don't publish a fixed timeline for every company, we estimate precisely after a short readiness session reviewing your current setup.
Who needs to comply, and when?
Businesses registered for VAT are required to use e-invoicing, and the integration phase is rolled out in waves announced gradually by ZATCA. Check the wave that applies to your business via ZATCA's official announcements, and start preparing early so the deadline doesn't pressure your operations.
How do we get you ready?
We review your current setup and prepare your system for both phases within your Odoo implementation, without stopping your business:
- Accounting & e-invoicing in Odoo, issuing UBL-compliant invoices with a QR code.
- Odoo ERP implementation, connect invoicing to the rest of your operations in one system.
- PDPL data protection, compliance goes hand in hand with e-invoicing.
- The detailed e-invoicing guide, an in-depth walkthrough of the phases and fields.
FAQ about ZATCA readiness
No. If your accounting runs on Odoo with Time Solution, e-invoicing is part of your system, no extra tool needed.
ZATCA enrols businesses in waves by revenue and notifies each wave at least six months before its integration date. We help you confirm your wave and get ready before the deadline.
Simplified (B2C) invoices are issued with a QR code and reported to the authority, while B2B invoices require clearance through the integration, the system handles both types.
It depends on your current setup. If you're already on Odoo with us, readiness takes weeks, not months, book a session and we'll assess your situation.
Confirm your tax readiness
Your company compliant with ZATCA without regulatory worry, invoices issued and cleared from the same system. Book a free ERP Readiness Session.
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