ZATCA E-Invoicing Phase 2: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to ZATCA e-invoicing Phase 2 (integration): waves, XML and QR requirements, clearance vs reporting, and Fatoora portal onboarding.
ZATCA · Phase 2
ZATCA Phase 2 e-invoicing, included in Ehsebly
E-invoicing that meets ZATCA Phase 2 (integration): tax invoices are cleared and simplified invoices reported to ZATCA automatically, with the QR code.
- Included in your plan at no extra cost
- Connect once with the one-time code
- Selling never stops if ZATCA is down
Phase 2 (integration)
What does Phase 2 require?
Phase 1 (generation) started on 4 December 2021 and Phase 2 on 1 January 2023, in waves set by ZATCA.
Clearance of tax invoices
A standard (B2B) tax invoice goes to ZATCA for clearance before it reaches the buyer, and is not valid before.
Reporting simplified invoices
A simplified invoice to a consumer is handed over at once and reported to ZATCA within 24 hours of issue.
XML with a cryptographic stamp
Every invoice and note is an XML file in ZATCA's format, with a cryptographic stamp and a chain that can't be altered.
The QR code
The QR code carries the seller, date, total and VAT, and in Phase 2 the invoice hash and signature.
Onboarding with the Fatoora portal code
You create the one-time code on the Fatoora portal, and your system gets its stamp certificate after passing the compliance checks.
In Ehsebly
Connect once, and let Ehsebly do the rest
Create the code
On the Fatoora portal with your business's ZATCA account.
Enter it in settings
Four short steps and one press of Connect, with no technical jargon.
Try, then go live
Start in test mode to see it all work, then switch to live.
Invoice as usual
Each invoice is signed when you submit it and sent to ZATCA in the background.
Automatic clearance and reporting
Tax invoices are cleared and simplified ones reported with no step on your side.
Selling never stops
If ZATCA's platform is down, Ehsebly keeps retrying until the invoice goes through.
No print before clearance
A tax invoice isn't printed or shared before ZATCA clears it, then carries the Phase 2 QR code.
Only what needs you
The e-invoicing dashboard shows your invoices per status and what needs action, and every invoice shows its ZATCA status.
Branches and devices
Each branch or device is connected on its own; your company gets a main device automatically.
A reminder before renewal
The connection has an expiry; Ehsebly reminds you before it ends, and one new code renews it.
Corrections by note
An accepted invoice isn't cancelled; you issue a credit or debit note, which is sent to ZATCA in turn.
Free tool
Is your business in an integration wave?
The latest wave ZATCA announced: wave 25, for VAT-subject revenue above SAR 187,500, to integrate by 1 February 2027.
Check your wave
Result
Wave 25
Your business is in wave 25
The deadline to connect your invoicing to Fatoora: 1 February 2027. Start early: completing your data and passing the compliance checks take time.
A guide based on the waves ZATCA announced up to 19 October 2026; not legal advice. The notice ZATCA sends you is what counts: confirm your date on the Fatoora portal or with ZATCA.
Frequently asked questions
Is e-invoicing included in my Ehsebly subscription?
Yes. The Phase 2 connection to Fatoora is included in your plan at no extra cost for Saudi companies.
How do I connect my company to Fatoora?
Once, from settings: create the one-time code on the Fatoora portal and enter it in Ehsebly, try it in test mode, then switch to live. After that every invoice is sent automatically.
What happens if ZATCA's platform is down?
Selling never stops. The invoice is submitted in Ehsebly and sent to ZATCA in the background, and Ehsebly retries automatically until it goes through.
Can I print a tax invoice before it is cleared?
No. A standard (B2B) tax invoice is valid only once ZATCA clears it, so Ehsebly doesn't print or share it before clearance. A simplified invoice goes to the customer at once and is reported afterwards.
How do I correct an invoice after clearance?
A cleared invoice is never deleted or edited; you issue a credit or debit note, which is itself cleared or reported.
Does each branch need its own connection?
Each branch or device that sends invoices is connected to Fatoora on its own; your company gets a main device automatically.
From the Knowledge center
Tax Invoice vs Simplified Tax Invoice in Saudi Arabia
Tax invoice vs simplified tax invoice in Saudi Arabia: when to issue each, a mandatory fields table, the SAR 1,000 rule, and ZATCA clearance vs reporting.
Saudi Quarterly VAT Return: ZATCA Deadlines & Mistakes
Saudi quarterly VAT return: ZATCA deadlines, how to file step by step, late-filing penalties and the most common mistakes to avoid.
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