How to Verify a ZATCA E-Invoice by Scanning Its QR Code
Learn how to scan a Saudi e-invoice QR code using ZATCA’s official verification service, what information it displays, and what the result means.
Table of Contents
QR codes are an important part of Saudi Arabia’s e-invoicing framework. They allow users to read specified invoice information in a machine-readable format. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) provides an official E-Invoice Validation service designed to help users verify an e-invoice’s authenticity by scanning its QR code.
A QR scan is a useful verification step, but it does not validate every commercial detail, tax treatment, or aspect of the underlying transaction. Review the information returned by the service and compare it with the invoice you received.
What is a QR code on a ZATCA e-invoice?
A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a machine-readable format. In Saudi Arabia, e-invoice QR codes must follow the technical requirements that apply to the relevant invoice type and e-invoicing phase.
Under Phase 1, the QR code required for a simplified tax invoice includes the seller’s name, seller’s VAT registration number, invoice date and time, total invoice amount including VAT, and VAT amount.
For applicable Phase 2 electronic tax invoices, the QR code has additional security-related requirements. ZATCA specifies a Base64-encoded QR code of up to 700 characters containing prescribed fields, including the hash of the XML invoice, the ECDSA signature of that hash, and the ECDSA public key.
The QR code is not the entire invoice. It carries specified data, not every line item, buyer detail, payment term, or other part of the full transaction record.
For the official technical requirements, see ZATCA’s E-Invoicing Simplified Guideline, E-Invoicing Detailed Guideline, and E-Invoice Security Features Implementation Standards.
Which Saudi invoices require a QR code?
QR-code requirements depend on the invoice type and applicable phase.
- Phase 1: Simplified tax invoices and their associated notes must include a QR code. Standard tax invoices may include one, but it is not mandatory under Phase 1.
- Phase 2: Electronic tax invoices generated under the applicable Phase 2 requirements must include a Base64-encoded QR code containing the fields specified by ZATCA. The exact requirements depend on the relevant document type and technical specification.
Do not assume the same QR-code rules apply to every invoice type. Consult ZATCA’s current guidance for the requirements that apply to your business and documents.
How to verify a ZATCA e-invoice using its QR code
Use ZATCA’s official E-Invoice Validation service to scan the QR code and review the information returned.
- Open ZATCA’s official verification service. Start with the E-Invoice Validation service.
- Select the verification option. Follow the instructions shown by the service. Depending on the available flow, ZATCA also provides a general Verification service page with verification options.
- Scan the QR code. Position the code within the scanner’s frame and wait for it to be read.
- Review the information returned. ZATCA’s service is designed to help verify the invoice’s authenticity using the QR code.
- Compare the information with the invoice. Check that the displayed seller details, timestamp, total including VAT, and VAT amount match the invoice where those fields are provided. If the result is unclear or details do not match, contact the supplier and request clarification or a corrected invoice where appropriate.
ZATCA’s service is intended to help users verify invoice authenticity. Do not interpret a QR scan as an audit of every commercial or VAT detail.
What information can the QR code show?
For a Phase 1 simplified tax invoice, the QR code includes:
- Seller’s name
- Seller’s VAT registration number
- Invoice date and time
- Total invoice amount including VAT
- VAT amount
For applicable Phase 2 electronic tax invoices, the QR code must include additional security-related fields, including:
- The hash of the XML invoice
- The ECDSA signature of the XML invoice hash
- The ECDSA public key
ZATCA specifies that the Phase 2 QR code is Base64-encoded and may contain up to 700 characters. Follow the relevant technical specification when implementing or auditing QR-code generation.
The QR code is not a complete copy of the invoice. Review the invoice itself for line items, buyer details, tax treatment, payment terms, and other information that may not be represented in the QR code.
Does scanning the QR code prove that an invoice is valid?
ZATCA’s official E-Invoice Validation service is designed to help users verify the authenticity of an e-invoice by scanning its QR code. Review the information returned and compare it with the invoice, but do not treat a QR scan as validation of every underlying commercial or VAT detail.
If the QR code cannot be read, the information shown does not match the invoice, or the service returns an unexpected result, ask the supplier to check the invoice and its QR-code generation. A general-purpose QR reader may decode text or encoded data, but it does not perform ZATCA’s official verification workflow.
Common QR-code scanning issues
The QR code will not scan
Check that the code is clear, fully visible, and not blurred, cropped, or covered. Try improving the lighting or scanning a higher-quality copy of the invoice.
The scanner reads the code but the result is unclear
Use ZATCA’s official verification service rather than relying only on a general-purpose QR reader. A generic scanner may display decoded text or encoded data without performing the official verification workflow.
The information does not match the invoice
Compare the displayed seller details, timestamp, total, and VAT amount with the invoice, where those fields are shown. If there is a discrepancy, contact the supplier and ask them to investigate. Keep a copy of the invoice and any verification result for your records.
The invoice does not have a QR code
First, confirm the invoice type and applicable requirements. Under Phase 1, simplified tax invoices and their associated notes must include a QR code, while a QR code on standard tax invoices is optional. Phase 2 electronic tax invoices have QR-code requirements under the relevant technical specification. If you believe a required QR code is missing, contact the supplier and consult ZATCA’s current guidance.
QR codes and Saudi e-invoicing compliance
QR codes help users read specified invoice information and use ZATCA’s verification service. They are one part of a broader e-invoicing framework that also covers invoice generation, structured data, system security, and, for taxpayers brought into Phase 2, integration with the FATOORA platform.
Businesses should ensure their e-invoicing solution generates QR codes that match the applicable ZATCA specifications. They should also retain invoice records and follow the required clearance or reporting workflow for each document type.
For more information, visit ZATCA’s official e-invoicing portal.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Open ZATCA’s official E-Invoice Validation service, follow the verification instructions, scan the invoice QR code, and review the information returned.
The Phase 1 QR code for a simplified tax invoice includes the seller’s name, seller’s VAT registration number, invoice date and time, total amount including VAT, and VAT amount. Applicable Phase 2 electronic tax invoices must include additional security-related fields, including the XML invoice hash, its ECDSA signature, and the ECDSA public key.
No. Under Phase 1, simplified tax invoices and their associated notes must include a QR code, while standard tax invoices may include one but are not required to. Phase 2 electronic tax invoices must follow the QR-code requirements specified by ZATCA for the relevant document type.
No. It contains specified data in a machine-readable format. Review the full invoice for line items, buyer information, tax details, and other transaction information.
A QR scan through ZATCA’s official service can help verify the authenticity of the e-invoice based on its QR-code content. It should not be treated as conclusive proof that every invoice detail, tax treatment, or underlying transaction is correct. Compare the displayed information with the invoice and retain records where needed.
About the Author
Ajith Kumar
Im a skilled content writer and SEO expert crafting engaging articles that rank. Passionate about making complex topics clear, discoverable, and valuable to readers.Dedicated to driving organic growth through high-quality, search-optimized content
