Does a UAE proforma invoice need to charge VAT?

No. A proforma is not a Tax Invoice, so it does not trigger VAT. You can still show an indicative 5% VAT line so the buyer knows the full expected cost.

Can I use a proforma invoice for UAE customs?

Proformas are commonly accepted for pre-clearance and permit applications, but the final commercial invoice is still required at clearance.

How long should the proforma stay valid?

Most UAE traders set 15 to 30 days. DocMak prints the validity date so the price is not treated as open-ended.

How do I turn the proforma into a Tax Invoice later?

Open the invoice maker, keep the same line items and add your sequential Tax Invoice number and TRN — the supply is then recorded correctly for VAT.

United Arab Emirates · AED · 5% VAT · Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

UAE Proforma Invoice Maker — AED Proformas for Trade and LC Openings

A proforma invoice commits your price and terms before the supply happens. UAE traders use it to open letters of credit, obtain advance payment, secure customs pre-clearance and support import permits. DocMak issues one in AED with indicative VAT and a clear non-tax-invoice disclaimer.

Create a UAE Proforma Invoice العربية

Opens the DocMak proforma editor with AED and UAE trade fields preset.

Clearly marked "Proforma Invoice" — not a Tax Invoice
AED pricing with indicative 5% VAT shown separately
Validity period, Incoterms, port of loading and delivery terms
Bank details block for telegraphic transfer or LC issuance
Convert to a full FTA Tax Invoice once the supply is made

Why UAE businesses issue a proforma before the tax invoice

A proforma invoice is not a Tax Invoice and does not create a VAT liability. It is a quotation-grade commitment used to unlock a payment, a bank instrument or a shipment. Under UAE VAT rules, the tax point arises on the earliest of supply, invoice date or payment receipt — so DocMak labels the proforma explicitly to keep the two documents apart in your records.

Opening or amending a letter of credit with a UAE bank
Collecting an advance payment before production begins
Supporting import permits and customs pre-clearance in Jebel Ali or Khalifa Port
Giving a purchasing department a document to raise a purchase order against

Fields UAE banks and freight forwarders look for

Trade finance teams reject proformas that are missing shipment or beneficiary details. DocMak includes the fields most often requested by UAE banks and forwarders.

Beneficiary company name, address and TRN
Buyer details and consignee if different
Goods description, HS code, quantity, unit price and total in AED
Incoterms 2020 (FOB, CIF, EXW) and port of loading / discharge
Validity of the offer and expected delivery lead time
Bank name, IBAN, SWIFT and account holder

Frequently asked questions

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