The UAE moved electronic-invoicing service providers to a new accreditation framework from 1 October. Providers with preliminary approval have 30 days to complete accreditation, while businesses should distinguish this provider rule from the separate deadlines that apply to their own e-invoicing implementation.

The details

The Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026 on eligibility criteria and accreditation procedures for electronic-invoicing service providers. The decision took effect on 1 October 2026 and replaced the previous framework.

The decision removes the former preliminary-approval stage as the UAE e-invoicing ecosystem moves from development and testing towards full operation. Providers holding preliminary approval have up to 30 days from 1 October to complete the accreditation requirements; a new application is not required unless the Ministry instructs otherwise.

This is primarily a business-compliance and service-provider Signal. It should not be confused with the separate rollout timetable for taxpayers and government entities, which has its own scope and implementation dates.