UAE drops the pre-approval step for e-invoicing service providers
A new Ministry of Finance decision, in force since 1 October, sends e-invoicing providers straight to accreditation and gives those already pre-approved 30 days to qualify.
The Ministry of Finance has removed the pre-approval stage for companies that want to provide e-invoicing services in the UAE. Under Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026, which took effect on 1 October, providers now go straight to accreditation once they pass the ministry's assessment and testing requirements.
The decision replaces Decision No. 64 of 2025 and its amendments, including Decision No. 56 of 2026. It also sets out how accreditation is renewed, reviewed and ended, and lets a provider formally object if its accreditation is terminated. Providers may still use third-party Peppol products and outsource parts of their service, but they stay fully responsible for compliance. The ministry said the change reflects the e-invoicing programme moving into a fully operational phase.
Providers that already hold preliminary approval have 30 days from 1 October to meet the new requirements. They do not need to apply again unless the ministry asks, but their approval ends if they miss the deadline. For a business that sends invoices, the practical step is to make sure the provider it plans to use is accredited under the new rules. The ministry's announcement did not set new dates for when businesses must start issuing e-invoices.