E-Invoicing - Dual language support (English and Arabic) for ZATCA (Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority) compliance in KSA
To add a feature in Xero for dual-language invoices (English and Arabic) and to generate QR codes for ZATCA compliance (Saudi Arabia), here's a structured approach. Xero does not natively support dual-language invoices with QR codes directly, but you can integrate third-party applications or customize invoice templates to meet these requirements.
- Integrating Dual-Language (English & Arabic) Invoices in Xero Xero doesn't provide a built-in feature for dual-language invoices (English and Arabic) by default, so this needs to be handled through third-party integrations or custom solutions.
A. Using a Third-Party Integration App
Search for ZATCA-Compliance Apps:
Go to Xero Marketplace and find third-party apps that support dual-language invoicing and ZATCA e-invoicing compliance (e.g., Sahab, Fatoorah, ZATCA E-invoice solutions).
These apps can automatically generate invoices in both English and Arabic, ensuring compliance with Saudi tax laws.
App Features:
The integration app should allow for:
Automatic generation of English & Arabic language invoices.
Support for QR code generation on invoices (for ZATCA compliance).
B. Manual Template Customization (If No Integration App is Available)
Custom Invoice Templates:
Xero allows you to customize invoice templates, but this typically requires a developer or technical setup.
To create a dual-language invoice, the template must be manually edited to include both English and Arabic fields for items such as product descriptions, taxes, and terms.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Invoice Settings.
Customize the template by adding fields for both English and Arabic.
Use HTML or CSS (if needed) to create a format that displays both languages side by side.
However, this method can be complex and might not automatically adapt to various languages.
- Adding QR Code for ZATCA Compliance on Invoices ZATCA requires invoices to include a QR code that contains the invoice details for validation. This can be added through integrations or custom development.
A. Using a ZATCA-Compliance App
Many third-party apps in Xero’s marketplace can automatically generate QR codes for ZATCA-compliant invoices.
Example: Integration with platforms like Fatoorah, Sahab, or ZATCA API can automatically add the QR code.
Ensure that the app includes the following data in the QR code:
Invoice ID
VAT Amount
VAT Rate (15%)
Transaction Date
B. QR Code Manual Generation (Custom Solution)
If you’re working with custom templates:
Generate QR Codes via a third-party tool (e.g., QR Code API or Google’s Chart API) and manually embed it in the invoice template.
Use the ZATCA specifications to ensure the correct data is embedded within the QR code for ZATCA compliance.
3. Steps to Implement Dual-Language Invoices and QR Code in Xero
Step 1: Install Third-Party App for ZATCA Compliance (Dual-Language & QR Code)
Go to Xero Marketplace and install a third-party app that supports:
Dual-language invoices (English & Arabic).
QR code generation for ZATCA compliance.
Integration with ZATCA API for e-invoice submission.
Recommended Apps:
Fatoorah or Sahab (supports e-invoicing in Saudi Arabia).
Step 2: Set Up Language Preferences
In the third-party app, configure the default language to show both English and Arabic.
Ensure that Arabic translations for products/services, VAT details, and terms are accurate.
Step 3: Enable QR Code Generation
Ensure the integration app is configured to automatically generate a ZATCA-compliant QR code.
The QR code should contain the necessary details such as:
Invoice number
Date of issue
Tax amount
VAT breakdown
Step 4: Create and Send Dual-Language Invoices
When creating a new invoice, the dual-language invoice will be generated automatically (both English and Arabic).
The QR code will also be included on the invoice for ZATCA compliance.
Preview the invoice and ensure both languages appear, and the QR code is scannable.
Step 5: Submit to ZATCA (if integrated)
If the third-party app supports direct ZATCA submission, invoices will automatically be submitted to the ZATCA portal.
If not, you can manually submit e-invoices via the ZATCA system or use the app’s API.
4. Conclusion
While Xero doesn’t natively support dual-language invoices with QR codes for ZATCA compliance, integrating third-party solutions can streamline the process. Here’s a quick summary:
Install a ZATCA-compliant third-party app (e.g., Fatoorah or Sahab) for automatic generation of dual-language invoices (English and Arabic) and QR codes.
Configure the language settings in the app and ensure QR code generation is enabled.
Generate, preview, and send ZATCA-compliant invoices to your clients.
By leveraging the right tools and integrations, you can meet Saudi Arabia’s e-invoicing regulations while maintaining efficient operations in Xero.
Hi Saqib, while we’re unable to offer eInvoicing in your region at this time, you could look into third-party apps available in the Xero App Store that support eInvoicing.