ZATCA approved e-invoicing solutions and what the directory means
ZATCA does not approve or certify e-invoicing software for taxpayers. Its Solution Providers Directory is an indicative list, and a taxpayer can meet the e-invoicing requirements using software from a provider that is not listed. What matters is whether the invoicing system meets ZATCA's published requirements.
ZATCA states that its directory is not an approval of the software supplied by the listed providers. Source: ZATCA Solution Providers Directory
What the ZATCA Solution Providers Directory means
ZATCA publishes a directory of e-invoicing providers that have passed its qualification process for the relevant implementation phase. The directory separates providers into two categories.
| Directory category | What it indicates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | The provider met the qualification criteria for the generation phase. |
| Phase 2 | The provider met the qualification criteria for the integration phase and the applicable Phase 1 criteria. |
This distinction matters when you are preparing for Phase 2. The integration phase requires your invoicing system to communicate with ZATCA's Fatoora platform.
However, appearing in either category does not establish that every invoice a provider's software generates will meet the requirements. ZATCA's directory includes a disclaimer stating that the list is non-legally binding and is not an approval of the e-invoicing software supplied by those providers.
A taxpayer may select a different provider. The determining factor is whether the system used meets the applicable e-invoicing requirements.
Source: ZATCA Solution Providers Directory and disclaimer
What makes e-invoicing software compliant
For Phase 2, an invoicing system needs to meet ZATCA's published technical requirements and complete the required integration process. A provider listing cannot replace these steps.
Onboarding with ZATCA
The system must obtain the certificates needed to communicate with Fatoora.
During production onboarding, the taxpayer generates a six-digit one-time password (OTP) through the Fatoora portal at fatoora.zatca.gov.sa. The password is valid for one hour.
The onboarding process includes generating a certificate signing request, obtaining a compliance certificate, passing the required compliance checks and obtaining a production certificate. ZATCA's compliance checks require three sample documents for each invoice type selected in the certificate request: a tax invoice, a debit note and a credit note. Raseedo's certificate request covers both standard and simplified invoices, so onboarding submits all six sample documents, even when only the free plugin is installed. Source: ZATCA Detailed Technical Guidelines, onboarding
Correct invoice XML
Phase 2 invoices use structured XML following UBL 2.1 and ZATCA's additional requirements. The invoice data must contain the required seller details, tax information, document identifiers and calculated amounts.
The XML Implementation Standard describes the structure and validation rules. These include the VAT number format, invoice totals, tax categories and fields used for credit notes.
Source: ZATCA XML Implementation Standard
Digital signing and QR codes
Phase 2 uses cryptographic signing and invoice hashes.
Invoices carry QR codes containing the required ZATCA information. For simplified invoices, the QR code includes the seller name, VAT number, date and time, total, VAT amount and the required cryptographic information.
The system must also maintain the invoice counter and previous invoice hash. These fields support the required signing and document chain checks. Source: ZATCA E-Invoice specifications (XML Implementation Standard)
Reporting and clearance
The required submission process depends on the invoice type. Simplified tax invoices, generally used for B2C transactions, are reported to ZATCA within 24 hours. Standard tax invoices, generally used for B2B transactions, must be cleared by ZATCA before they are provided to the buyer.
The software must use the appropriate Fatoora API process for each document. Source: ZATCA Detailed Technical Guidelines, section 4.3 and section 7 (Business FAQs)
Questions to ask an e-invoicing software vendor
Before choosing a plugin for your WooCommerce store, ask the provider how it handles the required processes. These questions are useful even when the provider appears in ZATCA's directory.
Can the software pass ZATCA's compliance checks?
Ask whether the vendor has tested its invoice XML and integration against ZATCA's published checks. Request an explanation of the onboarding process and how the software obtains the certificates needed for production. A successful test is useful evidence, but it does not establish approval of the software by ZATCA.
Does it handle refunds and credit notes?
WooCommerce stores need to account for refunds as well as sales. Ask whether the plugin generates credit notes that reference the original invoice and include the reason for the refund. Also ask how it distinguishes simplified credit notes from standard credit notes when both invoice types are supported.
Where are invoices and responses stored?
Ask where signed XML files, invoice records and ZATCA responses are kept. Find out what happens to those records if you stop paying, deactivate the plugin or uninstall it. You should be able to identify how your business will retain its issued documents.
What happens when Fatoora is unavailable?
Ask whether the plugin retries failed submissions and whether it distinguishes a network failure from a validation rejection. For simplified invoices, check how it works within the 24-hour reporting window. Also ask where staff can read rejection messages and identify documents that still need attention.
How are certificates renewed?
Ask how the software handles certificate expiry and renewal. Find out whether staff receive a warning before a certificate expires and what steps are required to obtain a replacement. Certificate handling is part of keeping the integration operational after the initial setup.
Testing e-invoicing software in ZATCA's sandbox
ZATCA provides an Integration Sandbox for testing how invoicing software communicates with Fatoora.
The sandbox uses test data and does not issue legally valid invoices. Its certificates cannot be used for production invoicing.
You can use it before connecting your store to the production environment. Source: ZATCA Developer Portal User Manual
Step 1. Open the developer portal
Start with ZATCA's developer resources. The developer resources include the XML specifications, test tools and integration documentation. ZATCA also provides a web-based XML validator for finance and accounting staff who want to inspect generated invoice files without working directly with an API.
Step 2. Configure the test environment
Select the sandbox environment in the software you are testing. Use the sandbox's test onboarding process rather than your production Fatoora credentials. For Raseedo, the sandbox test OTP is filled in during onboarding.
Step 3. Complete test onboarding
Run the onboarding process and review whether the test certificate requests and compliance checks complete successfully. A failed check needs investigation before you proceed with production onboarding. The sandbox also provides test API processes for reporting simplified documents and clearing standard documents.
Step 4. Test invoice documents
Generate test documents for the invoice types your software supports.
Check the XML against ZATCA's published rules. Test credit notes as well as invoices.
If you are evaluating software that supports B2B invoices, test the standard invoice clearance process too. Review the returned validation information, including warnings and errors.
Step 5. Review the results before production
Passing a sandbox test shows that the tested documents and API calls met the checks applied during that test. It does not establish that the vendor's software has ZATCA approval. ZATCA's SDK documentation also states that passing its verification checks does not remove the taxpayer's responsibility to meet the applicable requirements.
Source: ZATCA Compliance and Enablement Toolbox SDK
How Raseedo approaches ZATCA integration
Raseedo is a WordPress plugin built for WooCommerce stores that need Saudi e-invoicing. It follows ZATCA's published Phase 2 requirements and connects to the Fatoora API.
Raseedo is not listed in the Solution Providers Directory. It is independently developed and is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by ZATCA.
You can test its integration in the ZATCA sandbox before onboarding your store for production.
What the free plugin provides
The free Raseedo plugin includes:
- Onboarding using the Fatoora OTP.
- Signed simplified tax invoices using UBL 2.1 XML.
- QR codes containing the required invoice information.
- Background reporting to ZATCA.
- Credit notes for refunds.
- Storage of signed XML and ZATCA responses on your WordPress site.
- Rejection messages in the E-invoices tab.
The plugin also provides Arabic administration screens when your site or user language is Arabic.
What Pro adds
Raseedo Pro adds B2B standard invoices with ZATCA clearance before the buyer receives the invoice. It also provides a report of missing e-invoices, bulk retry tools and exports of invoice records.
Pro requires the free plugin. It costs $29 per month or $249 per year for one store.
The free plugin continues issuing simplified invoices if the Pro licence is no longer active. For configuration and sandbox testing, see the Raseedo setup guide.
Preparing for the Phase 2 deadline
ZATCA announced Wave 25 on 24 July 2026. Businesses whose revenue subject to VAT exceeded SAR 187,500 in any of 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025 must integrate by 1 February 2027. ZATCA notifies targeted taxpayers about their integration date.
If your business is in this wave, check the requirements and test your invoicing software before the deadline. Directory membership alone does not establish that your store's invoicing process meets the applicable rules.
Source: ZATCA Wave 25 announcement
Sources
Questions
Does ZATCA approve or certify e-invoicing software?
No. ZATCA's Solution Providers Directory identifies providers that passed its qualification criteria, but the directory explicitly states that it does not represent approval of their software. A taxpayer can meet the e-invoicing requirements using software from a provider outside the directory. The software must meet the applicable technical and procedural requirements.
Must I choose a provider listed in ZATCA's directory?
No. ZATCA states that taxpayers may use e-invoicing software from providers outside its indicative directory. The requirement is that the system used meets ZATCA's e-invoicing specifications. Before choosing a plugin, review its onboarding process, invoice generation, credit note handling and reporting or clearance features. Test the supported processes against ZATCA's published requirements.
Can I test Raseedo without connecting to production Fatoora?
Yes. Raseedo supports ZATCA's developer sandbox, where you can use test data and run test onboarding. The sandbox test OTP is filled in for you. The free plugin supports simplified invoices and credit notes. You can review the generated documents and test responses before onboarding your store in production.