POS Software in Saudi Arabia: VAT, E-Invoicing and What to Check
Saudi Arabia has its own rules for shops and restaurants: 15% VAT, mandatory electronic invoicing, and customers who expect Arabic. Here is what to check before you sign up for a POS in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or anywhere in the Kingdom.
1. 15% VAT on every sale
VAT in Saudi Arabia is 15%. Your POS must apply the right rate, show it on receipts, handle tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive prices, and give you tax reports for your filings.
2. E-invoicing (ZATCA / Fatoora)
Electronic invoicing is mandatory in Saudi Arabia and is being rolled out to businesses in phases by ZATCA. Requirements depend on your business and its phase, so ask any POS provider in writing how their system supports e-invoicing for your business, and check the official ZATCA guidance. Don’t rely on a sales claim alone.
3. Arabic first
Staff and customers often prefer Arabic. Check the screens, receipts and reports in Arabic, including right-to-left layout and correct Arabic numerals and dates.
4. Billing that never stops
Choose a system that keeps selling during internet outages — running on the shop’s own network or storing sales on the device — so a connection problem never closes the till.
5. Retail and restaurant features
Retail needs barcode scanning, stock, purchasing and suppliers. Restaurants need tables, a kitchen display, portions, modifiers and bill splitting. If you run both, look for one system with both modes.
6. Support, backups and data
Ask where your data is stored, how backups work, and how support reaches you in your city. Clear licensing — without surprise per-seat fees — matters as much as features.
Checklist
- 15% VAT on receipts and reports
- E-invoicing support confirmed in writing for your phase
- Arabic screens and receipts
- Works without internet
- Retail and/or restaurant features you need
- Backups, local support and clear pricing