Guide
How long must you keep invoices and VAT records in Saudi Arabia?
Keep invoices and VAT records for at least six years from the end of the tax period they relate to. Records for capital assets must be kept for the asset's adjustment period plus five years, and real estate records for at least 15 years. Electronic records must be kept in Arabic and match the physical records.
| Records | Keep for at least |
|---|---|
| Invoices, books and VAT records in general | 6 years from the end of the tax period |
| Capital assets | The adjustment period plus 5 years (useful life plus 5 years if shorter than 6 years) |
| Real estate | 15 years |
What else does ZATCA expect?
- Records in Arabic; electronic data entered in Arabic and matching the paper records
- Records available to ZATCA on request
- Credit and debit notes that reference the original invoice
Source: ZATCA Guideline for Tax Invoicing and Records, v3, May 2026, section 8.3.
General information, not tax advice.
Common questions
Can I keep invoices only as photos or PDFs?
Yes, records can be kept electronically, as long as the data is in Arabic, matches the original documents and can be produced when ZATCA asks.
Does BookMyBills keep the bill photo?
Yes. The original photo or PDF stays with each entry in BookMyBills and is attached to the bill in your accounting software when it posts.