Guide
How do you verify a supplier's VAT number in Saudi Arabia?
A Saudi VAT registration number has 15 digits and starts and ends with 3. To confirm that it is real and belongs to your supplier, use ZATCA's free online service to verify a VAT registration number on zatca.gov.sa: enter the number and check that the registered name matches the supplier on the bill. No login is needed.
Step 1: check the format
- 15 digits, numbers only
- Starts with 3 and ends with 3, for example 3XXXXXXXXXXXXX3
- The same number in the QR code (field 2) and on the printed bill
Step 2: check it with ZATCA
- Open zatca.gov.sa and go to the e-services.
- Choose the service to verify a VAT registration number. ZATCA's user manual shows the steps.
- Enter the 15-digit number and confirm that the name shown is your supplier.
When should you check?
Check every new supplier once, before the first input VAT claim, and again when a known supplier's invoice shows a different number. Keep a note of the check with the supplier record.
What if the supplier is not registered?
A supplier with no VAT registration cannot charge VAT. Any "VAT" on its bill is part of your cost, not input VAT you can claim. See booking Saudi VAT bills.
General information, not tax advice.
Common questions
Is a CR number the same as a VAT number?
No. A commercial registration (CR) number identifies the company; it is usually 10 digits. A VAT number has 15 digits and starts and ends with 3. A bill showing only a CR number is not a tax invoice.
What if the VAT number on the bill is wrong?
Do not claim the input VAT until the supplier issues a corrected tax invoice. Book the bill with the VAT in the cost, or hold it until the correct invoice arrives.
Does BookMyBills check VAT numbers?
Yes. It reads the VAT number from the bill and its QR, checks the format, matches it to the supplier in your books and books input VAT only when the bill is a valid tax invoice.