Overview

Amazon is asking every seller on its Saudi Arabia marketplace to enroll for Value‑Added Tax (VAT) through the Kingdom’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). The enrollment is free, fully online, and can be started while the seller continues to list and sell on Amazon.sa. After registration, sellers must follow ZATCA’s e‑invoicing rules, otherwise they risk losing the ability to reclaim VAT on Amazon fees.

Key Points

• Free online enrollment — Sellers can submit a VAT registration request at no charge via the ZATCA portal.
• Listing allowed during pending application — A seller who has an in‑process VAT request can still create product listings and fulfill orders on Amazon.sa.
• E‑invoicing becomes mandatory once registered — After approval, every invoice Amazon generates for the seller must meet ZATCA’s format, include the buyer’s VAT number, and display the seller’s exact legal name.
• Incorrect tax data blocks input‑tax credits — If the VAT number or business name entered in Seller Central is wrong, ZATCA will reject the e‑invoice and the seller cannot claim a credit for the VAT charged on Amazon fees.
• Professional advice recommended — ZATCA’s forms are straightforward, but a tax consultant can help avoid data entry errors and clarify ongoing filing obligations.

How the Registration Works

1. Create a ZATCA account — The seller visits the ZATCA e‑services portal, registers a user ID, and receives a verification code sent to the business email. For example, a U.S.‑based brand launching a line of cosmetics in Saudi Arabia creates the account using its Saudi subsidiary’s email address.
2. Complete the VAT application form — The online form asks for the legal business name, commercial registration number, and anticipated annual turnover. The seller enters “Al‑Noor Beauty LLC” exactly as it appears on the Saudi commercial register and provides the turnover estimate of SAR 5 million.
3. Upload supporting documents — Required files include the commercial registration certificate, a copy of the owner’s national ID or passport, and a bank statement showing a Saudi bank account. In the same example, the brand uploads a PDF of the certificate and a scanned passport page.