🇧🇭 Bahrain - E-Invoicing Specifications (eTax / NBR)
Status: 🟢 Mandatory | Active for all businesses Authority: NBR (National Bureau for Revenue) Platform: eTax Electronic System
1. Context & Overview
Bahrain has implemented mandatory e-invoicing through the eTax platform. The system aligns with GCC VAT requirements and focuses on real-time invoice reporting.
| Date | Scope | Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| 2022+ | All businesses | Mandatory e-invoicing |
| Ongoing | Continuous | Real-time reporting |
2. Technical Workflow (Clearance Model)
flowchart TD
S["Invoicerr (Supplier)"] -->|1. Generate XML/JSON| X[Invoice Document]
X -->|2. Submit to eTax| eTax[eTax Platform]
eTax -->|3. Validation| V[Schema + Rules]
V -->|4. Processing| eTax
eTax -->|5. Return ACK| S
S -->|6. Deliver Invoice| C[Client]
S -->|7. Store Document| DB[Archive]
🧱 Key Components
- TIN (Tax Identification Number): 15 digits
- eTax Registration: Required
- Invoice Format: XML/JSON GCC standard
3. Data Standards & Formats
A. Required Format
- XML/JSON Format: GCC standard
- Encoding: UTF-8
- Digital Signature: Required
B. Document Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Invoice | Standard VAT invoice |
| Simplified Invoice | B2C invoices |
| Credit/Debit Note | Adjustments |
C. Critical Data Fields
- TIN: Tax ID (15 digits)
- VAT Rate: 10% standard
- Invoice Number: Unique identifier
- Timestamp: ISO 8601 format
4. Business Model & Compliance
A. Workflow
- TIN Registration: Obtain Bahraini tax ID
- eTax Registration: Register on platform
- Document Generation: Create invoice
- Submission: Send to eTax
- Delivery: Send to buyer
B. Archiving
- Retention: 6 years
- Format: Original document
5. Implementation Checklist
- TIN Registration: Obtain Bahraini tax ID
- eTax Registration: Register on platform
- API Integration: Connect to eTax
- Document Types: Support all types
6. Resources
- NBR Portal: Nbr.gov.bh
- eTax: Etax.nbr.gov.bh