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Proforma Invoice Generator

Create a proforma invoice with line items, tax/VAT and totals — UAE & Pakistan. Free PDF & Word.

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Proforma details
From (your business)
Bill to
Items
Description
Qty
Unit Price
AmountAED 0
Subtotal: AED 0
Totals

UAE VAT is 5%. Leave blank for no tax.

Terms & notes

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What is a proforma invoice?

A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to a buyer before goods or services are supplied. It looks like an invoice — listing the items, quantities, prices, tax and total — but it is not a demand for payment or a tax invoice. Instead, it confirms what will be supplied and at what price, so the buyer can approve the purchase, arrange payment or apply for import/financing. It is widely used by businesses in the UAE and Pakistan, especially for advance payments and cross-border trade.

When do you need one?

You issue a proforma invoice when a buyer needs a formal, itemised commitment of price before the final invoice — for example to release an advance payment, open a letter of credit, clear customs, or get internal approval for a purchase. It sits between a quotation and a tax invoice: more formal than a quote, but not yet the official invoice that records the sale for tax. Once the buyer accepts and the goods or services are delivered, you replace it with a final (tax) invoice.

Format & what to include

A proforma invoice is headed 'Proforma Invoice' with its own number and date, and often a validity date. It names the seller (with TRN/NTN where relevant) and the buyer, then itemises the goods or services with quantities, unit prices and amounts, followed by subtotal, any discount, tax/VAT and the total — usually with the amount in words. Crucially, it states clearly that it is a proforma (not a tax invoice or a payment demand) and sets out the payment terms. Keep its number distinct from your real invoice sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a proforma invoice and a tax invoice?

A proforma is issued before the sale to confirm price and terms; it is not a tax document and does not record a sale. A tax invoice is issued when the sale happens and is the official record for VAT/accounting. You typically send a proforma first, then a tax invoice after delivery.

Can a buyer pay against a proforma invoice?

Yes — proformas are commonly used to collect advance payments or open a letter of credit. But for the seller's tax records, a proper tax invoice must still be issued once the goods or services are supplied.

Is a proforma invoice legally binding?

It's an offer, not a finalised sale, so it isn't a binding invoice. However, once the buyer accepts it (e.g. by paying an advance or issuing a purchase order), it forms the agreed basis for the transaction.

Should I show VAT on a proforma invoice?

Yes, show the expected VAT/tax so the buyer sees the full amount they'll pay. In the UAE that's typically 5% where you're VAT-registered. The final tax invoice then records the actual VAT for your accounts.

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Proforma Invoice templates by industry

Tailored versions with example line items for your line of business.