How to invoice in Ecuador
A compliant Ecuadorian invoice (factura) is an electronic document authorized by the SRI: a digitally signed XML that is cleared before delivery, with the printed RIDE serving as the human-readable copy. It must show both parties' RUC, the 49-digit access key (clave de acceso), the sequential number, and IVA broken out at 15%. Nearly all businesses outside the simplified regime (RIMPE) are required to issue these electronic vouchers.
| Ecuador at a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | USD ($) |
| Standard IVA | 15% |
| Tax ID | RUC |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Typical terms | Net 30 |
| E-invoicing | Mandatory — live |
Tax ID format: 13-digit Registro Único de Contribuyentes, always ending in 001 — e.g. 1790012345001 for companies, or a 10-digit cédula plus 001 for individuals (1712345678001)..
What Ecuadorian invoices must include
- The word “Invoice” and a unique, sequential invoice number
- The issue date (and the supply date if it differs)
- Your business name, address and RUC
- The client's name and address (and their RUC for reverse-charge or intra-EU supplies)
- A clear description and quantity for each line
- The net amount per IVA rate, the rate(s) applied and the IVA amount
- The total payable, in USD
- Payment terms, the due date and how to pay (bank name, IBAN/account)
- Seller and buyer RUC
- SRI access key (clave de acceso, 49 digits)
- Sequential number (establishment — emission point — sequential)
IVA & reverse charge
For cross-border work, the right wording matters. Invoice Forever offers ready-made Ecuadorian IVA notes such as:
- IVA charged at the standard 15% rate, itemized above.
- Exports of goods and services are zero-rated for IVA (0%) under the Ley de Régimen Tributario Interno.
- Where applicable, the buyer applies IVA and income-tax withholdings (retenciones) and issues the corresponding withholding voucher.
E-invoicing in Ecuador
Electronic invoicing (comprobantes electrónicos) is mandatory for virtually all VAT-registered businesses across B2B, B2C and B2G. Invoices are issued as digitally signed XML, cleared by the SRI before delivery, with the RIDE as the printed representation. Since 1 January 2026, documents must be transmitted to the SRI in real time, at the moment they are generated, replacing the previous scheme that allowed delayed transmission (Resolution NAC-DGERCGC25-00000017, issued July 2025).
Invoice Forever can export a structured EN 16931 / Peppol BIS (UBL) e-invoice alongside the PDF (beta) — the format most of these mandates are built on. You still send it via your own access point, and some countries require their own national format.
Verified 23 July 2026 against the source. E-invoicing rules are changing quickly, so always confirm the current position with the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) before you rely on it. This page is general guidance, not tax advice.
Payment terms in Ecuador
Net 30 is a common B2B norm, while many smaller transactions are settled on delivery (contado). Terms are freely agreed between the parties and should be stated clearly on the invoice.
Questions about invoicing in Ecuador
The standard IVA rate is 15%, in force since April 2024, and it remains the standard rate in 2026. Reduced rates of 5% and 0% apply to certain goods and services.
Yes. Both the seller's and the buyer's 13-digit RUC must appear on the invoice, and the document must be an SRI-authorized electronic voucher.
Yes. Signed XML comprobantes electrónicos cleared by the SRI are mandatory for nearly all businesses across B2B, B2C and B2G, and since 1 January 2026 they must be transmitted to the SRI in real time.
Make an invoice for Ecuador, free.
USD and 15% IVA already set, on A4 paper. No signup, no watermark.
Make an invoice for Ecuador