What is a proforma invoice used for in Nigeria?

Asking for a deposit before work starts, giving a client a formal quote they can approve internally, and supporting Form M and import documentation with the bank. It is not a demand for payment and does not enter your sales ledger until it becomes an invoice.

Should a proforma include VAT?

Show it if you will charge it on the final invoice, so the client is not surprised. If you are below the small-company threshold, leave it off on both documents.

How long should a proforma stay valid?

Seven to fourteen days is normal when prices move. The generator sets seven by default and prints the date on the document.

Can the client pay against a proforma?

Yes, and that is usually the point. Record what they pay as the deposit when you issue the final invoice, and the balance due prints automatically.

Proforma or quotation?

Both come before the work. Send a quotation when the client wants a price to compare or approve; send a proforma when you need a deposit or an import document. The quotation generator is one click away and shares your saved details.

Free Proforma Invoice Generator

A proforma is the quote that comes before the invoice. Use it to ask for a deposit, get approval, or support an import. Same fields as the invoice, with a validity date instead of a due date.

Free
No sign-up
Nothing uploaded
Updated for 2026
Updated September 2026

Your business

Business name

Address

Phone

TIN

Lets clients remit withholding tax in your name.

CAC number (RC or BN)

Shown on the document header.

Logo (optional)

PNG or JPG, under 400 KB. Prints at the top of the PDF and stays on this device.

Client

Client name

Address

Phone

TIN

Optional. Needed if they will deduct WHT.

Proforma invoice number

Date

Valid until

Currency

Defaults to NGN. Change it to bill a client abroad.

Items

Description

Qty

Unit price (₦)

Charge VAT at 7.5%Leave off if your turnover is at or below ₦50,000,000 a year or the supply is exempt.

Deposit already received (₦)

Shows total, deposit and balance due.

Payment details

Bank

Account name

Account number

Notes and terms

How it works

01
Describe the job before it starts
List the items or services and their prices exactly as you expect to invoice them.
02
Set a validity date
Seven days is the default. Prices in Nigeria move, so say how long the quote stands.
03
Ask for the deposit
Put the deposit you need in the notes. When the client pays, issue the final invoice with that deposit recorded.
04
Download or share
Send the PDF, or share the summary on WhatsApp for a quick yes.

What makes it different

A quote, not a demand

Labelled Proforma Invoice with a Valid until date, so it never enters your sales ledger by mistake.

Import-ready

Banks accept a proforma with seller details, TIN and itemised prices for Form M and letters of credit.

Converts into the invoice

Same fields as the invoice generator. Reissue as a final invoice when the work is done.

Questions people ask

What is a proforma invoice used for in Nigeria?: Asking for a deposit before work starts, giving a client a formal quote they can approve internally, and supporting Form M and import documentation with the bank. It is not a demand for payment and does not enter your sales ledger until it becomes an invoice.
Should a proforma include VAT?: Show it if you will charge it on the final invoice, so the client is not surprised. If you are below the small-company threshold, leave it off on both documents.
How long should a proforma stay valid?: Seven to fourteen days is normal when prices move. The generator sets seven by default and prints the date on the document.
Can the client pay against a proforma?: Yes, and that is usually the point. Record what they pay as the deposit when you issue the final invoice, and the balance due prints automatically.
Proforma or quotation?: Both come before the work. Send a quotation when the client wants a price to compare or approve; send a proforma when you need a deposit or an import document. The quotation generator is one click away and shares your saved details.

Read the rule behind the number

Invoice templates by trade

When a document is not enough

A document is a one-off. Books are every month.

Download and you are done. Save to ereQa and the invoice sits in your books, gets matched to the payment when it lands, and is ready for your accountant and for e-invoicing.

See ereQa