Sending an invoice in English from the Netherlands: is it allowed?
Do you work for a foreign client, or simply for an expat in the Netherlands? Then you might want to send your invoice in English. Good news: you can. You just need to watch a few things.
An English invoice is fine
The tax office doesn't prescribe a language. So your invoice may be in English — as long as all the required fields are on it. Those don't change: your details with VAT number and Chamber of Commerce number, your client's details, a unique invoice number, the date, a description and the amounts with VAT. See the full list in what a Dutch invoice must include.
Watch the VAT with foreign clients
The language is the easy part; the VAT is where you must pay attention:
- Client in the Netherlands (including an expat): just Dutch VAT, usually 21%.
- Business in the EU with a valid VAT number: you often shift the VAT ("reverse charge"). Then put your client's VAT number on the invoice.
- Client outside the EU: often 0% VAT, but the rules differ per situation.
VAT rules for foreign clients are a topic of their own. In doubt? Ask your bookkeeper.
Handy words on an English invoice
- Factuur → Invoice
- Factuurnummer → Invoice number
- Vervaldatum → Due date
- Bedrag zonder btw → Amount excl. VAT
- Btw → VAT
- Totaal → Total
- Btw verlegd → VAT reverse-charged
How to make an invoice in BoekBrug
In BoekBrug you make a neat invoice that meets the Dutch requirements, and you send it straight away. So you deliver a correct invoice to a foreign or English-speaking client too — with the right fields and the right VAT.
Start by making an invoice below — free and no account.
Important
This is a general explanation, not tax advice. VAT rules for foreign clients differ per situation. Check them at belastingdienst.nl or ask your bookkeeper.