Free EU Invoice Template with VAT
EU invoices are more regulated than most — the VAT rules decide what must be on them. Here's the checklist shared by every member state, plus how reverse charge works for cross-border clients.
What an EU VAT invoice must include
The EU VAT Directive sets a common baseline for every member state. A full VAT invoice needs:
- A sequential invoice number with no gaps
- Invoice date (and supply date, if different)
- Your name, address and VAT identification number
- Your client's name and address — and their VAT number for B2B cross-border supplies
- Description, quantity and unit price of what you supplied
- The taxable amount per VAT rate, the VAT rate applied, and the VAT amount
- The total payable
Many countries allow a simplified invoice below a small amount (commonly €100–400), but as a freelancer you'll rarely need that — just issue full invoices consistently.
Which VAT rate do you charge?
- Client in your own country: charge your national VAT rate as normal.
- Business client in another EU country (B2B): usually you charge no VAT and apply the reverse charge — the client self-accounts for VAT. Your invoice must show both VAT numbers and a note such as "VAT reverse-charged". You'll also list these sales in your EC Sales declaration.
- Client outside the EU: services to non-EU businesses are generally outside the scope of EU VAT — no VAT on the invoice.
- Small-business schemes: most member states exempt small turnover (thresholds vary); if you're under yours, you invoice without VAT and state the exemption article your country prescribes.
Numbering and record-keeping
Gapless sequential numbering isn't just good practice in the EU — tax inspectors specifically look for it. Keep issued invoices for the retention period your country requires (commonly 7–10 years). If you cancel an invoice, issue a credit note; never delete the number.
Getting paid across the eurozone and beyond
Within the eurozone, SEPA transfers are free and arrive within a day — put your IBAN on the invoice and you're done. For clients in the UK, US or elsewhere, a multi-currency account (such as Wise) lets you receive GBP or USD with local account details and convert at the mid-market rate, instead of losing 3–5% to bank spreads.
Generate it instead of formatting it
Our free generator covers the full structure above: EUR (or any currency), a tax field for your VAT rate, notes for the reverse-charge wording, and automatic sequential numbering. No sign-up — everything stays in your browser.