Invoicing in English in the Netherlands

Many freelancers in the Netherlands work in English: with international clients, or simply because English is their working language. Good news: your invoice does not have to be in Dutch. It does have to contain everything the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) asks for.

Can a Dutch invoice be in English?

Yes. The rules are about what is on your invoice, not which language it is in. The Belastingdienst can ask for a translation of an invoice in another language, so keep your descriptions clear. Amounts are normally in euros; if you invoice in another currency, the VAT amount still has to be shown in euros.

What it must include

The same as a Dutch invoice: a unique invoice number, the invoice date, your name and address and your client's, your VAT ID and KvK number, the supply date, a description, the amount excluding VAT, the VAT rate and amount, and the total. See the full checklist in what a Dutch invoice must include.

Dutch terms you will run into

• Factuur: invoice. Factuurnummer: invoice number. Factuurdatum: invoice date.
• Btw: VAT (value added tax). The standard rate is 21%, the reduced rate 9%.
• Btw-id (btw-identificatienummer): your VAT ID, like NL123456789B01. This goes on your invoice.
• Omzetbelastingnummer: your VAT tax number for the Belastingdienst. This does not go on your invoice.
• KvK-nummer: your number in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) register.
• KOR (kleineondernemersregeling): the small business scheme; no VAT if you use it. See invoicing under the KOR.
• Betaaltermijn: payment term. Vervaldatum: due date.
• Btw verlegd: VAT reverse-charged, used for some business clients.
• iDEAL: the Dutch online payment method almost everyone uses to pay from their bank account.

Clients abroad

For business clients in another EU country, VAT is often reverse-charged: you charge no Dutch VAT, mention the client's VAT ID and "VAT reverse-charged", and report it in your VAT return. For clients outside the EU other rules apply. These cases depend on what you deliver and to whom, so check them with your accountant.

TikBon works fully in English: the app, and for each client you choose whether their invoices, emails and payment page are in English or Dutch. Get started for free.

This is general information, not tax advice. Rules can change; if in doubt, check the website of the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) or ask your accountant.