VAT Invoice Requirements for Europe: UK, Germany, France, Netherlands
Complete guide to VAT invoice requirements across European countries. Learn mandatory fields, VAT rates, and how to generate compliant invoices.
VAT Invoice Basics
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied in most European countries. If your business is VAT-registered, you must issue VAT-compliant invoices for all taxable supplies.
Mandatory Fields on a VAT Invoice
- Supplier name, address, and VAT number
- Customer name, address, and VAT number (for B2B)
- Sequential invoice number and date
- Description of goods or services
- Net amount, VAT rate, VAT amount, and gross total
- Currency used
VAT Rates by Country
UK: Standard 20%, Reduced 5%, Zero 0%. Germany: Standard 19%, Reduced 7%. France: Standard 20%, Reduced 5.5%. Netherlands: Standard 21%, Reduced 9%.
Reverse Charge Mechanism
For B2B cross-border services within the EU, the reverse charge mechanism applies — the buyer accounts for VAT instead of the seller. Your invoice should state "Reverse charge applies" and show 0% VAT.
→Try These Free Tools
Generate this document in 30 seconds
Clorefy uses AI to create professional invoices, contracts, and proposals from a single sentence. GST, VAT, and sales tax handled automatically for every country worldwide.
Try Clorefy Free — No credit cardKeep Reading
AI Invoice Generator vs Excel/Word Templates: Which Is Better?
Compare AI invoice generators with traditional Excel and Word templates. Speed, accuracy, compliance, and cost analysis for small businesses.
Read article Country GuideInvoice Generator for USA: Sales Tax by State, Nexus Rules, and Compliance
Generate sales tax compliant invoices for US businesses. Understand nexus rules, state-by-state tax rates, and when to charge sales tax.
Read article Country GuideHow to Create an Invoice Without GST: Guide for Unregistered Businesses in India
Learn how to create professional invoices without GST registration in India. Bill of supply format, exemption rules, and when GST registration is required.
Read article