Navigate EU InvoicingWith Confidence

Your comprehensive guide to mastering EU invoicing regulations and staying compliant.

EU Invoicing Guidelines

Overview

Essential guidelines for compliant invoicing across EU member states

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice

Key Requirements

  • Unique, sequential invoice number
  • Date of invoice issuance
  • Date of supply or service completion
  • Full customer name, address and VAT number (if applicable)
  • Full supplier details including business registration number
  • Clear description of goods or services
  • Quantity of goods or extent of services
  • Price per item or service rate
  • Total amount excluding VAT
  • Applied VAT rate(s)
  • VAT amount
  • Total amount including VAT
  • Currency used

Country-Specific Requirements

VAT Rates Overview

CountryStandard RateReduced Rates
Germany19%7%
France20%5.5%, 10%
Italy22%4%, 10%
Spain21%10%, 4%
Netherlands21%9%

VAT rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with official sources

Common Pitfalls

  • Using incorrect or invalid VAT numbers
  • Improper invoice number sequencing
  • Missing mandatory business or customer details
  • Not issuing credit notes for corrections
  • Not meeting local language requirements
  • Applying incorrect VAT rates

Best Practices

Record Keeping

  • Keep records for the legally required period (typically 6-10 years)
  • Maintain records in both digital and physical formats when required
  • Ensure all documents are legible and properly organized

Digital Compliance

  • Comply with e-invoicing requirements where applicable
  • Ensure digital signatures meet legal requirements
  • Maintain a clear audit trail for all transactions

Stay Informed

EU invoicing regulations are regularly updated. Stay current with the latest requirements:

  • Regularly check official EU and local tax authority websites
  • Subscribe to regulatory updates from reliable sources
  • Attend workshops and training sessions on compliance

Keep your invoicing software updated to ensure compliance with the latest regulations