How to Create an Invoice as a Freelancer in the Netherlands

Common practical questions

Some details belong on a Dutch invoice because they are part of the usual invoice requirements. Others — such as a payment term or IBAN — are practical extras. What is required in your case can also depend on whether you charge VAT, use the KOR, or reverse-charge VAT. For the full checklist, see invoice requirements in the Netherlands.

• Invoice number

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  Each invoice needs its own number. Numbers should follow on from each other, in one or more series, and each number may be used only once. You choose the format. Hoppa's free generator shows an editable example number — it is not a running series from an account.

• Invoice date

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  This is the date you issue the invoice. It counts for your records and may differ from the day you did the work.

• Service or delivery date

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  State when you supplied the goods or services, or the date of an advance payment. That date can differ from the invoice date if you invoice later than you delivered.

• VAT

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  On a standard VAT invoice you include the amount excluding VAT, the rate and the VAT amount. In the Netherlands this is often 21%, 9% or 0%, an exemption or the KOR, or reverse charge in some cases. Which treatment applies depends on what you supply and to whom. This is not tax advice — check the current explanation if you are unsure.

• Payment term

  Useful practical extra

  A due date is not part of the standard legal invoice requirements. In practice it is still useful, so your customer knows when to pay.

• IBAN

  Useful practical extra

  An IBAN is a practical extra, not a standard legal invoice field. Add it so the customer knows where to pay.

• KVK

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  A KVK number is usual for businesses registered in the Dutch Trade Register. If you do not have one, you can indicate that in the generator.

• VAT ID

  Usually a relevant invoice detail

  A VAT identification number is needed on standard VAT invoices, 0% invoices and reverse-charge invoices — not always on KOR-only invoices. For reverse charge, the tool also asks for your customer's VAT number.

You remain responsible for the accuracy of your invoice and VAT treatment. Hoppa does not provide tax or legal advice.

Why use Hoppa's free generator?

• No account required
• English and Dutch
• Professional PDF
• Live VAT and totals
• Multiple invoice lines
• Discounts
• Supply or service date
• KOR and reverse charge, where the tool supports them
• Invoice data is not stored in Hoppa's database