Knowledge base
Practical guides on invoicing, VAT and freelancing in the Netherlands, including guides written for internationals.
Creating invoices
The basics: what an invoice must contain, how to number it and how to invoice as a freelancer.
Invoicing in Word or InDesign: when it works and when it breaks
An invoice template in Word or InDesign is fine for a handful of invoices a year. Here is where it breaks once you invoice more often, and what to do about it.
What must a Dutch invoice contain? The mandatory details
A complete checklist of the invoice details the Dutch tax office requires, explained item by item, with the special cases for VAT exemption and reverse charge.
Invoicing as a freelancer (zzp) in the Netherlands
A practical guide for freelancers: which details belong on your invoice, how VAT works, payment terms and how to make a tidy invoice quickly.
The invoice number: rules and examples
What are the rules for invoice numbers in the Netherlands? Unique and sequential numbering explained, with practical examples and common mistakes.
VAT and tax
Working out the rates, rounding correctly and invoicing without VAT under the small business scheme.
The Dutch small businesses scheme (KOR): invoicing without VAT
What is the KOR and when is it worth it? The 20,000 euro turnover threshold, what it means for your invoices, and the pros and cons.
Calculating VAT in the Netherlands: 21%, 9% and 0% explained
How do you calculate VAT (btw) on a Dutch invoice? The three rates explained, with worked examples, reverse calculation and the rounding rule.
Quotes
An offer that holds up, and how to get it accepted faster.
Getting paid
Reminders, formal notices and what you may charge when a client does not pay.
E-invoicing
UBL, Peppol and sending invoices digitally to government bodies and large organisations.
For expats and internationals
Starting out, taxes and invoicing in the Netherlands and Belgium when you are new here.
Starting a business in the Netherlands as an expat
BSN, KVK registration, VAT numbers and legal forms: the practical steps to becoming self-employed in the Netherlands when you moved here from abroad.
Invoicing clients outside the Netherlands: VAT, reverse charge and ICP
How VAT works when you invoice abroad from the Netherlands: the EU reverse charge, checking a VAT number in VIES, the ICP return and clients outside the EU.
Invoicing a client in Belgium from the Netherlands
VAT reverse charge to Belgian businesses, the mandatory Belgian e-invoicing rules, structured payment references and what to watch out for.
Income tax for freelancers in the Netherlands: what to expect
VAT returns versus income tax, entrepreneur deductions, the hours criterion, how much to set aside and why the 30% ruling rarely helps the self-employed.
Can you invoice in English and in another currency from the Netherlands?
Yes to both, with two conditions: the VAT amount must be shown in euros and the tax office may ask for a translation. What that means in practice.