# 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.

URL: https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/factuur-maken-als-zzper
By: Sander Hannema
Last updated: 2026-06-18

As a freelancer (in Dutch: zzp'er) you send your own invoices. A tidy, correct invoice gets you paid faster and keeps you out of trouble with the tax office. This guide walks through the essentials.

## Which details belong on it?

A freelance invoice carries the same mandatory details as any business invoice: your company and client details, your VAT identification number and KVK number, a unique invoice number, the invoice and delivery dates, a description and the amounts including VAT. The full checklist is in [What must a Dutch invoice contain](https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/wat-moet-er-op-een-factuur-staan).

## VAT as a freelancer

Charge the correct VAT rate (usually 21%, sometimes 9% or 0%) and set the VAT aside for your quarterly return. See [Calculating VAT](https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/btw-berekenen) for the rates and worked examples. If you take part in the [small businesses scheme (KOR)](https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/kleineondernemersregeling-kor), you charge no VAT and state that on the invoice.

## Payment term

Agree a payment term, for example 14 or 30 days. If you agreed nothing, a statutory term of 30 days applies. Put the due date clearly on the invoice so it is immediately obvious to your client. If payment is late anyway, read [How to send a payment reminder](https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/betalingsherinnering-sturen).

## Getting paid sooner

- Send the invoice straight after delivery, not weeks later.
- Put a clear due date and your IBAN on the invoice.
- Use a sequential invoice number and a recognisable payment reference.

## Start for free

With [factuurmaken](https://factuurmaken.nl/en) you can create a professional freelance invoice without an account, with automatic VAT calculation and a clean PDF. If you invoice often, a plan stores your clients and products so you never start from scratch. Working from a template now? Read [when an invoice in Word is enough](https://factuurmaken.nl/en/kennisbank/factuur-maken-in-word).