How to Invoice International Clients as a Freelancer
Invoicing a client in another country introduces a few practical complications that domestic invoicing does not: currency choice, VAT treatment, slower payment rails and the occasional language or format mismatch. Getting the details right up front prevents the most common delays.
Agree on currency before the project starts
Invoice in the currency your contract specifies. For EU freelancers invoicing within the EU, euros simplify everything. For clients outside the EU, invoicing in the client's currency reduces friction on their end but exposes you to exchange rate risk. Invoicing in your own currency is simpler but may require the client to pay a conversion fee. Agree in writing before starting work.
VAT on cross-border services
For business-to-business (B2B) services within the EU, the reverse charge mechanism typically applies: you invoice without charging VAT and include the note 'VAT reverse charge applies' along with your client's valid EU VAT number. Check your tax advisor's guidance on your specific service category and country pair. For non-EU clients, EU VAT generally does not apply to exported services, but rules vary by service type.
Mandatory fields for international invoices
- Your full legal name and address.
- Your tax identification number or VAT number.
- The client's legal name, address and VAT number (for EU B2B).
- Invoice number, date and payment due date.
- Clear description of services, quantities and rates.
- Currency and total amount due.
- Payment details: IBAN and BIC for SEPA, or your preferred payment method for non-SEPA.
Payment methods for international clients
- SEPA credit transfer: standard for EU transactions, fast and low cost within the eurozone.
- Wise or similar services: lower fees than a standard international bank wire for non-EU clients.
- PayPal: widely accepted but higher fees and less suitable for large amounts.
- Avoid accepting cheques from international clients unless you have a straightforward way to deposit them.
Late payment and international disputes
Specify payment terms clearly, including what currency any late fees apply in. Recovering an overdue international invoice is more complicated than a domestic one, so a clear contract is the best preventive measure. Some freelancers require a deposit upfront for new international clients for this reason.
Invoice Studio lets you set any currency per invoice and generates clean, professional PDFs ready to send internationally. For tips on collecting payment efficiently, see the guide to how to get invoices paid faster.
Common questions
- Do I charge VAT on invoices to clients in other EU countries?
- For B2B services within the EU, the reverse charge mechanism typically means you invoice without charging VAT and include the client's EU VAT number. For B2C or non-business clients, different rules may apply. Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation.
- What currency should I invoice international clients in?
- There is no single right answer. Invoicing in your own currency protects you from exchange rate risk. Invoicing in the client's currency reduces friction for them. Agree on the currency in the contract before starting work.
- How long do international payments take?
- SEPA transfers within the eurozone typically settle within one business day. Non-EU international wire transfers can take two to five business days depending on the banks involved. Services like Wise are often faster and cheaper for non-SEPA transfers.