Germany Invoice Template (Rechnung) in English

German invoices are strict: if a mandatory detail is missing, your business client may not be allowed to deduct the input VAT, and they will ask you for a corrected invoice. This guide lists what a German invoice (Rechnung) must contain, in plain English, and how to create one with Billowly.

Mandatory details under §14 UStG

Your full name and address, and the full name and address of the customer
Your tax number (Steuernummer) or your VAT ID (USt-IdNr., starting with DE)
The invoice date
A unique, sequential invoice number
The quantity and type of goods, or the type and scope of the service
The date of supply (Leistungsdatum), even if it is the same as the invoice date; "Date of supply = invoice date" is fine
The net amount, split by VAT rate, and any agreed discounts not already in the price
The VAT rate and the VAT amount, or a note explaining why no VAT is charged

VAT rates

The standard rate is 19%; a reduced rate of 7% applies to items such as most food and books. For B2B services to customers in other EU countries the reverse charge usually applies; the invoice then shows no VAT, both VAT IDs and the note "Reverse charge" (German: Steuerschuldnerschaft des Leistungsempfängers).

Small business (Kleinunternehmer) invoices

Since 2025 you can use the small-business scheme if your turnover was at most €25,000 in the previous year and stays at most €100,000 in the current year. You then charge no VAT and add a note such as "No VAT is charged under §19 UStG" (Gemäß § 19 UStG wird keine Umsatzsteuer berechnet).

Small invoices up to €250

For a total of €250 or less including VAT, a simplified invoice (Kleinbetragsrechnung) is enough: your name and address, the date, what was supplied, and the gross amount with the VAT rate.

E-invoicing: is a PDF still allowed?

Since 1 January 2025, every German business must be able to receive structured e-invoices (XRechnung or ZUGFeRD) for domestic B2B sales. For sending there are transition periods: a PDF by email can still be used with the customer's agreement until the end of 2026, and until the end of 2027 if your previous-year turnover was €800,000 or less. After that, domestic B2B invoices must be e-invoices. Invoices to consumers, invoices up to €250 and invoices from Kleinunternehmer are exempt and can stay PDF.

Create a German invoice with Billowly

Set the currency to EUR and enter your Steuernummer or USt-IdNr. in the VAT number field.
Add the date of supply in the notes, for example "Date of supply: October 2026".
Use 19% or 7%, choose reverse charge for EU B2B services, or choose "VAT exempt" and add the §19 note.
Add your IBAN and BIC, then download the PDF.

Official sources

Checked against these sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm with the tax authority or an adviser before relying on them. General information, not legal or tax advice.

FAQ

Does a German invoice have to be in German?

No law requires German, and invoices in English are common for international work. The tax office can ask for a translation, so many freelancers use bilingual labels.

Can I still send PDF invoices in Germany?

Yes, for now. A PDF by email is allowed with your client's agreement until the end of 2026, or the end of 2027 if your previous-year turnover was €800,000 or less. Invoices to consumers, invoices up to €250 and Kleinunternehmer invoices can stay PDF after that.

What happens if a mandatory detail is missing?

Your client may lose the right to deduct the VAT and will ask you for a corrected invoice. Issue a correction that refers to the original invoice number.

Create your invoice now →