Germany Invoice Template (Rechnung with VAT)
- Currency
- EUR
- Tax
- VAT
- Preset rate
- 19%
German invoicing rules are famously strict, so it pays to get the basics right. An invoice (Rechnung) has to show VAT (Umsatzsteuer) at the standard 19% rate, along with your tax number. This template starts at 19% VAT. If you fall under the Kleinunternehmer rule, set it to 0 and add the required exemption note.
The one people forget is the date of supply (Leistungsdatum): when you actually did the work, which isn't always the invoice date. This template has a Date of supply field for it. Put the date, or for a longer project the period, like "01.–30.09.2026". If it's the same as the invoice date, you can write that instead.
Bill in euros, list your services, and download a PDF with the fields German clients and the Finanzamt will look for.
Tip: in the print dialog choose “Save as PDF”.
INVOICE
#INV-0001
Issued: —
Due: —
From
—
Bill to
—
| Description | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | 10 | €80.00 | €800.00 |
| Consulting | 2 | €150.00 | €300.00 |
What a compliant invoice needs in Germany
- Your full name and address, and your client's full name and address.
- Your tax number (Steuernummer) or VAT ID (USt-IdNr.).
- The invoice date and a unique, consecutive invoice number.
- What you delivered (type and quantity) and the date or period of supply.
- The net amount, the VAT rate and VAT amount, and the gross total.
- If you charge no VAT, the reason: §19 UStG for Kleinunternehmer, or reverse charge for EU business clients.
Frequently asked questions
- What VAT rate applies in Germany?
- The standard rate is 19%, and there's a reduced 7% rate for certain goods like books and most food. Put the rate that applies in the tax field and the amount is calculated automatically.
- What is the Kleinunternehmer rule?
- Small businesses can skip charging VAT if last year's turnover was no more than €25,000 and this year's stays under €100,000 (the limits since 2025). Set the tax to 0 and add a note like "Gemäß §19 UStG wird keine Umsatzsteuer berechnet." Don't skip the note.
- Is a PDF invoice still OK in Germany?
- For now, yes, but it's changing for business clients. Since 2025 every German business has to be able to receive e-invoices (XRechnung or ZUGFeRD). PDFs are allowed for business-to-business invoices through the end of 2026, and through 2027 if your turnover was €800,000 or less. From 2028, domestic B2B invoices need a proper e-invoice format. Invoices to private customers, Kleinunternehmer invoices, and invoices up to €250 aren't affected.
- How do I invoice a business client elsewhere in the EU?
- Usually with reverse charge: set VAT to 0, put both your VAT ID and your client's VAT ID on the invoice, and add "Steuerschuldnerschaft des Leistungsempfängers" (or "Reverse charge") in the notes. Your client then accounts for the VAT in their own country.
- Is there a simpler format for small invoices?
- Yes. A Kleinbetragsrechnung, for totals up to €250 including VAT, only needs your name and address, the date, what you sold, and the gross amount with the VAT rate. No client details or invoice number required.