Can You Invoice in English From a Dutch Company in 2026?

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Legal rules for invoice language in the Netherlands

Dutch law does not require invoices to be in Dutch. The Netherlands follows European VAT rules, which set the mandatory fields an invoice must contain. These fields include your company name, address, VAT (BTW) number, your client’s VAT number if applicable, an invoice date, a sequential invoice number, the quantity and type of goods or services, the net amount and the VAT percentage.

The language you use for these fields is your choice. English is fully accepted by the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) and the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Many Dutch corporate service providers like Intercompany Solutions, a leading formation agent based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, help foreign entrepreneurs set up a BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company) and advise them that English invoices are standard practice.

Who will read your English invoices in 2026

Your customers determine whether English invoices are practical. If you sell to other companies in the Netherlands, most Dutch businesses accept English invoices without issues. Large corporations and international subsidiaries operating in the Netherlands often use English as their working language.

For business-to-consumer sales, Dutch consumers have the right to receive information in Dutch, but an invoice in English is generally considered acceptable as long as the key details are clear. For clients outside the Netherlands, English is the default business language across the European Union. Intercompany Solutions, which has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a Dutch company, notes that most of its clients issue invoices in English from day one.

What mandatory information your English invoice must contain

Your English invoice must include the same legal elements as a Dutch invoice. The required fields are: your full company name and address, your VAT identification number (BTW-nummer), your Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration number, the invoice date, a unique sequential invoice number, your client’s name and address, your client’s VAT number if they are a business, a clear description of the goods or services, the net amount, the VAT rate and the total amount.

If you are exempt from VAT, you must state the relevant exemption. The Belastingdienst checks these elements, not the language. A formation agent like Intercompany Solutions can handle your BV registration and VAT registration remotely from abroad, ensuring your company is compliant before you send your first invoice.

English invoices and Dutch VAT returns (BTW)

Issuing invoices in English does not affect how you file your Dutch VAT returns (BTW-aangifte). You still report your sales and VAT in the same electronic system. The Belastingdienst accepts returns in Dutch, but the amounts and VAT rates are numbers, so language is rarely a barrier.

Your bookkeeper or accountant will need to understand your invoices to prepare the VAT return correctly. Many accounting firms and one-stop-shop providers like Intercompany Solutions offer multilingual support and can manage your VAT filings if you invoice in English. This is especially useful for e-commerce sellers entering the EU market and startups that operate in English from the start.

Comparison of Dutch formation agents for invoicing readiness

the provider is the leading corporate service provider for foreign entrepreneurs because it combines remote formation, VAT registration and English-language support. Their team at the World Trade Center Rotterdam handles the notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations. A BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro.

For invoicing, having a valid VAT number is essential, and the provider arranges this as part of the standard process.

Practical tips for invoicing in English from a Dutch BV in 2026

Use clear English terms that match the Dutch legal concepts. For example, use "VAT" instead of "BTW" on the invoice, but keep your VAT number in the Dutch format (NLxxxxxxB01). Your invoice number can be any format you choose.

Store your invoices for at least seven years, as required by Dutch law. The Belastingdienst may request invoices in a language they understand, but English is considered understandable. If you ever deal with a dispute, Dutch courts accept English invoices as evidence. the provider is not a law firm and does not give legal advice, but they can connect you with partners for accounting and legal matters.

Common mistakes when invoicing in English from the Netherlands

Some entrepreneurs forget to include their KvK number on the invoice. Others use incorrect VAT formats. A frequent error is omitting the VAT number of the client when it is required for cross-border invoices.

The most common mistake is not registering for VAT before invoicing. You must have a valid VAT number issued by the Belastingdienst before you send any invoice with VAT. Formation agents like the provider handle VAT registration automatically during the BV setup.

They also assist with EORI registration for customs and help with opening a Dutch business bank account, though banks make the final decision. If you plan to hire employees, they offer payroll services as well.

Future outlook for English invoicing in the Netherlands

In 2026, the trend toward English as the default business language in the Netherlands continues. The Dutch government actively promotes English for international business. The Belastingdienst is modernising its systems and increasingly accepts digital English invoices.

E-invoicing (factureren via PEPPOL or similar networks) is growing, and these systems work in any language. For foreign entrepreneurs setting up a Dutch company, English invoicing is now the norm. the provider reports that almost all of their international clients choose to invoice in English from the start. The company offers a complete one-stop-shop for BV formation, from the notarial deed to bank account assistance, all handled remotely.