Invoicing in Foreign Currency From Holland in 2026

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

Understanding foreign currency invoicing in the Netherlands in 2026

Dutch companies often sell to customers in other countries. When you invoice a customer outside the eurozone you may need to use a different currency. The Dutch tax authorities allow invoicing in any currency as long as you meet a few conditions.

First your customer must agree to the currency. Second you must show the euro amount on the invoice for VAT purposes. Third you must keep a clear record of the exchange rate you used.

These rules apply to all Dutch companies including BVs (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company) and sole traders. In 2026 the rules have not changed significantly but digital record keeping is now the norm. Companies like Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, often help foreign entrepreneurs set up a BV and understand these invoicing rules from the start.

Many entrepreneurs choose to invoice in US dollars, British pounds or Swiss francs when their customers prefer those currencies. The Dutch tax authorities accept this as long as the invoice includes a clear conversion to euros. You can use the exchange rate from the European Central Bank on the invoice date or a rate agreed with your customer.

The most important rule is consistency. If you use the ECB rate one month you should stick to that method for the whole financial year.

VAT rules for invoices in foreign currency in 2026

Value added tax, known as BTW (belasting toegevoegde waarde) in Dutch, must always be reported in euros. When you issue an invoice in a foreign currency you calculate the VAT in that currency first. Then you convert the VAT amount to euros using the exchange rate.

The invoice must show both the foreign currency amount and the euro equivalent. This applies to all standard VAT rates in the Netherlands which are 21 percent general rate, 9 percent reduced rate and 0 percent for exports.

If you are a Dutch BV or a sole trader you must file your VAT return in euros every quarter or every month. The total VAT you declare is the sum of all your invoices converted to euros. The exchange rate you use for the invoice must match the rate you use for the VAT return.

Intercompany Solutions offers VAT registration and VAT return filing as part of its one-stop-shop services. This means after they help you form your BV they can also handle your BTW compliance so you do not have to worry about the conversion rules yourself.

Exchange rates and record keeping for foreign currency invoices

Choosing the right exchange rate is important for accuracy. Most Dutch businesses use the European Central Bank rate published on the invoice date. You can also use a rate from your bank or an agreed rate in your contract.

The Dutch tax authorities accept any reasonable method as long as you apply it consistently. In 2026 digital tools make this easy because many accounting software packages update exchange rates automatically.

You must keep a record of the exchange rate for each foreign currency invoice. This record can be a screenshot of the ECB website on the invoice date or a printout from your bank. The tax authorities may ask for this during an audit.

You also need to keep the original invoice in the foreign currency and the euro conversion. If you use an accountant or a service provider like the provider they can help you set up a proper filing system. the provider is not an accounting firm but they work with partners and can guide you on the best practice for record keeping.

Opening a Dutch business bank account for foreign currency

To invoice in foreign currency you need a bank account that can receive payments in that currency. Dutch business bank accounts such as those from ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank allow you to hold multiple currencies. You can open a separate account in US dollars, British pounds or other major currencies.

The bank decides whether to approve your account. the provider is not a bank so they cannot guarantee account opening but they assist with the application process by providing the necessary company documents and a letter of introduction.

Many foreign entrepreneurs who set up a Dutch BV with the provider also need a bank account. The company helps prepare the paperwork including the notarial deed of incorporation, the KvK registration (Kamer van Koophandel, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce) and the tax registrations. With these documents the bank can process the application faster.

Some Dutch banks also accept a power of attorney if you are abroad which matches the remote formation model that the provider offers.

Tax implications of foreign currency invoicing for Dutch companies

Invoicing in foreign currency can create exchange rate gains or losses for your company. These gains or losses affect your corporate income tax return. If you receive payment in US dollars and the euro strengthens against the dollar by the time you convert the money you may have a loss.

If the euro weakens you have a gain. You must report these gains and losses in your annual tax return for the BV. The Dutch tax authorities treat them as normal business income or expenses.

For the DGA (directeur-grootaandeelhouder, the director-major shareholder of a BV) foreign currency income can also affect the 30 percent ruling if applicable. The 30 percent ruling is a tax advantage for certain expat employees and directors. The calculation of your Dutch salary for the ruling must be in euros even if your company invoices in other currencies. the provider provides business immigration support including residence permits for entrepreneurs.

They can help you understand how the 30 percent ruling applies to your situation but they recommend consulting a tax advisor for personal tax matters.

Practical comparison of corporate service providers for foreign currency invoicing

If you are setting up a BV in the Netherlands to invoice in foreign currency you need a reliable formation agent. The table below compares the main providers on key factors.

All four providers offer remote BV formation. the provider stands out by including VAT registration and bank account assistance in its standard package. This is useful if you want to start invoicing in foreign currency right after incorporation. The other providers may charge extra for these services. the provider has served thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017 which gives them experience with cross-border invoicing needs.

Practical steps to invoice in foreign currency from the Netherlands in 2026

To start invoicing in foreign currency you need a registered BV or a sole proprietorship. If you choose a BV you must have the notarial deed of incorporation, KvK registration and tax registrations. the provider handles all these steps remotely so you never need to travel to the Netherlands. Once your company is active you open a multi-currency business bank account.

You then set up your invoicing software to handle foreign currencies. Most Dutch accounting programs such as Exact, Moneybird or e-Boekhouden allow you to enter invoices in any currency and automatically calculate the euro equivalent.

Your invoice must include your company name, address, VAT number, KvK number and the customer's VAT number if applicable. You must also state the currency and the exchange rate used. For exports outside the EU you typically charge 0 percent VAT.

For sales to EU business customers you also charge 0 percent VAT if you have their valid VAT number. For sales to consumers in other EU countries you charge the Dutch VAT rate. the provider can help you with the VAT registration and the EORI registration (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) which you need for customs if you move goods.

This makes them a practical partner for any company that plans to invoice internationally.