How to create an invoice in Germany
A practical checklist for Germany: required fields, VAT wording, EUR amounts, numbering and payment terms.
Businesses in Germany issue invoices that follow a recognisable format. This guide lists what a document should include, the tax terminology customers expect, and the conventions that help an invoice get approved and paid quickly.
What a Germany invoice usually includes
- Seller name and full address
- Customer name and address
- Invoice date and sequential number
- Date of delivery or service
- Net amount, VAT rate and gross total
- VAT ID numbers for B2B
Field by field
This generator preconfigures Germany conventions: the EUR currency, the VAT label, DD.MM.YYYY dates and A4 paper size. You enter your details and line items; it calculates subtotal, discounts, tax and the grand total, then renders a print-ready PDF entirely in your browser.
- Postal code: Postal code
- Tax rates: VAT — VAT ID (USt-IdNr.)
- Currency: EUR (€)
- Invoice date: DD.MM.YYYY
- Paper size: A4
Invoice numbering
Default numbering pattern: RE-2026-0042. Invoice numbers must be unique and issued in sequential order without gaps.
Tax terminology: VAT
Invoices are labelled with the terminology Germany businesses expect. Presets are provided as a starting point and are not tax advice.
- Standard rate: 19%
- Reduced rate: 7%
- Zero rate: 0%
German gross prices include VAT; the invoice shows the VAT amount separately.
Payment practice
Common payment terms used in Germany: Due on receipt, 14 days net, 30 days net, 30 days net, 2% skonto. Always state a due date, and ask customers to quote the invoice number as the payment reference.
Invoicing notes for Germany
The 2019 EU invoice rules
B2B invoices must show both parties' addresses, the delivery date, a sequential number and the VAT breakdown.
Gross prices are the norm
Prices quoted to customers normally include VAT, so the invoice works backwards to the net amount.
Small business exemption
Small businesses under the Kleinunternehmerregelung issue invoices without VAT and note the exemption reference.
Frequently asked questions
Is this invoice generator free for businesses in Germany?
Yes — free, unlimited and without an account. EUR formatting, VAT labels and DD.MM.YYYY dates are preconfigured for Germany.
Does the PDF use the right paper size?
Yes, A4 is preselected for Germany, and you can switch between A4 and Letter at any time.
Are the tax presets accurate?
Presets are informational starting points. Tax obligations depend on your situation — verify current rates with a qualified professional before issuing a tax invoice.
Can I save and reuse an invoice?
Yes. Save a draft in this browser, duplicate it next month, or export and re-import the invoice as JSON.
Is my customer's data uploaded?
No. Everything is calculated and rendered in your browser; nothing is sent to a server to build the PDF.
Designed for common invoicing practices in Germany. Requirements may vary by business, transaction type and jurisdiction. Please verify local requirements with a qualified professional.