How to Invoice International Clients: Complete Guide + Templates
International clients mean currency risk, tax complexity, and payment delays. But once you understand the rules, cross-border invoicing is straightforward. Here's the complete guide.
Currency considerations
The first question: which currency do you invoice in?
Bill in your local currency (recommended)
Bill in client's currency
Bill in USD (neutral)
Tip: If billing in a foreign currency, add a clause: "Subject to exchange rate on date of payment — minimum EUR [X] equivalent." This protects you from significant currency movements.
VAT / Tax on international invoices
// Reverse charge text for EU B2B invoices
VAT reverse charged to recipient under
Article 196 of Council Directive 2006/112/EC
International payment methods
| Method | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT bank transfer | €15–50 flat fee | 2–5 days | Large invoices, one-off clients |
| Wise (Transferwise) | 0.3–1% conversion | 1–2 days | Regular international payments |
| SEPA (EU only) | Free – €0.30 | Same/next day | EU-to-EU payments |
| Stripe | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2–7 days | Client prefers card payment |
| PayPal | 3.4% + fixed fee | Instant | Small amounts, quick setup |
Include on your invoice: IBAN + BIC/SWIFT for EU clients. For US clients: routing number + account number (or use Wise virtual account). Always state the reference your client should include.
Language on international invoices
English is the business standard for international invoices. Even if your client speaks another language, an English invoice is universally accepted.
For better client relationships:
- Consider adding a translation if your client is non-English speaking
- Keep numbers, dates, and amounts in the standard format (ISO 8601 dates, etc.)
- Chaser supports EN / NL / DE / FR automatically based on client preference
Sample international invoice structure
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge VAT on international invoices?
For EU B2B clients outside your country: apply the reverse charge mechanism — charge 0% VAT and include 'VAT reverse charged to recipient under Article 196 of Council Directive 2006/112/EC'. For non-EU clients (US, UK, Australia, Canada): charge 0% VAT as an export service. For EU B2C clients: you may need to register in each EU country or use the OSS (One Stop Shop) scheme.
What currency should I use on international invoices?
Bill in your local currency unless there's a strong reason to use another. Billing in your currency means you receive exactly what you quoted and eliminates exchange rate risk. If the client insists on their currency, include a clause: 'Subject to exchange rate on date of payment — minimum EUR [X] equivalent.'
What is the cheapest way to receive international payments?
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is typically the cheapest for freelancers: 0.3–1% conversion fee and local bank accounts in 10+ currencies. SWIFT bank transfer is universal but expensive (€15–50 per transfer). PayPal and Stripe charge 2.9–3.4% + fees. For regular international payments, a Wise business account saves significant money.
What should I include on an invoice for a US client?
For US clients: no VAT applies. Include your business name, address, invoice date, invoice number, description, and amount. If the US client is a company, they may ask for a W-8BEN form (for non-US contractors) to certify you are not a US person subject to US tax withholding. Payment by ACH (bank transfer): include your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT, or use Stripe/Wise.
How do I write an invoice in English for a non-English speaking client?
English is the international business standard — you can always invoice in English. If you want to add a translation, include the client's language alongside English. Chaser supports invoices in English, Dutch, German, and French, letting you send a professionally localised invoice automatically.
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