Best Invoice Software for the Netherlands: BTW, iDEAL + More
Invoicing in the Netherlands has some unique requirements β BTW rates, iDEAL payments, KOR exemption, and UBL/XML export. Here's what to look for and which tools actually handle it properly.
What makes Netherlands invoicing unique
π§Ύ BTW rates: 0%, 9%, 21%
Three BTW rates apply in the Netherlands. Most freelance services use 21%. Food, books, and some specific services use 9%. Exports and EU B2B supplies are 0%. Your invoicing software must handle all three.
π³ iDEAL: the dominant payment method
Over 70% of Dutch online payments are made via iDEAL (bank transfer via online banking). Adding an iDEAL link to your invoice means clients can pay in one click from their banking app. Without it, you're relying on manual bank transfers.
π·οΈ KOR exemption (freelancers under β¬20K/year)
If your annual turnover is below β¬20,000, you can apply for KOR (Kleineondernemersregeling) and become BTW-exempt. You then invoice without BTW and note 'BTW vrijgesteld o.g.v. de KOR' on your invoice.
π UBL/XML: requested by large clients
Dutch accounting software (Exact Online, Moneybird, Snelstart) can automatically import UBL invoices. Some government clients and large corporates require UBL format. Good Dutch invoice software exports UBL 2.1.
π³π± Dutch language support
Your invoice templates and automated reminder emails should be in Dutch for Dutch clients. An English reminder email to a Dutch client looks unprofessional and gets ignored.
Top 5 invoice software options for the Netherlands
| Tool | Price | BTW | iDEAL | UBL | NL Emails | Auto chase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaser β | β¬20/mo | β All 3 | β | β | β | β 4-stage auto |
| Moneybird | β¬13/mo | β | β | β | β | β οΈ Manual |
| e-Boekhouden | β¬12/mo | β | β οΈ | β | β | β οΈ Basic |
| Wave | Free | β οΈ Limited | β | β | β English only | β |
| FreshBooks | $19+/mo | β οΈ Limited | β | β | β | β οΈ Basic |
π Chaser
β¬20/month (free for first 3 invoices)Built with Dutch freelancers in mind. Supports all BTW rates, iDEAL payment links via Stripe Connect, UBL 2.1 export, Dutch language invoices and reminder emails. The only tool with fully automated 4-stage payment escalation.
π¦ Moneybird
β¬13/monthThe NL market leader for accounting. Excellent BTW support, iDEAL, UBL, and Dutch interface. Full accounting package β better if you also need bank reconciliation and VAT returns. Payment reminders are manual.
π e-Boekhouden
β¬12/monthPopular with Dutch ZZP'ers for full accounting. Good BTW and UBL support. Older interface. Full IB/BTW aangifte support. Less focused on invoice-first workflows.
π Wave
FreeGenuinely free but designed for North America. No iDEAL, no UBL, English only, limited BTW support. You'll spend time manually configuring what Dutch tools handle automatically.
π FreshBooks
$19β55/monthStrong product but designed for the English-speaking market. No iDEAL, no UBL, limited BTW handling. Over-engineered for most Dutch freelancers.
Setting up Dutch BTW on your invoices
Which BTW rate for my services?
Most professional services (web design, consulting, marketing, IT, photography) use 21% BTW. Some specific services have 9% β check the Belastingdienst website for your sector. When in doubt, 21% is correct for most service businesses.
How to show BTW on the invoice
Show: amount excl. BTW β BTW rate (21%) β BTW amount β Total incl. BTW. Example: β¬1,000 + 21% BTW (β¬210) = β¬1,210. Always show both the percentage and the amount separately.
Are you KOR-exempt?
If your annual turnover is under β¬20,000 and you've applied for KOR, you do NOT add BTW to your invoices. Write: 'BTW vrijgesteld o.g.v. de Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR)' as a note on your invoice.
Try Chaser β built for Dutch freelancers
All BTW rates β Β· iDEAL payment links β Β· UBL 2.1 export β Β· Dutch reminder emails β Β· 4-stage automated chasing β
Free for your first 3 invoices. No credit card required.
Frequently asked questions
What BTW rates apply to invoices in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has three BTW (VAT) rates: 21% is the standard rate for most services and goods; 9% is the reduced rate for food, medicines, books, and some services (hairdressers, repair services); 0% applies to exports, intra-community goods supplies, and some specific services. Most freelancers charge 21% BTW on their services.
What is the KOR exemption in the Netherlands?
The KOR (Kleineondernemersregeling) is the small business VAT exemption. If your annual turnover is below β¬20,000, you can apply for KOR through the Belastingdienst and become exempt from charging or reclaiming BTW. KOR simplifies your administration but means you cannot reclaim BTW on business expenses. You must state 'BTW vrijgesteld o.g.v. de KOR' on your invoices.
Do I need iDEAL on my invoices in the Netherlands?
iDEAL is not legally required, but it's by far the most popular payment method in the Netherlands. Adding an iDEAL payment link to your invoices typically reduces payment time by 7β14 days. Most Dutch clients prefer iDEAL over bank transfer or credit card. Chaser supports iDEAL payment links via Stripe Connect.
What is UBL and do I need it for Dutch invoicing?
UBL (Universal Business Language) is an XML-based invoice format used by Dutch accounting software like Exact Online, Moneybird, and Snelstart. Large companies and government clients increasingly require UBL invoices for automated processing. For most small freelancers, a PDF invoice is sufficient, but having UBL available sets you apart for larger contracts.
What must be on a Dutch invoice?
A Dutch invoice must include: your company name and address, KvK number, BTW-nummer (VAT number, format NL + 9 digits + B + 2 digits), sequential invoice number, invoice date, customer name and address, description of goods/services, amount excluding BTW, BTW rate and amount, and total including BTW. If you are KOR-exempt, state the exemption instead of BTW details.