Germany invoice template
German invoices (Rechnungen) have mandatory elements set by tax law, and getting them wrong can put your clients' VAT deduction at risk. This page opens an invoice with the standard 19 percent VAT in the free generator and lists what to include.
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Example germany invoice
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software development (hours) | 20 | €85.00 | €1,700.00 |
| Project management | 1 | €400.00 | €400.00 |
| Subtotal | €2,100.00 | ||
| VAT 19% | €399.00 | ||
| Total | €2,499.00 | ||
Sample figures only. Replace them with your own in the generator.
What to include
- The full name and address of the supplier and the customer
- Your tax number (Steuernummer) or VAT ID (USt-IdNr.)
- The invoice date and a unique, sequential invoice number
- The quantity and description of the goods or services, and the date of supply or period
- The net amount, the VAT rate and the VAT amount, or a reason for exemption
- Any agreed discount or price reduction
Common mistakes
- Missing the tax number or VAT ID, or the date of supply.
- Non-sequential invoice numbers.
- Charging VAT as a small business that uses the Kleinunternehmer rule, or forgetting the exemption note when you use it.
- Ignoring the move to mandatory e-invoicing between businesses.
Practical tips
The standard VAT rate is 19 percent, with a reduced rate of 7 percent for some goods and services. Small businesses under the Kleinunternehmer scheme can issue invoices without VAT and add a note that explains this; the turnover limits were changed in 2025, so check the current figures. Germany is also phasing in mandatory structured e-invoices for transactions between businesses, with transition periods, so a plain PDF may not be enough for B2B in the future. Check the German finance ministry for the timeline that applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
What must a German invoice contain?
Names and addresses, tax number or VAT ID, invoice date, sequential number, description and date of supply, net amount, tax rate and tax amount.
What is the Kleinunternehmer rule?
A small business scheme where you do not charge VAT and do not deduct input VAT. Your invoices must say so. Check current thresholds.
Do I need an e-invoice in Germany?
Germany is introducing mandatory e-invoices for business-to-business transactions in phases. Check the current rules and timeline for your situation.
More country templates
- United States invoice template
- United Kingdom invoice template
- France invoice template
- Netherlands invoice template
- Canada invoice template
- Australia invoice template
- Ireland invoice template
- Spain invoice template
- Italy invoice template
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check the German finance ministry and your local tax office before relying on it.